In my quest to make my sidelights a little less candle-like after the HID upgrade, I have hit upon the following solution, which looks great IMO.

Standard front sidelights have a T4W single filament 4 watt bulb. I found out that a 10watt halogen bulb as used in later BMWs and VW/Audis will fit straight in, and gives the lights a much whiter brighter light.

The ones I used were made by RING, and the box says 'R470 12V 10W MCC' if it helps.

The bulbs aren't cheap about 5GBP) as they are halogen, but its worth it.

Cheers people.
John.

 

With more than double the power rating (and therefore current) can the standard wiring take it?

If your's haven't melted before Jan 30th I'll fit them as well

 

I=P/V = 10/12 = 0.83A
Old ones were 4W, drawing 0.33A.
I feel sure the cable will take this, as even standard 7/0.2 instrument wiring is rated at more than that !

As for the lights melting, If I slapped some 100W H4 bulbs in there, maybe, but not likely with 10W bulbs.
After all, standard brake light bulbs are 21W (I think - or is that indicators ?).
Either way they are regularly fitted in plastic lamp holders with no problems.

I suppose only time will tell, but they do look much better

 

John W.
I know what you are talking about. After installing HID's I to wanted to upgrade my running light bulbs but couldn't find an appropriate bulb.
Thanks for the tip. Next time I am near a BMW dealership I'll see if I cant hunt down those 10W halogen ones.

 

John,

I been around most of the local parts and accessory shops but no one seems to be able to find them or equivalents.

As you're local(ish) where did you get yours from?

Mark

 

Thanks John for tempting me to spend money again. I liked the idea of brighter side lights and went in search of some Halogen replacements. Halfords was hopeless, but the local independent shop had just the thing I was looking for at £4.70 each. Thanks for the tip.

 

Hi MarkC,

I got my bulbs in my local car parts shop in Cranleigh. They cost me 5.25 each, but make a real difference.
He hasn't got any more in stock until the weekend, as I wanted some for my other car too now

I'm off down to Halfords (Portsmouth) in a minute, as I am sure I saw them selling them.

If you will be at the meet on the 30th, and you want me to get you some I can do that.

Cheers,
John.