Bulbs

[jr6yam]

Gotta change my headlights bulbs this weekend (not looking forward to it!)
My question is; what type are they, H4?
Any fitting tips would also be helpful, my chim doesn't have access panels in the wheelarch

[Jonny cobra]

Just take your time , I did mine last year took a bit of time get a small mirror it does help ..

Good luck JC

[Mark.]

Standard headlight bulbs from old fashioned cars.

as for fitting them - you'll need to break your forearm about halfway up to get the job done easily. First time I did mine took quite a while (mostly putting the grille back on) but quite speedy now, it's just practice.

[Goaty Bill]

Take special note of the specification sold by this main dealer. Linky
This is OEM specification, so don't use what is normally considered 'standard' (i.e. 50/80w).

[Chilliman]

Had one go back end of last year, replaced it (bd of a job) with Halfrauds 'Super Brilliance' 472SB H4, 12V 60/55W, lots of brighty brighty, will do offside when time permits .

Chilli

ETA: I have access panel in wheel arch, took fecking ages to clip new bulb in... have no idea how you replace bulb if you don't have the wheel arch panel.... sorry... and good luck...

Edited by Chilliman on Thursday 24th January 19:49

[phillpot]

this might be worth a read........... Bulb Tests

Edited by phillpot on Thursday 24th January 20:02

[Quietlybonkers]

phillpot said:

Yes, H4's

this might be worth a read........... Bulb Tests

So it H7s as in the test?

[phillpot]

I thought Chimaera's used H4's but then had doubts (mine had Lupo conversion) so deleted.

Most of bulbs in test are presumably available in different fitments?

For example... Philips Extreme Vision H4

[Bassfiend]

I see that Halfwits do a 130/90w H4 bulb in addition to the 100/80w too...

[WOO5IE]

If increasing the wattage you should bear in mind the extra current and the wiring to the headlamps

I used the Phillips Extreme option without any any additional current. A great improvement

[Quietlybonkers]

Every time look at the title of this thread I find myself thinking "shouldn't they have been planted last autumn to flower this Spring?"

[JonathanT]

jr6yam said:

My question is; what type are they, H4?

my '99 Chim 450 uses H4 bulbs and T4W sidelights

[Quietlybonkers]

phillpot said:

I thought Chimaera's used H4's but then had doubts (mine had Lupo conversion) so deleted.

Most of bulbs in test are presumably available in different fitments?

For example... Philips Extreme Vision H4

That's a very handy link thanks - I will check to see if I can get access to the dratted things and if I can I will purchase said Phillips kit and effect the change. present standard issue H4s are like driving with four candles.....and we all know where that gets you.....

[Bassfiend]

WOO5IE said:

If increasing the wattage you should bear in mind the extra current and the wiring to the headlamps

I used the Phillips Extreme option without any any additional current. A great improvement

...but it would appear that the original fitment is 100/80w so you should be able to run more than 55/60w safely.

[jr6yam]

Bassfiend said:

WOO5IE said:

If increasing the wattage you should bear in mind the extra current and the wiring to the headlamps

I used the Phillips Extreme option without any any additional current. A great improvement

...but it would appear that the original fitment is 100/80w so you should be able to run more than 55/60w safely.

According to my owners handbook the wattage is 55/65W for the headlights
Can't vouch for later models though (mine's 1995)

[Bassfiend]

jr6yam said:

According to my owners handbook the wattage is 55/65W for the headlights
Can't vouch for later models though (mine's 1995)

Hmmm ... now I wonder what the divisor is between 80/100 and 55/60 bulbs.

Phil

[WOO5IE]

Mine is a 2000 model and the handbook states 55/65 watts

80/100 is a big increase in current

Trev

Bassfiend said:

Hmmm ... now I wonder what the divisor is between 80/100 and 55/60 bulbs.

Phil

[TV8]

Isn't 65 watts to 100 watts an extra 3 amps per side? Doesn't sound that much to me

[Quietlybonkers]

TV8 said:

Isn't 65 watts to 100 watts an extra 3 amps per side? Doesn't sound that much to me

Makes the total operating current 17 amps, versus 11 amps before. There is a spike when you switch them on or off. The fuse is 15 amps per Steve Heath's little book. Draw your own conclusions

[Quietlybonkers]

Ps that's 15 amps for main beam and 15 for dipped. So the dipped at 14.2 amps (with 100/85 setup) might just squeak through.....