Updated: Silverstars blew... again (Replaced with Phillips X-Treme Power bulbs. See Pg 2)

Cool! My first reaction was where is your car? It didn't seem like you took it from the inside.... It looks like the source of the light is from the sky . I can't wait to get my bulbs.

I asked a friend with a 05 Prius to do a comparison pics and video and he agreed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Oct 9 2007, 12:41 PM) [snapback]523152[/snapback]</div>

I'm very interested too.

Curious, does anyone know why the Philips X-Treme Power bulbs do not seem to be available from US or Canadian internet vendors? (I've searched a lot, and can only find UK vendors like PowerBulbs.com)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Oct 9 2007, 01:01 PM) [snapback]523155[/snapback]</div>

You can buy Philips Vision Plus here. I think X-Treme Power might be too new... eventually, it should be available here in US. It is DOT approved street legal so why not right?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Oct 9 2007, 03:02 PM) [snapback]523225[/snapback]</div>

I thought maybe I couldn't find it online domestically because it wasn't DOT approved street legal. But then I dropped by my local auto parts store -- Strauss f/k/a R&S Strauss -- and they had it for $49.99 + sales tax, and the packaging said it was DOT approved for street use.

How much did you pay at PowerBulbs.com after the coupon discount and the conversion to US Dollars?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Oct 9 2007, 06:46 PM) [snapback]523334[/snapback]</div>

Oh really! I ordered online without checking at R& Strauss. I got it for $46 shipped with a free bonus pair of turn signal. Of course no tax but the wait is killing me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Oct 9 2007, 09:55 PM) [snapback]523378[/snapback]</div>

Thanks. Sounds good. Was wondering how they handled the exchange rate/currency conversion --- sounds like they handled it fairly.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 9 2007, 10:47 PM) [snapback]523403[/snapback]</div>

Thanks TP. Useful info. Sounds like it would also be a good idea for overseas travellers to check their credit card companies' currency conversion/exchange rate policies beforehand.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 10 2007, 02:11 AM) [snapback]523473[/snapback]</div>

I'm going to go for them. Many thanks for the tips. For $46 to $55 USD, and with the press and your reviews, the Philips X-Treme Power bulbs sound like one of the cheapest and best performance mods out there, even if the bulbs end up having the same short lifespan as the Silverstars.

I used to regret not getting HIDs, but now I'm reading other threads here about the costly (can be up to $1000 each fix) and seemingly inherent problems PriusChatters and Toyota itself are having with the HIDs.

 

powerbulbs.com has a drop drown box to select USD. This way you can see it in USD.

Don't forget to use the 10% off coupon also. I checked my credit card and they charged $47 USD. I bought it for 22.5 GBP.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Oct 10 2007, 12:37 PM) [snapback]523660[/snapback]</div>

Thanks! The $7 or $8 saved over buying them live from Strauss is worth it to me.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 10 2007, 04:20 PM) [snapback]523786[/snapback]</div>

I think wiping the bulb with alcohol and letting it dry completely would remove all dangerous levels of body oils from the bulb and make it usable again. That's what I'm going to do with my stock bulbs after I have my mechanic install the X-Treme Power bulbs.

 

Agreeing with Boo. Alcohol or similar solvent on a paper towel should make the bulb squeaky-clean.

A fingerprint etc. can char at the high surface temperature of the quartz glass envelope. Then you have uneven heat transfer leading to failure.

Always clean bulbs before install and handle the Qz glass part only with paper towel after cleaning.

 

I was wondering about the lifespan of the Philips X-Treme Power lamps as measured in hours for the low beam and high beam filaments. I went to Strauss Auto to see if the packaging said anything about this, but it didn't. I then searched the internet for an answer, and the only answer I found was powerbulbs.com's star rating of the lifespan of the lamps (it gave them 4 out of 5 stars --- but who knows what this means). I then went to the Philips website and posed the question to Philips via email. I'll post Philips' answer if I get one.

usbseawolf2000 - I noticed on another thread that your X-Treme Power bulbs arrived from powerbulbs.com , and that you were putting them in tonight. Love to hear and see your review!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Oct 18 2007, 12:05 AM) [snapback]527195[/snapback]</div>

Well, Philips said it has the same quality as OEM so it may last the same as original halogen bulbs.

I only got time to install one. I finished the easier passenger side and had to go out for dinner. The instructions were straight on. I had trouble removing the rubber boot. I did not come off easily. As I pull, I saw the bulb wanting to come out which made me stopped. Now I can say, don't worry about it... just wiggle and pull it out. It was made to seal the water away so it is kind of tight.

There were also grease when I pulled it off the wire to the bulb. I assume it was there to prevent water corosion to the connector. Also the lever that keep the bulb in place.... you can see where it catches from looking through the headlamp from the front. That's how I remembered to put it back.

The difference between the two bulbs were clear. X-Treme Power projects more light not only further down the road, it illuminates more to the side as well. I was enjoying the extra light so much that I found myself staring at it.... I can get so used to it

The cut off line was now more notible with the X-Treme. When I stand infront of the car, the color difference and brightness were not that noticable on my jean. The color was noticably more white and brighter when I was behind a white van. I can't wait to put in the driver side bulb.

BTW, I didn't need to adjust the level the headlamp projects.