[Blakes7]

Would anyone recommend a change from the ordinary H4 headlight bulb supplied with my bike, to an LED version? I've seen plenty on Amazon, but the owners manual suggests that only an authorised BMW part can be used. The rear of the bike already has LED stop/brake lights.

 

[Arwen]

The main issue with LED headlights is the heat generated.
If you are getting one, make sure it has a way of dispensing the heat away from the base of the bulb. Also, as with any replacement bulb, check it doesn't heat the lens up more than normal too.

 

[LiquidCool]

Didn't know about the heat problem with LED bulbs. Thought it was more of a halogen bulb kind of problem. What do you suggest for dispensing heat?

 

[Arwen]

The more reliable LED headlight bulbs have "tassels" (for want of a better word) of fibers to dispense the heat. Other use a heat sink arrangement, simmilar to that found on other electrical components.

Heat is only really an issue for high output LEDs. Headlight bulbs usually always fall into that category.

 

[SlickRick]

Some even have a fan attached to the base of the LED for heating as well, I have a few sets of those on the cars and suvs.

It's something you can't really get away from, even HID systems generate a lot of heat. Best thing to do is spend the money on quality LED bulbs you know you'll be alright.

 

[Arwen]

If you are just wanting a headlight that is "whiter" have a look at the Orsam Night racer and various other versions of "whiter" H4 bulbs.

In the following image is my MSX, standard H4 bulb on the left, Bosch "Plus 90" H4 60/55W on the right. It is not as white as the LEDs in the indicators, but it is a vast improvement on the standard bulb!

 

[bmwrider]

One important thing to add is that pictures often don't give that great of an idea of colors. So that whiter white, might be even whiter in person.

 

[Blakes7]

Thanks for your replies. I hadn't considered the heat issue. The standard bulb doesn't look that bright, so I'll do a bit more research before changing.

 

[SlickRick]

Research is always the best thing to do before buying lights. It's not always the most expensive bulbs that are the best ones to go with. For example, OPT 7 bulbs are great and all but they're really over-hyped and you can get cheaper bulbs that provide the same quality and output

 

[LiquidCool]

How hard is it to replace the bulb? Or do you have to disassemble the whole headlight unit to get at the bulb?

 

[Sidewinder]

A little DIY thread would be a great idea

 

[LiquidCool]

That's be nice since I've never owned a bike and have no idea on how to do the simplest things like changing out a bulb.

 

[Sidewinder]

I'm with you on that one. It definitely looks a lot more tedious than changing a car bulb because of everything that has to be removed.

 

[LiquidCool]

I had assumed the whole unit would need to be replaced when a bulb burns out. Now I know that's not the case.

 

[Sidewinder]

Oh no no, that would be way too expensive :O

If it was one of those LED integrated systems, I think at that point you would have to replace the whole assembly.

 

[XRaiders]

I changed the Lamp with a osram night racer 110 Very intense light

 

[bmwrider]

Oh no no, that would be way too expensive :O

If it was one of those LED integrated systems, I think at that point you would have to replace the whole assembly.

Either that or you go to a specialist that can take it apart and fix it that way. But on a new bike its a risky move, worth it if done right for a good price.

 

[porth]

I changed the Lamp with a osram night racer 110 Very intense light

How difficult was it to change the lamp (was this on a G310R)?


These lights are around AU$35 (~U$27) on ebay for a twin pack

 

[G310R]

G310R Head Lught

Hi Gents

I just got my G310R delivered list week, and already not happy with head light doesn't even go 10 meters and very dim.

I found this on eBay and not sure it's any good and will have heating problems with it

BMW G310R HID Headlight Xenon High-Low Beam light headlamp conversion kit H4.



Can anyone suggest me the best option?

Regards

 

[porth]

Here in Australia, Xenon bulbs are only road legal when they’re factory fitted.