Which headlight bulb?

[barry5k]

So I have to dig in and change my headlight on my new-to-me 07 RT. After going to Kragen's to buy an H7 bulb, I found there were several to chose from, all were Sylvania Silverstar.

Ultra: $27
High Performance: $23
Xtravision: $18
Standard: $15

Of course all are slightly cheaper if I buy the 2-pack. My question is this: Do the higher priced ones really make a difference, or am I just throwing away money?

Any suggestions on the best and brightest bulb to buy would be appreciated.
Thanks

[tbryant]

Go to your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, the OEM H7 bulb is less than $12 bucks and lasts just as long. Save your money for other stuff.

Terry

[wezul]

For real?
Well day'em. I may have to check that out.
Just don't be a dufus like I was and buy these. :doh
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170384619783&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSA%3AUS%3A1123

[TexanRT]

So I have to dig in and change my headlight on my new-to-me 07 RT. After going to Kragen's to buy an H7 bulb, I found there were several to chose from, all were Sylvania Silverstar.

There are some customer reviews for various Sylvania H7 bulbs on Amazon -- here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-H7-SU-BP-TWIN/dp/B0012ETPUE

[RTRyder]

or you could get a few extra watts of output with these... http://www.cyclenutz.com/products/auxillary_lighting/osram_sylvania_hyper_65w_h7_bulb.html

[marcopolo]

My experience has been that the higher priced bulbs don't last as long as the standard ones. Given what a PITA it is to change the bulbs on an R12RT, I now just use run-of-the-mill H-7s that are available at any auto supply, or big-box store.

[Polarbear]

You never know just who has touched that bulb in packaging, etc., before you buy it! Oily fingers from just "body oils" is enough to cut the life substantially, SO before you use it, wipe it with rubbing alcohol and dry it and DO NOT touch it again(the glass part of the bulb), as you install it:). They last so much longer if not contaminated and you cannot tell, just looking at them. Wipe'em down as above and you'll probably find it a good tip:). Good luck, Randy

[TexanRT]

You never know just who has touched that bulb in packaging, etc., before you buy it! Oily fingers from just "body oils" is enough to cut the life substantially, SO before you use it, wipe it with rubbing alcohol and dry it and DO NOT touch it again(the glass part of the bulb), as you install it:). They last so much longer if not contaminated and you cannot tell, just looking at them. Wipe'em down as above and you'll probably find it a good tip:). Good luck, Randy

+1 Great tip.