Headlights: Who uses Sylvania Silverstars?

[jedi_master58]

I purchased Sylvania Silverstars for my 9-5 and I noticed that after having them on the car for about 4-5 months they already burnt out. Anyone expierience similar problems? These bulbs are not cheap and I think they should last three times that, coming from a highly respected company. Any suggestions? I would go back to cheapy bulbs from the factory but I don't want to loose that HID look

[Slaab4life]

That is a short life span. Usually you hear about them going twice as long . If you don't want to loose the HID look, then get ready to keep replacing them at least once a year. With the the Silverstars, your sacrificing the life span of the bulb for brightness.

[earthworm]

Originally Posted by jedi_master58

I purchased Sylvania Silverstars for my 9-5 and I noticed that after having them on the car for about 4-5 months they already burnt out. Anyone experience similar problems? These bulbs are not cheap and I think they should last three times that, coming from a highly respected company. Any suggestions? I would go back to cheapy bulbs from the factory but I don't want to loose that HID look

We have Osram/Silvana SilverStars in the '97.
No burn-out yet, but there is a problem.
The harness connection terminal enclosure is partially broken at the bulb - I think this is due to the excessive heat - or the plastic there is very cheap.
The bulb filament is made as thin as possible to be as bright as possible using the cheap narrow wire gage harnesses that the car makers use...
Thicker(heavier) gage wires to the headlights are a must for adequate 21st century automotive lighting...

The factory design is, IMO, for a lower output bulb; eventually I may have to upgrade the headlight harness..

Highly respected company ? Silvana ? Ha!! lol lol !
I do not think there are any respected or respectful companies - they are all greedy, not above pushing low-quality products upon the public and then trying to advertise how great they are ...

[Marks900SE]

I've had them for a while now and 4-5 months is on the shorter side of common with people who have the DRL (daytime running lights). Mine last a little longer usually 6-7 months sometimes 8 since I have disabled the DRL's. I love the bulbs though.

[Mattlach]

Yeah I have found that they burn out quicker than I would like.

It's not as much of a problem since have disabled daytime running lights though...

The biggest surprise was how quickly the H1 bulbs for the fogs burnt out...

[AnF_Saab]

I use them, mine have lasted for over a year but on average they're probably supposed to last about a year. One of my friends had his burn out shortly after getting them, he wrote the company and they're sending him new ones. Might be worth a try

[Saaboheme]

Get the euro spec Osram Silverstar and stay away from the USA spec Sylvania. You will get 50% more light but will lose some of the HID like color effects. See Daniel Stern's web page for details and tech explanations on the why's and wherefores.

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by Saaboheme

Get the euro spec Osram Silverstar and stay away from the USA spec Sylvania. You will get 50% more light but will lose some of the HID like color effects. See Daniel Stern's web page for details and tech explanations on the why's and wherefores.

Who is this Daniel Stern, and how do we find his web page? (In other words, link?)

[cdaly]

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...blue/blue.html
Essentially, you're paying extra for bulbs that produce less light, dazzle oncoming drivers and attempt to emulate the main flaw of HID lamps. But they're your $$...

[JonV]

One of the reasons for early burnout is touching the actual bulb with your hands, Oils from your hand create a Hot Spot on the glass which can cause a burnout, use a Paper towel and Alcohol to clean the bulb if you've smudged it with your fingers.


J

[Finn]

I use the Osram Silverstar's, have had them for 4 months and on day time running. Still as strong as the day they were put in. Checked the harness and connectors the other day and all is great.. Fantastic light output compared with standard.....Fingers crossed they last..

[valbowski1980]

I've had mine for almost two years now and no problems. To be fair, they are the highbeam bulbs, my lows are PIAAs.

[thumpar]

I highly recommend the silverstars to anyone that is "night blind". I have a hard time seeing at night, especially when it is raining. These bulbs make the signs and the street lines glow very bright.

Dan

[Stalker]

Over a year on mine! *knocks on wood* Ive disabled the drls, but for safetys (and silencing of a few people) sake i use the fogs when im driving. I guess mark does more night driving than me...

[redline514]

I had them, operatice word had. They seemed better, but when you consider they last less than half if not worse that a normal buld, it is like $60 more and thats just the headlights.

[Jeremy R.]

Originally Posted by Saaboheme

Get the euro spec Osram Silverstar and stay away from the USA spec Sylvania. You will get 50% more light but will lose some of the HID like color effects.

Hardly. There's very little difference between the Osram and Sylvania bulbs, in brightness or in color. I just changed from the Sylvanias to the Osrams, only because the Osrams were cheaper, and if there is a difference in brightness, it's in the low single digits. Daniel Stern is flat-out wrong that the Osram Cool Blue bulbs are sold in the US as the Sylvania Silverstar.

[jedi_master58]

Originally Posted by valbowski1980

I've had mine for almost two years now and no problems. To be fair, they are the highbeam bulbs, my lows are PIAAs.

Hehe, explains why they have lasted so long, the high beams are hardly used as much as the lows. Unfortunaly the Saab headlights are always on so that could be a possibility why they burn out quicker, also becasue of the fact they are a brigher bulb, as mentioned your sacrifice brightness for life span

Thanks for the help guys!! much appreciated

[Stalker]

Didnt notice your location... Guess you cant just up and turn off the drls without a fuss.

[timmehhhhhh]

mine burned out after 2 months...not cool

[jedi_master58]

Originally Posted by Stalker

Didnt notice your location... Guess you cant just up and turn off the drls without a fuss.

Haha I know, Canada and their day light running lights! What can I say? You can simply just remove the fuse but I don't want to risk getting a ticket. I did the smart thing and bought a replacement bulb. Little did I know Sylvania offers a 1 year replacement warrenty from the store I bought the bulbs from (Canadian Tire) but I sadly lost the bill. It's ok, I learned my lesson. I'm holding tighly on this bill next time another bulb goes it's how shall I say? "on the house"? Considering the bulbs are over $30.00 a piece warrenty like that should exist.