I had been using Osram Silverstar H4 headlight bulbs until Osram's new top-of-the-line Night Breaker became available. Where the Silverstar gave 50% more light on the road (I know, more than what?), the Night Breaker gives 90% more light on the road than whatever the Silverstar gave 50% more light than. Additionally, the new Night Breaker has a 10% whiter light (I know, as compared with what?).
The Night Breaker is available in H1, H3, H4, and H7 styles.
Osram is a German company that now owns Sylvania. Technically, the H4 bulb is no longer approved for automotive use in the US because it does not meet DOT specs. The DOT approved US equivalent is the 9003/HB2, also a dual filament 60/55W bulb. For those unsure of the their vehicle's bulb requirements, go to Osram/Sylvania's bulb replacement guide at:
Prior to switching to the Night Breakers, the Osram Silverstars had been the best headlight bulbs I'd used in the Protege in terms of light output and longevity. In comparing the domestic Sylvania Silverstars with the European Osram version, something should be said about the longevity of the two types. Most people on the forums report a severely reduced service life for the Sylvanias, much less than can be expected from OEM. Remember that the 60/55W rating of the Osram H4 and the equivalent Sylvania 9003 Silverstars, at 12V, is a nominal rating, as is the case with all headlight bulbs. For example, at the typical alternator output of 14.5V, the wattage output is higher by Ohm's law. What's more, wattage output can deviate by around 5% and still remain within legal limits.
The Sylvania bulb has a blue coating while the Osram is clear. The blue tint cuts down on light output so, in order to compensate, the Sylvania filament is designed to draw more current (remember, we're talking about nominal ratings). More current draw means more light output but also shorter filament life. More information can be found at:
This is a superb source for comprehensive lighting information. Daniel Stern states that blue-tinted bulbs should never be used for headlights as they will always be inferior to clear bulbs in terms of light output.
How long did the Osram Silverstars last? I originally installed them June 17th, 2003 and they remained in place, as bright as ever, until I removed them on December 28th, 2007 in order to fit the Night Breakers. Thus, they were in place for 4 years, 6 months and 11 days, and only removed for the upgrade.
Based on my experience with the Osram Silverstars, I expected a satisfactorally long life from the Osram Night Breakers, as well.
I ordered a pair of H4 Night Breakers from my usual source Powerbulbs, in the UK, the same place from which I'd previously ordered the Osram Silverstars. The current price is Great Britain Pounds (GBP) L17.49 which works out to US $27.86 according to an online currency converter. This is a sale price, and a good one, as I originally paid US $48.40 at the time of my purchase. For more information, go to:
I have placed several orders with this totally reliable company and shipping is always free, anywhere in the world. It takes about a week for their shipments to arrive here. Express service is available for a price. I highly recommend this vendor.
Let there be light!
Happy Motoring!
The Night Breaker is available in H1, H3, H4, and H7 styles.
Osram is a German company that now owns Sylvania. Technically, the H4 bulb is no longer approved for automotive use in the US because it does not meet DOT specs. The DOT approved US equivalent is the 9003/HB2, also a dual filament 60/55W bulb. For those unsure of the their vehicle's bulb requirements, go to Osram/Sylvania's bulb replacement guide at:
Prior to switching to the Night Breakers, the Osram Silverstars had been the best headlight bulbs I'd used in the Protege in terms of light output and longevity. In comparing the domestic Sylvania Silverstars with the European Osram version, something should be said about the longevity of the two types. Most people on the forums report a severely reduced service life for the Sylvanias, much less than can be expected from OEM. Remember that the 60/55W rating of the Osram H4 and the equivalent Sylvania 9003 Silverstars, at 12V, is a nominal rating, as is the case with all headlight bulbs. For example, at the typical alternator output of 14.5V, the wattage output is higher by Ohm's law. What's more, wattage output can deviate by around 5% and still remain within legal limits.
The Sylvania bulb has a blue coating while the Osram is clear. The blue tint cuts down on light output so, in order to compensate, the Sylvania filament is designed to draw more current (remember, we're talking about nominal ratings). More current draw means more light output but also shorter filament life. More information can be found at:
This is a superb source for comprehensive lighting information. Daniel Stern states that blue-tinted bulbs should never be used for headlights as they will always be inferior to clear bulbs in terms of light output.
How long did the Osram Silverstars last? I originally installed them June 17th, 2003 and they remained in place, as bright as ever, until I removed them on December 28th, 2007 in order to fit the Night Breakers. Thus, they were in place for 4 years, 6 months and 11 days, and only removed for the upgrade.
Based on my experience with the Osram Silverstars, I expected a satisfactorally long life from the Osram Night Breakers, as well.
I ordered a pair of H4 Night Breakers from my usual source Powerbulbs, in the UK, the same place from which I'd previously ordered the Osram Silverstars. The current price is Great Britain Pounds (GBP) L17.49 which works out to US $27.86 according to an online currency converter. This is a sale price, and a good one, as I originally paid US $48.40 at the time of my purchase. For more information, go to:
I have placed several orders with this totally reliable company and shipping is always free, anywhere in the world. It takes about a week for their shipments to arrive here. Express service is available for a price. I highly recommend this vendor.
Let there be light!
Happy Motoring!
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