Sylvania Silverstars -- forget it

[Yousuf Khan]

I was really interested in trying out Sylvania Silverstar headlights on
my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, since the GP headlights are really really
underpowered. As it turned out instead, one of the headlights in my 2000
Subaru Outback died first. So I replaced both sides with the
Silverstars, just to keep them matched (so I had one good regular
headlight bulb left over). I'm glad I kept the old light bulb, because 4
months later the driver's side Silverstar died. Then one month after
that the passenger side Silverstar died too. So I've gone back to
standard lightbulbs all around again, at 1/3rd the price (and probably 3
times the durability).

Now during the time I tried those Silverstars, I noticed their
characteristics. The SSs do throw their light a little further out than
regulars. However, I also noticed that the SSs don't have as wide an
angle of dispersion as the regulars. I saw less stuff out the sides with
the SSs than with regulars. I was more interested in getting a wider
dispersion on the Pontiac than further distance, so the SSs would've
been exact wrong type of lights to have anyway.

Yousuf Khan

 

[80 Knight]

I was really interested in trying out Sylvania Silverstar headlights on my
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, since the GP headlights are really really
underpowered. As it turned out instead, one of the headlights in my 2000
Subaru Outback died first. So I replaced both sides with the Silverstars,
just to keep them matched (so I had one good regular headlight bulb left
over). I'm glad I kept the old light bulb, because 4 months later the
driver's side Silverstar died. Then one month after that the passenger side
Silverstar died too. So I've gone back to standard lightbulbs all around
again, at 1/3rd the price (and probably 3 times the durability).

Now during the time I tried those Silverstars, I noticed their
characteristics. The SSs do throw their light a little further out than
regulars. However, I also noticed that the SSs don't have as wide an angle
of dispersion as the regulars. I saw less stuff out the sides with the SSs
than with regulars. I was more interested in getting a wider dispersion on
the Pontiac than further distance, so the SSs would've been exact wrong
type of lights to have anyway.

Yousuf Khan

I have a '96 Bonneville with the 2-headlight system (1 bulb for High Beams
and 1 bulb for Low Beams (on each side, of course)), and an '01 Montana with
the 1-headlight system. Both vehicles have the Silverstar headlights, but I
didn't notice much of a difference in the Montana with the Silverstars, as
opposed to the regular bulbs. As for the Bonneville, I notice a huge
difference. Not only is the light crisper and clearer, but it shoots out
farther, and wider. Which lighting system does your Outback have?

As for reliability, I don't really know yet. I have had the SS's in the
Bonnie for around 5 months, and only in the Montana for around 2. I do also
like the look of the SS's in the Bonnie. Looking at the car straight on, I
can tell a huge difference between the SS's and the regular fog lights on
the bottom. Then again the headlight glass on the Bonnie is crystal clear,
while the Montana is pitted and hazy.

 

[CompUser]

headlight bulb left over). I'm glad I kept the old light bulb, because 4
months later the driver's side Silverstar died. Then one month after
that the passenger side Silverstar died too. So I've gone back to
standard lightbulbs all around again, at 1/3rd the price (and probably 3
times the durability).

The Sylvania SS are kind of a gimmick bulb. With
the blue tint they give the simulated HD look;
that tint robs some of the output, tho, so
they're built to burn more amps to make up for
the loss. Running hotter gives a shorter service
life.

Osram Silverstar's have a clear capsule, don't
simulate HD bulbs, last as long as a regular
halogen, and seem better than OEM for a lot of
folks. I've been able to get them on eBay,
shipped, for less than the Sylvania SS at the
local store.

 

[Blair Baucom]

About OSRAM SYLVANIA:
OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that
feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells
products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA
brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass.,
OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

I don't know why there would be a difference as both are owned by Osram,
which is a subsidiary of Siemens. Without seeing a package, I do not know if
they are made in the same plant.

The Silver Stars are both clear bulbs in both brands. If you want blue they
are sold as "Cool Blue" by Sylvania & Osram.

Blair

 

[Jon Macey]

About OSRAM SYLVANIA:
OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that
feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells
products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA
brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass.,
OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

I don't know why there would be a difference as both are owned by Osram,
which is a subsidiary of Siemens. Without seeing a package, I do not know if
they are made in the same plant.

The Silver Stars are both clear bulbs in both brands. If you want blue they
are sold as "Cool Blue" by Sylvania & Osram.

This is not correct. The Osram Silverstars are clear bulbs. The Sylvania
Silverstars are blue bulbs.
The previous poster is correct. I have had both Osram and Sylvania
Silverstars in my 2001 Outback. I have had the Cool Blue in a 93 Grand
Am years ago before I got the Outback. The Cool Blue is a different bulb
entirely; burns at a somewhat lower operating temperature.

 

[mulder]

About OSRAM SYLVANIA:
OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that
feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells
products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA
brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass.,
OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

I don't know why there would be a difference as both are owned by Osram,
which is a subsidiary of Siemens. Without seeing a package, I do not know if
they are made in the same plant.

The Silver Stars are both clear bulbs in both brands. If you want blue they
are sold as "Cool Blue" by Sylvania & Osram.

Blair

Although the same parent company makes both bulbs, the Osram
Silverstars are a European market product and are not retailed in
North America. The only way to get them here is through online vendors
who import them, such as Daniel Stern Lighting.
The Sylvania Silverstars with the blue coating are a US product only.
It has been well documented that their typical lifespan is rather
short, and that they do not actually produce more usable light on the
road. The Osram Silverstars are a +50 "high efficacy" type bulb and do
in fact make more usable light than the OEM bulbs.
Unfortunately the Osrams are not available in all configurations,
those with 9007 bulbs don't have this option. However there are other
alternatives such as the GE Nighthawks or Phillips Hi-Visibility.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Although the same parent company makes both bulbs, the Osram
Silverstars are a European market product and are not retailed in
North America. The only way to get them here is through online vendors
who import them, such as Daniel Stern Lighting.
The Sylvania Silverstars with the blue coating are a US product only.
It has been well documented that their typical lifespan is rather
short, and that they do not actually produce more usable light on the
road. The Osram Silverstars are a +50 "high efficacy" type bulb and do
in fact make more usable light than the OEM bulbs.
Unfortunately the Osrams are not available in all configurations,
those with 9007 bulbs don't have this option. However there are other
alternatives such as the GE Nighthawks or Phillips Hi-Visibility.

Are Xtravision the same as European Silverstars?


Carl

 

[nobody]

This is not correct. The Osram Silverstars are clear bulbs. The Sylvania
Silverstars are blue bulbs.

Try that one again......

I'm running the Sylvania Silverstars on my OBW. When I bought them there
were a number of aftermarket bulbs on display. The Cool Blues were next
to the SilverStars as well as blisterpacked generic H1 bulbs. There was
no visible blue tint on the SSs, and having a known clear cheapie right
next to it was a good comparison.

As for the SSs...
I can't say that there was any huge difference as I'd just bought the
car and one side was burnt out when I bought it -- no previous
experience. I did have one burn out in three days tho.

 

[mulder]

Are Xtravision the same as European Silverstars?


Carl

No, the Xtravisions are a different product. You can get those in 9007
and they are supposed to be an improvement over stock bulbs, but the
difference won't be dramatic.

 

[Jon Macey]

Try that one again......

I'm running the Sylvania Silverstars on my OBW. When I bought them there
were a number of aftermarket bulbs on display. The Cool Blues were next
to the SilverStars as well as blisterpacked generic H1 bulbs. There was
no visible blue tint on the SSs,

Yes, try that one again: there is a blue tint on the Sylvania Silverstars.


and having a known clear cheapie right

 

[Tcassette]

Yes, they are a dramatic improvement over the stock bulbs. However, you
must get used to the sharp vertical cutoff characteristic compared to the
more gradual cutoff of stock bulbs. The Xtravisions last a little less than
stock, but are worth it for the better visibility.

 

[Yousuf Khan]

I have a '96 Bonneville with the 2-headlight system (1 bulb for High Beams
and 1 bulb for Low Beams (on each side, of course)), and an '01 Montana with
the 1-headlight system. Both vehicles have the Silverstar headlights, but I
didn't notice much of a difference in the Montana with the Silverstars, as
opposed to the regular bulbs. As for the Bonneville, I notice a huge
difference. Not only is the light crisper and clearer, but it shoots out
farther, and wider. Which lighting system does your Outback have?

My Outback has a two-light system. The low-beams use an H1 bulb, and the
high-beams use a 9006 bulb, I believe. I only ever replaced the
low-beams, kept the high-beams stock.

As for reliability, I don't really know yet. I have had the SS's in the
Bonnie for around 5 months, and only in the Montana for around 2. I do also
like the look of the SS's in the Bonnie. Looking at the car straight on, I
can tell a huge difference between the SS's and the regular fog lights on
the bottom. Then again the headlight glass on the Bonnie is crystal clear,
while the Montana is pitted and hazy.

If you have the receipts for the Silverstars, keep it. There is a 1.5
year warranty on them. But I lost my receipt, so I was SOL. Besides I
didn't expect them to burn out so soon. Most headlights I've had before
this would last me years, so I expected the same here.

Now I got a chance to compare the difference between the SSs and
regulars during that month between the failure of the drivers side and
passenger side lights. As I said, I kept the passenger side on SS, while
the driver side reverted to regulars. While going along a dark highway,
I watched carefully, and SSs illuminated maybe about 5 ft further up the
road, but then you look as the scenery going by your sides and the
regulars illuminated them better.

Yousuf Khan

 

[Yousuf Khan]

Osram Silverstar's have a clear capsule, don't
simulate HD bulbs, last as long as a regular
halogen, and seem better than OEM for a lot of
folks. I've been able to get them on eBay,
shipped, for less than the Sylvania SS at the
local store.

How is it that two companies can both call their lights Silverstars?

Yousuf Khan

 

[Yousuf Khan]

I don't know why there would be a difference as both are owned by Osram,
which is a subsidiary of Siemens. Without seeing a package, I do not know if
they are made in the same plant.

The Silver Stars are both clear bulbs in both brands. If you want blue they
are sold as "Cool Blue" by Sylvania & Osram.

No, I did notice a definite blue-tint to the Silverstars that I bought.
It wasn't anything like a Christmas light's blue, but a bluish tint to
something otherwise transparent.

Yousuf Khan

 

[Cam Penner]

the driver side reverted to regulars. While going along a dark highway,
I watched carefully, and SSs illuminated maybe about 5 ft further up the
road, but then you look as the scenery going by your sides and the
regulars illuminated them better.

But do you really need to see the sides better? Ahead of
you - yes. But close in, is it just more distracting than
useful? It's one way that some lights LOOK brighter than
others without actually allowing you to SEE more. Light up
areas that are convinient for the manufacturer, but not
necessarily useful to you.

 

[mulder]

How is it that two companies can both call their lights Silverstars?

Yousuf Khan

It's the same company, just two different versions of the bulbs for
different markets.

 

[Jim Northey]

"Cam Penner" <(e-mail address removed)>
wrote in message

But do you really need to see the sides better? Ahead of
you - yes. But close in, is it just more distracting than
useful? It's one way that some lights LOOK brighter than
others without actually allowing you to SEE more. Light up
areas that are convinient for the manufacturer, but not
necessarily useful to you.

Would you rather see the wildlife before or after it's in front of you ?
Jim

 

[Cam Penner]

"Cam Penner" <(e-mail address removed)>
wrote in message


Would you rather see the wildlife before or after it's in front of you ?

Whether or not it helps depends on how close in we are
talking. At regular road speeds, stuff that happens in
close to you at the side of the road isn't important at
all. There's nothing you can do to react to it in time.
If we're talking further out - where you have time to react
- then I'm all for light at the side of the road. Deer are
important to see!

The point I was (unsuccessfully) trying to make was that
some bulbs throw light to places where it makes it LOOK
brighter, but doesn't actually show anything useful to you.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Are Xtravision the same as European Silverstars?

Hi, Carl

The Xtravision is a "tweener" bulb: between a standard halogen and the
Silverstar. I've used them in several cars, and they do light the road a
bit better than stock, though not quite as well as Euro-spec headlights
I've used in sizes to replace the "old style" single lamp sealed beam
units (Hella, Cibie et al.) I haven't used SilverStars, so can't say
anything about their light output, though I have heard the Sylvania
version has a dismally short service life. Only caveat about the
Xtravisions is when one burns out, you want to replace both: IME their
life expectancy is remarkably consistent!

Years ago when sealed beams were the norm and the Euro-replacements were
all we could get that was "better," I learned halogen bulbs are quite
sensitive to lower than normal voltage. I burned out quite a few in
short order before learning I was losing up to 2.5 volts at the lamp
depending on car and side. The solution was to install a relay and
heavier than normal gauge wire to get "full" voltage to both sides. Many
lighting systems I see today "appear" to be a bit underwired, so it
would be wise to put a meter to both sides, and if they're not getting
voltage within one volt of what registers at the battery, the relay idea
may still be valid. I'm gonna wonder out loud if the short Silverstar
life expectancy would improve w/ a better voltage supply?

Another thing I've learned since sealed beams have headed out the door
is that if you have plastic lenses, it's imperative to keep them clean
and oxidation free or you'll lose a LOT of light transmission (even
compared to really dirty glass lenses.) One of the reasons the lady who
owned my Camry before me wanted to sell it was because she couldn't see
at night w/ the low beams any more, even w/ the Xtravision bulbs (the
lenses were getting pretty yellowed.) Before buying new lamp housings, I
tried cleaning and polishing the existing lenses, and they're "almost"
like new today. I have no serious complaints about the light output now.
Meguiar's makes a product called Plast-x (sp?) that does a really good
job. Hint: once your lenses start to yellow, it's pretty much a one way
road downhill, so you've gotta polish them frequently to keep 'em up.

Rick

 

[80 Knight]

Try that one again......

I'm running the Sylvania Silverstars on my OBW. When I bought them there
were a number of aftermarket bulbs on display. The Cool Blues were next to
the SilverStars as well as blisterpacked generic H1 bulbs. There was no
visible blue tint on the SSs, and having a known clear cheapie right next
to it was a good comparison.

You must not have the same lights as I do. There is a blue tint on my
Silverstars.