9006 bulbs in low beam ellipsoids

[benz-tech]

I did this before I stumbled onto a link and write-up on how to do it. I would just like to add that there is no need to modify the outer tabs( the tabs inside the connector portion do need to come off still). Anyway, I just started twisting the bulb in until the top tab lined up and then twisted them the rest of the way in. The more important note is that since the 9006 moves around a bit, due to being slightly smaller in diameter than the housing, lining the bulb up correctly in the projector makes a huge difference in the pattern brightness. I used a Bosch headlight aimer and slid them up/down/sideways to get the brightest pattern but if you don't do that, they are no brighter than the 9005's that fit correctly. Be careful if you decide to try this mod. I will be adding an o-ring to center, and properly seal them and will report back on how the pattern looks. So far, though, They are much brighter than then 9005's.

[Mo Brighta]

Low beams - how to make them brighter

I did this before I stumbled onto a link and write-up on how to do it. I would just like to add that there is no need to modify the outer tabs (the tabs inside the connector portion do need to come off still). Anyway, I just started twisting the bulb in until the top tab lined up and then twisted them the rest of the way in. The more important note is that since the 9006 moves around a bit, due to being slightly smaller in diameter than the housing, lining the bulb up correctly in the projector makes a huge difference in the pattern brightness. I used a Bosch headlight aimer and slid them up/down/sideways to get the brightest pattern but if you don't do that, they are no brighter than the 9005's that fit correctly. Be careful if you decide to try this mod. I will be adding an o-ring to center, and properly seal them and will report back on how the pattern looks. So far, though, They are much brighter than then 9005's.

You are 100% correct about positioning the filament (bulb) in the socket correctly - it makes a huge impact on pattern and output.

There is another way to go about getting brighter lights, especially the lows, using a different bulb that makes MUCH more light than the stock 9005 or 9006.

Philips has a third generation HIR (Halogen Infrared Reflector) Lamp, almost double the lumens of the 9005 and 9006 it replaces. Same watts, though. They make a huge difference on the road, for far less eye strain, and uses the technology of elipsoidal lens and reflector to good advantage.

I would be happy to get anyone a pair to replace their HB3 / 9005 with the HIR1, and HB4 / 9006 with HIR2 bulbs.

Sold these for a E24 six series shark, E30 325iS, they say results are fantastic.

Any lights that use HB3 or HB4 will take them, after a slight mod to the top tab.

[jeffnhiscars]

After swapping out my sealed beans for ellipsoids I was still not thrilled so I grabbed a pair of Narva Power Ranger +50 for $32 shipped. The improvement was dramatic enough that I grabbed the 9005s as well for the same price.

[Holland]

So is there an alternative for the H1 bulbs in euro ellipsoids?

[Mo Brighta]

Headlight bulb upgrades

After swapping out my sealed beams for ellipsoids I was still not thrilled so I grabbed a pair of Narva Power Ranger +50 for $32 shipped. The improvement was dramatic enough that I grabbed the 9005s as well for the same price.

Good choice; they are called RangePower +50 (said to have "up to 50% higher output"). That's what I run in my Valeo/Cibie CSR lights, also sealed beam replacements. They are nice and bright, clear glass that passes white light, NOT blue tinted 'SuperWhite' bs, and they last and last.

I sell them for around $26 a pair delivered.

Now are you interested in keeping those Elips from rock / sand-blasting damage? I can help with clear headlight protection film, fits the light face perfectly, $15 a pair delivered. You may have to replace it every 5-10 years, but it sure beats buying new lights. Self adhesive, perfectly clear, invisible when installed, just peel and stick after cleaning the lights. I also have the larger size for Euro H4 lights, 2002, E28 Euro sets, what we call '7 inch' but isn't, for $19 a pair delivered.

If you want even more light from HB3 and HB4 lights, I believe they are also called 9005 for high, 9006 for low, there is a super new Philips 3rd Gen. bulb design called HIR for Halogen Infrared Reflector, said to make about 100% more light than stock lamps. Double the light and STOCK watts. Lots of BMWs use these. The Philips HIR numbers are 9011 high, 9012 low, $45 each.

"Let there be LIGHT!"