New H4 Headlight Bulbs

[Helios59]

Hi All,

I think it's time to pop some new bulbs into my Bosch H4s. I dipped into our sponsor's parts bin and found Hellas are 6 bucks apiece while Genuine Porsche is 17 apiece.

I want bright headlights...should I spring for the Porsche bulbs?

Thanks!

[ivangene]

you have relays I hope....

bright bulbs might stress those old wires more than you are really wanting....

[Canada Kev]

Those Porsche bulbs arfe probably Osram or Phillips. Or maybe even Hella. Just pick up some from one of the major players and you'll be fine.

And a big +1 for Ed's comment.

[porwolf]

I am in the process of changing sugar scoops to Euro H4's. For those I got the OSRAM BILUX 64193 NPB 12V60/55W H4U37R lamps which were highly rated in a German comparison test. I wanted the asymmetric low beam pattern which only comes for the 60/55W lamps.

This, of course, is the asymmetric low beam pattern:




For asymmetric adjustments I found a good instruction:

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

[gtc]

80/100W H4 bulbs are a nice improvement over the typical 60/55W bulbs.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by porwolf

I am in the process of changing sugar scoops to Euro H4's. For those I got the OSRAM BILUX 64193 NPB 12V60/55W H4U37R lamps which were highly rated in a German comparison test. I wanted the asymmetric low beam pattern which only comes for the 60/55W lamps.

This, of course, is the asymmetric low beam pattern:




For asymmetric adjustments I found a good instruction:

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

What you indicate for your lamps are just the bulbs that go into the H4 headlight reflector and lens assembly. The "asymmetric low beam pattern" to which you refer is created by that reflector/lens assy (Euro H4 lights) and not the bulb. Regardless which bulb you install you will get that beam pattern.

BTW, you will love the light output of the Euro H4s. They are a huge improvement over sealed beams.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by gtc

80/100W H4 bulbs are a nice improvement over the typical 60/55W bulbs.

Ain't that the truth, Graham. That's what I did, though I am a bit concerned that I may be taxing the factory wiring. I have relays but haven't yet got around to installing upgraded newer wiring to the lights from the relays. It makes me nervous having all that juice running through quarter century old (and more than likely undersized) wire.

Sure is bright, though...

[porwolf]

Hi Kevin,

when I bought my Osram H4 bulbs (Identical to German bulbs) I researched whether the bulb itself is designed for the asymmetrical low beam geometry. I came to the conclusion that the German bulbs are, because it is standard there. Also, there seems to be a difference in the shape of the internal metal blades. In addition my new Bosch Euro H4 housings seem to have sockets where only asymmetric bulbs fit in. It has to do with the tabs on base of the bulbs. At least that is what I remember.

Wolfgang.

[Helios59]

I should mention that I have a German-market car that was Federalized in 1986 when it was imported.

Does that make a difference in the type of bulbs I need?

Thanks

[porwolf]

Hi Ray,

If you still have the German H4 head lights probably all 60/55 H4 bulbs will fit. I still think for the best asymmetric light pattern you should get the same H4 light bulbs that are also used in Germany.

[lupin..the..3rd]

Originally Posted by gtc

80/100W H4 bulbs are a nice improvement over the typical 60/55W bulbs.

I had H1's on my old car, and had it wired so that when the high beams were on, all four bulbs illuminated. Oh, and I had four 40A relays, and four 80/100w bulbs, and all 12 gauge wiring. Switching the high beams on at night gave 400w of illumination; it literally turned night into day. A quick flash of them was more than enough to wake even the sleepiest nighttime motorist.