Other 70 Problem: H7 bulbs keep failing

[marcb]

Local Volvo indy has sold me Hella H7s and I've put them in a couple of V70s - they are cheap and the current car has been running the same set for 3 years, although I tend to turn off the dipped beam when I drive the car in daylight. I think they may be Volvo OEM spec.

[jdrob]

I found Osram Ultra Life H7 bulbs lasted much longer on my 2009 V50. They're not as bright as extra bright but equal the brightness of standard bulbs. They have a 4yr guarantee, I had one bulb replaced free at 30 months old (20,000miles) Updated to one year old V60 with Xenon lamps in 2016.

[jack taylor]

Hi, forgive my ignorance on all matters electrical. My h/lights are terrible so am looking at brighter bulbs; perhaps 80w H7`s. These appear to be cheaper than the "white/ blue" Osram bulbs costing £25.00 to £35.00. Will my h/lights and electrics cope with a higher wattage. thanks

[Georgeandkira]

If I remember correctly the spec wattage for headlights is 55.
Upping that to 80 will result in a hotter running lamp. Reflectors or adjacent plastic melting isn't unheard of.
Where'd you get that wattage number anyway? Over here (No. America) the light companies print silly advertising values-like, "20% brighter!"- on packages.

[jasmith44]

You can buy 100 watt bulbs on ebay but they are illegal, I don't know why though.

[jack taylor]

Hi, Thanks for your replies. When I lived in the uk I ran my cars on 100w or 120 w on the basis that there is no substitue for watts if brightness in needed.
I appreciate they are illegal but over here plod are only really interested in drink/driving.I take the point about melting within the headlight. I chose 80w as a happy compromise; more light but less risk of damage.