In an effort to improve the lights on my MY98 I have compared most of the current bulbs available. The result is that PIAA Plasma Blue bulbs are by far the best. (Well worth the cost.)

Of the others I have tried Xenon bulbs better than Halfords Ion Blue which are slightly better than standard.

Hope this helps.

Steve,

What is the approx cost of the PIAA bulbs, are they readily available and have you had them fitted long enough to verify filament life is OK. Answers to these questions would be useful prior to me purchasing new bulbs. (PS I had problems with xenon bulb filament life before, see other threads)
Thanks

I am trying out bulbs at the moment in my 99my.

I heard that there is a bulb life problem with halfords bulbs so I have gone with Lucas bulbs from a motor factor.

The first I tried were Xenon blue 100/80. They weren't as good as I'd hoped & also they annoyed other drivers too.
I have just bought Xenon 30% bulbs & haven't had chance to try them in the dark yet.

Any other feedback is welcomed!

Gents,

I've heard about the same problem with the Xenon blue bulbs. A friend of mine has them fitted to his car and although they give more light he's going to get rid of them because he's fed up of being flashed by other drivers. I've fitted the Xenon 30% bulbs to my car and they are better than standard (though not by that much).

Well I have had the Halfords Blue bulds fitted for the last two months and 8000 miles.
Most of my long distance driving is done from Mid Wales to the rest of civilisation with very early starts - so it is always dark.
At the moment the bulbs are working well and are much brighter than any other types (including the Xenons).
The only times I have been flashed was just after the bulbs were installed and I found one of them wasnt seated centrally - so it was off aim. A quick twiddle under the bonnet and all was well!

PIAA Plasma Blue bulbs are £58.12 + vat (per pair) from Demon Tweeks.
Surprised to hear reports of Halfords Blue bulbs being brighter than Xenon. - Mine certainly were not. Maybe this is symptomatic of apparent variability in quality as seen in bulb life.

[This message has been edited by Steve Wilson (edited 27-01-99).]