How to choose H7 high/low beam replacement bulbs (3100K to 4000K)

What do you use for your apples-to-apples comparison in order to select which H7 replacement bulb for your bimmer?

All I want is an apples to apples comparison between available H7 bulbs.

What is important to me is merely my ability to "see" at night.
The price range for H7 bulbs is 15 to 50 dollars at my local auto parts store.
But I don't know how to compare a standard fifteen dollar H7 bulb to a premium fifty dollar H7 halogen lamp.

All I got on the package was what seems to be huge marketeering bs, centered around the kelvin temperature of the bulb and a package assessment of three performance metrics.

3100K Brightness = 1, Distance = 1, Spread = 1
3200K Brightness = 3, Distance = 2, Spread = 3
3500K Brightness = 2, Distance = 2, Spread = 1
4000K Brightness = 4, Distance = 3, Spread = 4
4100K Brightness = 5*, Distance = 4*, Spread = 5*

This would be great information, if I could only trust it. Notice the small print says "Claims based on measured comparisons between [our bulb] at 100% light output and standard halogen bulbs at 80% light output". Hell. That's an apples to oranges comparison if I ever saw one!

In addition, it's not linear. Notice that hotter bulbs don't provide greater brightness, distance, nor spread according to the manufacturer's own tables (see above).

So, how do you choose between the various H7 bulbs for your bimmer?

If I believe Consumer Reports, I should just buy the cheapest H7 bulb out there.
Can it be that simple?

REFERENCE:
Consumer Reports, January 2006, Replacement headlight bulbs: A bright idea?
Bottom line: Premium bulbs show no distance advantage

Here's a summary from that CR article:
"GREAT WHITE HYPE:
Premium replacement bulbs may be cosmetically pleasing, but when they're compared with less-expensive standard halogen bulbs, there's often no performance advantage"

How do YOU make an apples-to-apples comparison to select which H7 bulb to buy for your E39?

The fine print tells me the package is performing an apples-to-oranges comparison!
Why?

Because they compare their premium bulb at 100% "output" (whatever that is) against a standard bulb at 80% output.

What kind of lying cheat apples-to-oranges test is that?

Do you have a more accurate way of selecting replacement H7 bulbs for your E39?

It irks me that I can't even figure out how to buy a replacement bulb for my E39 headlamp!

It bothers me even more that I fell for the hype by the auto parts guy who pointed out the (apples to oranges) diagrams on the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra "for ultra night vision" package to sway me.

Back home, after reading the SS package fine print, I find out everyone lied to me starting right on the package!

Now, doing some research, I realize I was bamboozled with the promise of better brightness, distance, and spread.

For example, The ultimate bulb lighting thread says "What is obvious in comparing the “SilverStar” to the standard Sylvania high-beam bulb is that the SilverStar makes less light than a standard bulb. The difference at the brightest point in the beam is 77 foot-candles from the SilverStar, and 109 footcandles from the normal high-beam bulb. This equates to ~23% less light.”

I hate being bamboozled, especially with something as simple as an H7 light bulb!

From this article, it appears that blue lights are bad lights.

I'm learning. Slowly.

I'm going to return the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra in favor of the standard halogen H7 light bulb tomorrow.

Originally Posted by bluebee

What do you use for your apples-to-apples comparison in order to select which H7 replacement bulb for your bimmer?

Bluebee:

There is a review in bmwtips under lighting. Also google "h7+bulb+vealuation" or test or comparison and you get some interesting sites. Bottom line, every car's lamp reflector is a little bit different so a true apples to apples comparison may not be relevant unless they are using an e39.

Here's my experience using an 02 with AE. I have tried four H7 bulb types to date.

The OEM bulbs were adequate. Beam shape was acceptable and the beam had a yellow tint, which did not highlight objects with sufficient contrast.

The next bulb I tried were eBay "Xenon-like" bulbs. They were standard H7s with a blue tint. Light output was slightly reduced but the beam was very white, which enhanced contrast. For some reason, the beam shape was terrible (very directional with poor distribution of light). I pulled them after 3 weeks. Dangerous!

I next tried the Euro Osram SilverStar. These were highly rated and they gave good output with good beam shape. These were the untinted but the light was less yellow than the OEM bulb. However, they only lasted about 6 months.

I have had Philips VisionPlus for over 2.5 years now and they have a good beam shape (nice cutoff) and light distribution. The beam is also less yellow than the OEM. Overall, I am very satisfied with these and AID (http://aid-auto.stores.yahoo.net/rebu.html) has them for $20. The new Crystal Vision Ultras are $30 and could be good.

I have also seen the HID kits from DDM for under $50 on that other thread. Very tempting but there's some inherent risk. That is a possible future option but I am waiting to hear other 2002 owners chime in with their experiences (light output, durability, error messages, etc.). I'd like to know the specifics of what they got (color bulb, 35W vs. 55W, etc.)

Hope this helps you. Rest assured that others are in the same boat as you.

I agree with the HID upgrade, it works out cheaper.

with hid kits, you get what you pay for

I have HID for dip, but I changed the bulb to HIR for my high beam - superb difference in brightness at the same power - check out the link for explanation.

I ordered the bulbs from the US to England, as it worked out cheaper.

Just my opinion, but I've been very impressed.

I have HID for dip, but I changed the bulb to HIR for my high beam - superb difference in brightness at the same power - check out the link for explanation.

I ordered the bulbs from the US to England, as it worked out cheaper.

Just my opinion, but I've been very impressed.

This is one of the best lighting threads I have ever seen. I have posted it before, but it's still very relevant. the only shame is that the linked BMWCCA piece in the thread is gone from the BMWCCA site.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=954736

GE Xensation 5100K Review
By: LuvMy328is
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1066941

P.S. Here is a 85122+ vs Aftermarket 5000K, I tried 4bulbs, same result on aftermarket every time.

For the record, I opted to just replace the blue b's H7 headlight bulb with the standard H7 from Silvania because I was real busy with the radio-mount DICE Silverline integration to the latest iPods.

But, the light is dismal (maybe everyone here was right and the scientists were wrong 'cuz the light sure does shine low!)

For the headlights, I first need to figure out how to adjust them now to see if I messed up the adjustment when I was putting the bulbs in. Otherwise, I might change my mind and say the "standard H7" does NOT seem to give much light. Oh my. I need to do MORE research!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by bluebee

For the record, I opted to just replace the blue b's H7 headlight bulb with the standard H7 from Silvania because I was real busy with the to the latest iPods.

But, the light is dismal (maybe everyone here was right and the scientists were wrong 'cuz the light sure does shine low!)

Don't worry, BlueB, your problem is temporary as they'll burn out in 3-4 months! lol! And never listen to a scientist, just listen to the engineers!

I'm gonna go with DDM HID ballasts w/modified-OEM Philips D2S bulbs on the next try. We'll see what happens...

I read somewhere that HID's don't work well with regular halogen headlight housings like the ones on my '97 528i. Is this true?

Originally Posted by tomibriggs

I read somewhere that HID's don't work well with regular halogen headlight housings like the ones on my '97 528i. Is this true?

HIDs will not work well (if at all) with the older standard halogen headlamp housing but in 2001, e39s switched to a projector lamp (angel eye) with H7 halogen bulb. You can get good headlamp performance by replacing the H7 bulb with the proper D2S HID bulb (the lighting element needs to align properly) to get the proper beam shape and light distribution. The Philips OEM bulb modified to fit the H7 receptacle appears to be the way to go.

HID fog's comparsion

Originally Posted by Fudman

Don't worry, BlueB, your problem is temporary as they'll burn out in 3-4 months! lol! And never listen to a scientist, just listen to the engineers!

I don't know whom to believe anymore. I really am not happy with the light output of this "standard" H7, despite what Consumer Reports said.

That having been said, I don't know if the "premium" H7 would do any better (maybe it's my aim 'cuz they do seem kinda' aimed low).

While the disagreement on the standard vs premium bulbs is confusing, it seems everyone vouches for the light output of the HID kit so, when I'm done with other things, I'll begin to proceed in that direction.

Right now, I'll look up the aiming procedure and let you know.

Originally Posted by bluebee

I really am not happy with the light output of this "standard" H7, despite what Consumer Reports said.

I realize now this is because my headlight adjusters are likely kaput so I can't adjust the headlights properly!

Any suggestions?

I've tried "3" different HID conversion kits ranging from $55 shipped to $145 shipped. With each kit both lights fired up the first few times (no bulb out warning), after that I had to play with the switch each time to get them to come on (yes I had the bulb out message). Eventually only the passenger side would fire up, the driver's side would never come on again. I just gave up and re installed the OEM lights. I tried each kit on different car makes and each time they worked fine. Maybe something is screwy with the driver's side wiring on my car? Doubt it since the OEM lights work fine, just not the HID's. Now all these kits are in my garage until I decide to give another go at it, or maybe not.

Originally Posted by bluebee

I don't know whom to believe anymore. I really am not happy with the light output of this "standard" H7, despite what Consumer Reports said.

That having been said, I don't know if the "premium" H7 would do any better (maybe it's my aim 'cuz they do seem kinda' aimed low).

While the disagreement on the standard vs premium bulbs is confusing, it seems everyone vouches for the light output of the HID kit so, when I'm done with other things, I'll begin to proceed in that direction.

Right now, I'll look up the aiming procedure and let you know.

So in the end, after reading this entire thread, I still am left confused as to whether I should purchase premium or standard H7 lights. The bulb in my current e39 seems to be OSRAM Silverstar. It's pricey to replace it with another OSRAM.

Blue -- what did you end up doing?

Moto -- yeah it gets confusing. If you get the bulb I linked to, you'll have the best H7. It's got an extra 10w, and very white.

For better, you can upgrade to elliptical headlights, think your year got really crappy US-spec headlights, like my 99 M3 did.

HID is the best, but don't cheap out, get a good name brand kit. Umnitza is a good site to check out.

we have been fine with mtec bulbs, error free or your money back

Bulb Size : H7
Wattage (draw): 55
Wattage (output): 100
Color: Super White
Color Temp: 4350



MT-440

MTEC Super White bulbs are the most affordable Japanese made high quality halogen upgrade bulbs on the market. The long-life stock wattage 2X Super White bulb produces an High Intensity Discharge (HID) like hue that lights up the road with style.

Ditch your original bulbs for these bulbs that give off a stylish HID white 4350K color with no heat increase to safely boost your lighting system. These bulbs are not your typical dull yellow bulbs, they are a perfect HID color.

Plug & Play installation means no modification is necessary to your vehicle - installation takes only minutes.

Features:
• Made in Japan
• Similar to xenon H.I.D. lights
• Plug-n-Play Design
• No wiring upgrade necessary
• Guaranteed in stock

Are these bulbs white?
Yes. MTEC Super White bulbs bulbs give off a white light with a hint of blue. The light output is about 95% white and 5% blue.

For the record, I for one, am still a bit confused about this HID stuff so I found this web page informative enough to quote here for others (they don't sell the kits - they just discuss them apparently).

It also showed me terms like projector versus the reflector that you guys bandy about as if we all know what 'yer talkin' about!