H5 improvements

[Paul Crowther]

Since my highbeam switch cooked itself, I figured while replacing it I'd also install the headlight relay kit. I'm also considering how to improve the H5s while I'm at it. I plan to clean the inside of the lenses as described in multiple threads, and I'm considering new bulbs.
Suggestions for bulbs? Other concerns or considerations?

[Roswell]

The best (and only) way to improve H5s is to replace them with H4s.

[proporsche]

Hi Paul, do some search and get your self H5 LED light bulbs with a kit..

Ivan

[darrin]

as I understand it, the primary issue with the h5 is the lens, which cannot focus the beam to form the sharp cutoff/focused pattern made by an h4 (or modern car headlight). Adding higher wattage bulbs (or an LED conversion bulb) won't address/resolve this issue.

[proporsche]

Hi Darrin..the light angle is not the OP concern and it is not required by low to have the cut off or is it? ..like it is here in Europe.
I use both headlight system I love the nice line of H5 and like like the US look H4 i do not like Euro H4 --it is just me...

Ivan

[Canada Kev]

If you absolutely must retain your H5 lights, my best suggestion is to be sure the lens and reflector are clean. Then install some standard wattage replacement +40 bulbs by well known bulb makers like Osram or Narva. Also aim your lights properly. It won't be great but it'll likely be better than what you have now.

Replacing your halogen bulbs with HID or LED will only make the light brighter but because of the limitations in the lens and reflector, will not give you better controlled light on the road and will piss off other drivers at night.

[HaroldMHedge]

What about replacing the desiccant 911-631-968-00 in the lamps and check the drains 911-631-259-02 and replace if required.

[Paul Crowther]

Originally Posted by HaroldMHedge

What about replacing the desiccant 911-631-968-00 in the lamps and check the drains 911-631-259-02 and replace if required.

Definitely

[3Ddesigns911]

You can also modify your H5 to a VW style setup. That way you can use any 7" headlight you want including LED, or H4.

[964TargaC2]

Originally Posted by 3Ddesigns911

You can also modify your H5 to a VW style setup. That way you can use any 7" headlight you want including LED, or H4.

See this
H5 and sealed beam headlight conversion

[Paul Crowther]

[QUOTE=Canada Kev;9939707]If you absolutely must retain your H5 lights, my best suggestion is to be sure the lens and reflector are clean. Then install some standard wattage replacement +40 bulbs by well known bulb makers like Osram or Narva.

Like Osram Night Breaker H4 bulbs? What wattage are they? the 55/60s?

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

If you absolutely must retain your H5 lights, my best suggestion is to be sure the lens and reflector are clean. Then install some standard wattage replacement +40 bulbs by well known bulb makers like Osram or Narva.

Originally Posted by Paul Crowther

Like Osram Night Breaker H4 bulbs? What wattage are they? the 55/60s?

The Philips X-treme Vision 130 is a well regarded bulb, as well.

Yeah, I'd stick with the standard wattage of 55/60. The factory wiring won't effectively support much higher current bulbs. Plus those bulbs are pretty bright at that power level.