[constipated]

My goodness those Osram Nightbreakers don't seem to last long in a diesel at all.

Installed end of last June 2014 in my FD CRDI. It hasn't had issues with blowing regular bulbs so I thought I'd chance it with the nightbreakers.

I have DRLs fitted so I tend to leave switching the headlights on until pretty much sunset.

Basically got through last winter when I'd be driving for an hour with them on in the evening. Then just the odd trip here and there at night time over the summer, and now with daylight saving having ended have been driving at night with them on again in the evenings (and maybe during all the rain we've had in Sydney).

Tonight, first of the two has blown.

Bought them from powerbulbs in the UK. They have 12 month warranty but I'd need to pay for shipping back. Just checked the postage and its a whopping $19 or so for 500g back to the UK. They only cost me $28 with a discount voucher. Don't know if it's worth the hassle cause I'd have to send the pair back. Just taken me 30 minutes to get the blown one out and the old Philips long life one back in.

What do you think?

[Shambles]

A few on here would agree with you.

Do a search on nightbreakers and you'll see how disappointed those who have tried them are, and not just in diesels.

Mine lasted 6 months - even with minimal use, as I don't need to drive much in the dark hours.

[Lorian]

I think all bulbs were bad (particularly nightbreakers) until I had the UK wiring mod and cleaned all the earths, so far so good since.

[rustynutz]

I've used Osram Nightbreakers and from memory I didn't get much more than 12 -13 months out of them....

I then went with Philips X-Treme Vision's and found them great and they have lasted longer to boot (fitted June 2013). The first one finally blew while on my Easter Trip to Adelaide, the other is still going.... 

[rustynutz]

I have DRLs fitted so I tend to leave switching the headlights on until pretty much sunset.

Probably not a good idea as while other drivers (in front) might be able to see you because of the drls, any driver travelling behind will struggle as you are driving around with no taillights... 

[Paolo5]

I think all bulbs were bad (particularly nightbreakers) until I had the UK wiring mod and cleaned all the earths, so far so good since.

Hi Lorian,
Do you know exactly what the wiring mod entailed?


Cheers,
Paolo

[constipated]

I have DRLs fitted so I tend to leave switching the headlights on until pretty much sunset.

Probably not a good idea as while other drivers (in front) might be able to see you because of the drls, any driver travelling behind will struggle as you are driving around with no taillights... 

You misunderstand. I'm not driving in the dark with DRLs and no tail lights. There is still sun out till sunset. Plenty of light to see the back of a car.

Where previously I would have turned on headlights well before sunset for oncoming traffic to see me, the DRLs now serve that function. Obviously when there's rain and spray obscuring the back, the headlights come on to illuminate the tail lights too.

[rustynutz]

That's good to hear....

But...if previously you would have turned the headlights on well before sunset so others can see you, surely that is telling you that conditions are dull enough that you should also have the rear of your car lit at that time too?
Remember, the most common collision is the rear end shunt...

[Surferdude]

There's no doubt rear enders are the most common. But head ons are where the serious damage and most injuries occur.

[rustynutz]

Quite right Trev, but that isn't the issue....Con's already got head ons "purportedly" covered with the DRL's, the rear, not so much... 

[constipated]

That's good to hear....

But...if previously you would have turned the headlights on well before sunset so others can see you, surely that is telling you that conditions are dull enough that you should also have the rear of your car lit at that time too?
Remember, the most common collision is the rear end shunt...

Yes but rear enders are due to driver following's inattention usually or driving too close, not usually because you didn't see the car ahead of you.

As I've mentioned several times DRLs help where a driver might not see you eg darting out of an intersection in front of you, or turning in front of you because you are lost in sun glare. Generally these are situations in front of you requiring illumination out front.

[Wingerdave]

Just to get back on topic.......... What i don't get is that this would seem to pertain to diesels only. What's the difference between lighting in a diesel and lighting in a petrol driven car?

Only thing i can think of is the constant ratteling in a diesel weakening the bulb, but seems a bit far-fechted. So, what's the story ?

[Dazzler]

Just to get back on topic.......... What i don't get is that this would seem to pertain to diesels only. What's the difference between lighting in a diesel and lighting in a petrol driven car?

Only thing i can think of is the constant ratteling in a diesel weakening the bulb, but seems a bit far-fechted. So, what's the story ?

I suspect it is a combination of the heavy duty battery required for the diesel and the surge of power before starting to fire up the glow plugs (or something like that)

I know not everyone leaves their lights on all the time, so they are on when the car is started but many without DRL's or Auto lights do.

[sundiz]

I used nightbreakers when I drove more often in the night time. Nice light color and good visibility. But they lasted only about 10 months. And that was with a merc and H4 bulbs.

I tried them with i30, but as we all know, the i30s tend to burn driving lights quite often compared to other cars. I got approx 1-2 months with new bulbs. I don't know is it the H7 or the i30, but when you combine those two you'll burn your bulb at some point. And because of the change of the light bulb is such a pain in the ass with i30 I rather use "regular" bulbs. Almost bought "extra durable" bulbs, but the light power was quite crappy.

Regular bulbs and 12 month change interval seems to work for me. I rather change the bulb then I can do in daylight with good tools, not at the side of the road in pouring rain at night time...

[baroudeur]

I think all bulbs were bad (particularly nightbreakers) until I had the UK wiring mod and cleaned all the earths, so far so good since.

Hi Lorian,
Do you know exactly what the wiring mod entailed?


Cheers,
Paolo

If it was the same mod that my dealer fitted as service fix it consists a 300mm length of tube blanked at one end and a pair of harness plugs at the other and is fitted in series into the headlamp harness connector blocks.

I opened mine to see what it contained and found several  metres of light gauge wires folded up - nothing else - so assume it creates a resistance in the headlamp feeds.

When I asked the dealer why it was fitted I was told it was to extend the headlamp wiring to prevent water entry!!!

My 130 is 4 years old and still on the XTec bulbs that I fitted  about 6 weeks from new.

XTEC H7 55w12v Rainbow Blue Halogen Headlight Bulbs - HIDS DIRECT LTD Store | HIDS Direct Ltd. for HID Xenon kits, Xenon

[eye30]

My first i30, sept 2007, still has the factory fitted bulbs.

None replaced as of today.

[Shambles]

My 130 is 4 years old and still on the XTec bulbs that I fitted  about 6 weeks from new.

XTEC H7 55w12v Rainbow Blue Halogen Headlight Bulbs - HIDS DIRECT LTD Store | HIDS Direct Ltd. for HID Xenon kits, Xenon

Nice. Just ordered a set for £8.64 delivered.

[rustynutz]

Yes but rear enders are due to driver following's inattention usually or driving too close, not usually because you didn't see the car ahead of you.

Most likely so but why would you increase the odds of a shunt by not having your head/tail lights on when conditions aren't the best? 

As I've mentioned several times DRLs help where a driver might not see you eg darting out of an intersection in front of you, or turning in front of you because you are lost in sun glare. Generally these are situations in front of you requiring illumination out front.

Similar reasons can be put forward for having taillights lit up in low light conditions or when driving into a setting sun too... 



At the end of the day though, I'm just trying to help people to be aware that relying just on your drls when conditions are far from perfect instead of putting your headlights on and having both ends of your car covered may increase the chances of a rear end shunt...

Feel free to ignore and continue what you are doing, Con....

[baroudeur]

My 130 is 4 years old and still on the XTec bulbs that I fitted  about 6 weeks from new.

XTEC H7 55w12v Rainbow Blue Halogen Headlight Bulbs - HIDS DIRECT LTD Store | HIDS Direct Ltd. for HID Xenon kits, Xenon

Nice. Just ordered a set for £8.64 delivered.

The XTec 881 fog lamps bulbs are also give a very white light

[eye30]

The title says diesel..... is it the same with a petrol i30?

Can anyone  with a petrol make comment if they have used these....

[Wingerdave]

The title says diesel..... is it the same with a petrol i30?

Can anyone  with a petrol make comment if they have used these....

I don't see why not..... Might be a bit confusing though, but hey, go for it 

[Shambles]

My 130 is 4 years old and still on the XTec bulbs that I fitted  about 6 weeks from new.

XTEC H7 55w12v Rainbow Blue Halogen Headlight Bulbs - HIDS DIRECT LTD Store | HIDS Direct Ltd. for HID Xenon kits, Xenon

I've been running these now for a week. They spread an eery green light over the road but look fantastic when reflected from other road users number plates

Gonna have to remove them I reckon as they sure don't look right.