HS5 headlight upgrade

[dustin91]

Just a FWIW statement, I had my 2013-150 in for the 2,500 mile service (at 2,900 miles... what can I say, it's been gorgeous out!). I asked if the dealer could install replacement HS5 bulbs I bought online, for $15 each, which are supposed to be brighter (not LED's). He said they weren't DOT approved, and worse, they could run pretty hot and actually melt or at least warp the headlight assembly. He advised to stick with the stock bulbs, keep them on high beams, and not tempt a $600 assembly replacement.

Don't know how much validity there is to that, but I'll err on the side of safety.

[JoshM]

What's the wattage on your new/aftermarket bulbs?

[Alibally]

If they are the same wattage then they should be fine. I had 150/100 watt bulbs in my old Astra years ago until the light switch melted. Didn't do that again..

[dustin91]

They're 12V, 35/30 Watt bulbs. I couldn't install them myself... maybe it was just as well.

[Alibally]

Fitting isn't to bad. You can get you hand up behind the headlamp from the bottom of the lamp but if your a bit sausaged fingered its harder.
Remember not to touch the glass part as finger prints can cause premature bulb failure.

[dustin91]

Honestly, I just couldn't get a good position to get the strength needed to twist or pull the bulbs out of position. Pretty sure they had to be twisted, but I couldn't do it.

[kramnala58]

Pretty sure they had to be twisted.

It was pretty hard for me too, but I lucked out and got it. If I recall correctly, it was a push and twist.

[dustin91]

Maybe I'll give it another go then, just to get one in to compare to the stock. I don't really ride at night anyway, but I wanted as bright bulbs as possible for people to see *me*... just been leaving the high beams on instead.