GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I put in Silverstar headlights and foglights and I have had my drivers side fog and headlight both burn out in a year or less... and I'm not too happy about that. I already replaced the headlight with a new Silverstar, but I'm holding out on the foglight mainly just because it is so cold out right now. I'm just wonding if anyone has had issues like these or any issues with their Silverstars yet? I can't really find any kind of warranty on these things either... any ideas on that?

Sorry to say, but a number of members have had SiverStars burn out (on the other hand, others are still going strong at 1 year plus.) Here's my experience re brighter headlights:o Set of cheapo no-names from Midnight Moose: Exactly 30 days each in my Vibe.o Set of twice as much, but still cheap (~$12 ea.) from MM: Exactly 60 days.o Set of SilverStars ($CAN 28 ea.): Still good at ~ 5 months, but with my past experience, I expect the worst.o My wife's Park Avenue: illegally bright (140 Watt) Phillips from Britain: 30 months and going strong.o My late, lamented '87 Pontiac Firefly (Metro/Suzuki) ZERO electrical failures of any bulb in 17 years and 388,000 km.!

I've had my headlights go out since I put them in in July, one in december, one more recently. Since I put the new ones in, I disabled the DRL module on the hope that not running them constantly might give them a little more life.No problems with the fogs though, 7 months strong, and my fogs are always on when i'm running the headlights themselves

I have my Silverstar for more then 1 year and not burn out yet (touching wood).

I had a set of the Piaa Plasma GTs, and I had one burnout in about six months in my Vibe.

I had a headlight go out a little over a year after installing them, the litterally a WEEK later the other died. No problems with the fogs yet. The worst part about the replacement is trying to get to that stinking driver's side bulb!!!

Damn, I just had my first burn out on the drivers side. I installed them 1 year 4 months ago.

Hmm, just got my silverstars around December...does that mean I should be expecting a burn out this year?

I have the Silverstars too and my drivers side one burned out about 4 days ago. Only had them in for about 3 months.

Both of mine burned out within days of each other, about 6 months after I put them in. Sylvannia says that DRL's will shorten life and that these can't last as long as stock bulbs because of the different color temperature. I put my stock ones back in and they've been working fine - I know I have more than 6 months on them and I've handled them twice (removal and reinstall). I need to find that DRL disable thread and wait for warm weather before I'll try another set.

I had 2 burn out in a six month period, and I called Sylvania. They said that they are "high performance" bulbs, and would not be expected to give a long life. I told her that here at GE, we have a different definition of "high performance". She got a little p-o'ed at me, but told be that i could mail them back, and they would refund my money. I did... and they did ! The moral of the story, the squeeky wheel gets the grease! Complain to manufacturers when you are unhappy!

I admit that the silverstars do look great.....no questions about that. However, I am not going to go through the hassle of replacing them every 9-10 months. I have the stock bulbs and that is all I am going to use.

My first one went this past weekend. 8 months old

Just lost my high beam tonight. VERRRRRY mad. I've been replacing these far more often than I should have to. If I wasn't so disgusted by the yellow light of stocks I would seriously say to hell with them.HID conversion is looking more and more cost-effective every day...can do a fully retro-fitted conversion kit for just about $500...

Check this site out:http://www.powerbulbs.com/index.htmI put a set of their Phillips 100 W Rallye bulbs in my wife's Park Avenue 2-1/2 years ago. They are almost as white as SilverStars, cost less than 1/2, and are all going strong so far..

Thanks Bill, i'll look into them! I've always been satisfied with Philips products...EDIT: Unfortunately their H4 are 90/100 and are too high a wattage for the Vibe...

Let me know what you find out ragingfish... I would be interested to know if they are worth it to buy or not. I think the Rallye bulbs are for off-road use only, but I could be reading it wrong. If they are just as bright as Silverstars and cost half as much... sign me up!

The H4 they offer is a 90/100...too high a wattage. Guess they're not an option. I sent e-mail to philips looking for color temp info on their other bulb lines...just for S&G...

Just found a most intersting article at http://www.danielsternlighting....htmlabout lighting, and they touch on the SilverStar bulbs in particular.I will snip out the appropriate bits here:Quote »Why do you specify "Outside North America only" on the SilverStar bulbs?Osram, the well-established German lampmaker, sells a line of automotive bulbs they call "SilverStar". These are Osram's top-of-the-range headlamp bulbs, equivalent to Philips VisionPlus and Tungsram Megalight Premium. They produce the maximum legal amount of light while staying within legal power consumption limits. They have clear glass.Osram bought the well-established American lampmaker Sylvania in the early 1990s, so Osram is now Sylvania's parent company. Sylvania also sells a line of automotive bulbs they call "SilverStar", but it's not the same product at all. These bulbs have a blue coating on them. Light output is of legal levels, but as with all blue-filtered bulbs, you do not get more light from them. The Sylvania SilverStar bulbs have a very short lifetime, because the filament is selected so as to be overdriven. This is necessary because the blue filtration coating "steals" so much light that only an overdriven filament can push enough light through the filter to be legal. The Sylvania SilverStar bulbs are also priced quite high. This is not because they cost a lot to make, and not because they're based on some exotic new technology. It's because the goal with this product is to take market share away from other overpriced bulbs like the PIAA line.For best headlamp performance and best value, choose only bulbs with clear glass.

VERY interesting! Thanks for the info Altus!

So what do they suggest that we use? I still have a silverstar burned out. I tried to replace it, but out of 5 places I've been checking, none have the 9003 SilverStar bulbs in stock. Now after reading that, I'm not going to buy SilverStars again. What is a good alternative? I liked the performance of the SilverStars, but I can't afford buying $50 headlights every 3 months.

I'm personally am looking at some Philips lighting options, might try one of them. Otherwise, perhaps I'll consider an HID conversion? I probably paid for at least half of one with all the SS replacements I've made...

That's a real downer story re SilverStar pricing! I've heard of this phenomenon before, for example Revlon some years ago brought out a really good value for money lipstick, for like a dollar or something. Sales were terrible, so they had their experts do more research. They found that people didn't want such a cheap product. The customers assumed that quality was related to price. Revlon made no changes except to raise the price to $8 and sales took off. When my SilverStars snuff, I'm going to try those illegal British Phillips Rallye bulbs. Despite the extra current draw, they work fine on the wife's Buford, even with a jumper harness that gives 4 lamps on high beam rather than the factory two. I've never been flashed at night with it when on low beams. (although I've learned to dip the highs way early because of the range!)I'm sure the Vibe's DRL function has some ngative effect on bulb life, but it runs at low power, so I suspect the hyperactive twilight sensor, which during my SW in the morning, NE evening commute leaves them on in bright sunlight due the sensor being shaded, has a much greater effect.

Advanced Auto Parts down here in GA had 'em..but only keep like..two in stock. I think I got my first set at Car Parts in NJ.As for the HID conversion...mmm...HID...http://www.raretrick.com/print...=6050Oh yes... if you're in Jersey, make SURE you get one of the 9003 "H4" kits that does the hi/low operation. Jersey will DEFINITELY kick you out of the inspection station if you try to go through without hi-beams. Let's not talk about my experience of not having DOT/SAE approved foglights...

is that the same HID kit you showed me the other day?i could swear the one you linked me was a hella system?

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »So what do they suggest that we use? Well -- to go back to Mr Stern's page, here's the paragraph:Quote »For those who want the best possible performance from their headlamps and are more concerned with their ability to see rather than the appearance of their headlamps, the major bulb companies offer optimized bulbs WITHOUT the light-stealing blue coloration. Sylvania Xtravision (in the pink-and-black package), Osram Super and SilverStar(outside North America only!); Philips High Visibility (North America), Premium and Vision Plus (outside North America); Narva RangePower are the ones to look for.

The folks at Philips were kind enough to send me a CD ROM with product specs for all their automotive lighting.I'm working on a table that will compare the different brands color temp, glass tinting, wattage, etc. Will post it here as soon as it's done!

Hi all...ok, a week after reading the original post, my driver's side low beam blew out. Was a major pain to replace because the car alarm people put a zip tie in a hole right between the battery and the side panel (where the bulb is to replace), scratched up my hand majorly before opting to remove the battery... Now tonight, passenger side low beam blows out... ARG! It seems whenever I read something on GenVibe.com I end up having the same issue happen to me. I think I'm gonna stop coming here for fear it's jinxing me! I think I'm done with the Silverstars now. Just not worth it...Dave

My high is still out, i refuse to change it in protest of them overdriving their filaments to sell more bulbs! LOL!

Actually, there's no scientific evidence to support that DRLs kill them significantly faster. I installed them on my friend's Civic, with no DRL's, and hers went just one week after mine did.

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Actually, there's no scientific evidence to support that DRLs kill them significantly faster. I installed them on my friend's Civic, with no DRL's, and hers went just one week after mine did.Sounds like maybe its the guy installing them..... He he he he.....

Actually - in theory (at least - going with the theory that North American Silverstar's are over-driven) running with the DRL's would actually PROLONG the life of the bulbs.If the elements are over-driven, and you feed them less power, you're likely running them around their 'intended' or 'normal' level - hence you'd get longer life out of them -- everyone follow that?Anyway - seeing as DRL's are mandatory here, we just have to live with them.Me, I'm going to pass up the $54 Can for a pair of Silverstars, and spend the $20 instead to get the reccommended Sylvania Xtravisions.

I'm intrigued by the XtraVision, but the color temp is a bit weak for my preferences...only 3200K vs. 4000K for the Silverstars...

Hi ragingfish et al...Well, I just had a 2nd Silverstar burn out yesterday. I just can't afford to pay $38 every 5 to 6 months especially knowing that I could get a bulb for half the cost which is supposed to last 2x or more longer.I did comparison test of sorts. I was going to take a camera but it's been a stressful week or 2 and forgot to bring it. Since I had replaced the Driver's side a couple weeks ago with a Silverstar, I decided to try an Xtravision in the Passenger side. Yeah, big difference compared to the Silverstars... I would compare the Xtravisions to the OEMs. In fact, they may just be one in the same. I'll leave the Driver's side as is till my obsessiveness gets the best of me and change it as well. The fogs will stay Silverstars, I think. They'll help boost the brightness enough for me not to be too disappointed. Dave

Thanks David, good to know.My research unfortunately shows that the XtraVision is the hottest bulb you can get that does not have tinted glass. I shall continue my quest!

Quote, originally posted by Altus »Just found a most intersting article at http://www.danielsternlighting....htmlabout lighting, and they touch on the SilverStar bulbs in particular.I will snip out the appropriate bits here:Why do you specify "Outside North America only" on the SilverStar bulbs?Osram, the well-established German lampmaker, sells a line of automotive bulbs they call "SilverStar". These are Osram's top-of-the-range headlamp bulbs, equivalent to Philips VisionPlus and Tungsram Megalight Premium. They produce the maximum legal amount of light while staying within legal power consumption limits. They have clear glass.Osram bought the well-established American lampmaker Sylvania in the early 1990s, so Osram is now Sylvania's parent company. Sylvania also sells a line of automotive bulbs they call "SilverStar", but it's not the same product at all. These bulbs have a blue coating on them. Light output is of legal levels, but as with all blue-filtered bulbs, you do not get more light from them. The Sylvania SilverStar bulbs have a very short lifetime, because the filament is selected so as to be overdriven. This is necessary because the blue filtration coating "steals" so much light that only an overdriven filament can push enough light through the filter to be legal. The Sylvania SilverStar bulbs are also priced quite high. This is not because they cost a lot to make, and not because they're based on some exotic new technology. It's because the goal with this product is to take market share away from other overpriced bulbs like the PIAA line.For best headlamp performance and best value, choose only bulbs with clear glass. This just in: I've discovered that the British site I've mentioned before, http://www.powerbulbs.com/index.htm , sells the highly rated non-North American Osram Silver Stars as above! The H4s goes for under US$20 each and they ship free! When (not if) my Sylvania SSs snuff it, these will be my next selection.

Are you sure about that price???I just converted 19.50 UK pounds and it came out to 36.50 US dollars?

That's the price per pair, ragin!

Ah! Good call my friend! Thanks for giving me a clue for free......hate having to constantly buy them...

if you have a Meijer nearby (midwest area supermarket/superstore)... they have a special this week (ends 3/7/04)... 50% off sylvania auto bulbs. and they do carry silverstars. so those of you who want to stick with silverstars, here's your chance to stock up cheap.~blake

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »But are these models DOT approved???I was JUST thinking the same thing!

Good point, Salsa and ragin! Powerbulbs have a 'contact us' function, so I guess one could ask, but I figure if you adjust them right and go to low beams early, you're not like to get hassled even if they're not quite to US spec. (They are street legal in Europe, so how bad could they be?). I've never even been flashed in my wife's Park Avenue with 100W Phillips Rallye bulbs.

Wonder if I'd pass a state inspectrion with those in...

Wow...lots of feedback here on the Silverstar Bulbs. I was planning on converting my Vibe to it. But i'm not sure if it's worth the hassle. I once used those Toucan Eurolite xenon-type bulbs on my Intrigue. Although it's only 55watt, my wire harness burnt out and had to replace a new socket.

Good work! I love it when a little *****in' works. If more people did it there would be less crap for sale in the marketplace.P.S. Wow cool, an automatic profanity filter. I guess you can write bit.chin.

I agree these silverstar headlights are really too expensive but after seeing what a deer hit can cost in body damage to a vibe. I will stick with something I can see down the road with no matter how much they cost or how long they last.

Mine burned out in less than 6 months. I called Silvania and sent them back along with the receipt and they replaced them for free. Can't get any cheaper than that!!

Hmmm, wish I could find my receipt...

Quote, originally posted by GlenW »Mine burned out in less than 6 months. I called Silvania and sent them back along with the receipt and they replaced them for free. Can't get any cheaper than that!!My left front low beam just blew after only 4 months and yes I have my receipt and the original packaging which I was keeping my OEM bulbs in. I hope to get a replacement from Canadian Tire without having to mail them back to Sylvania.

Let us know if that works, Sunny! I got mine from CTC (~ 7 months and counting) and hopefully have the receipt around somewhere...