Headlamp bulb keeps blowing - advised by BMW can only use genuine bulbs?!

Richie N

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I replaced the (dipped) bulb originally after it blew (around 8k miles), with an uprated bulb (much better/brighter) supplied by a local indie. That bulb just blew (now 10k miles) so I bought a new today. Fitted it, and nothing - it appears to have blown. Just to be sure I checked the volts at the terminal with the engine running - just over 14v - is that correct?

Phone call to BMW and I was advised that unless I use genuine bulbs they will keep blowing! Anyone got any comments/advice on this? Its not very convenient for me as I have to buy them via mail order now :(

Cheers

Rich
 
I think they're spouting A bunch of gonads...

as long as the bulb is rated at 55w then the canbus isn't so clever that it will know a cheapie from an OE bulb ...

If you're buying bulbs from the local PoundShop though, they're not going to last too long :P

The last one I bought was a Lidl special, cost me all of three quid for two, and they're still going strong after 8k miles...

G
 
Cheers for that, so I bought a dud today and ordered a BMW one :blast

I did wonder about the 14+ volts at the terminal though...(and thats on tickover)?

Rich
 
retskcid said:
Phone call to BMW and I was advised that unless I use genuine bulbs they will keep blowing! Anyone got any comments/advice on this? Its not very convenient for me as I have to buy them via mail order now :(

Cheers

Rich
Click to expand...

what a load of bollocks......

14v is prob about right as its the alternator output voltage - you will only get 12v when the light is on and the engine is off.
 
Cheers for that. I thought it odd, I'm just new to this canbus stuff and wasn't sure :nenau
 
retskcid said:
I replaced the (dipped) bulb originally after it blew (around 8k miles), with an uprated bulb (much better/brighter) supplied by a local indie. That bulb just blew (now 10k miles) so I bought a new today. Fitted it, and nothing - it appears to have blown. Just to be sure I checked the volts at the terminal with the engine running - just over 14v - is that correct?

Phone call to BMW and I was advised that unless I use genuine bulbs they will keep blowing! Anyone got any comments/advice on this? Its not very convenient for me as I have to buy them via mail order now :(

Cheers

Rich
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity... what bulb did you upgrade to? And what did you think of it? (Longevity asides!)
 
The uprated bulb was a xexon or something, I have it at home and will check. It has + 60% stamped on it and I was very impressed with the brightness. I had cars noticably moving over for me more when filtering..
 
Might be a stupid question but you didn`t touch the bulb with your fingers?
Uprated my F800s to a Philips bulb and it didn`t last as long as the original.
I have since heard that if you put a new bulb in leave it on for a few minutes, don`t switch it on to check it and then switch it off again as it can shorten it`s life.
 
We have blown a few bulbs on our GSs, more than on any other bike I have owned including 1973 Bonneville. The first time I substituted the dip with the main to see if it was the bulb, nothing so I assumed it was the circuit to the lights at fault. After fiddling for a bit I realised the main beam will come on with the ignition on but the dip only comes on with the engine running.
 
Sooty09 said:
We have blown a few bulbs on our GSs, more than on any other bike I have owned including 1973 Bonneville.
Click to expand...

Did that really run long enough to blow a bulb?

I'm fairly sure there are plenty of 73 bonnies on their original bulbs. They've been rebuilt 3 times, but no-one has had to change the bulbs!
 
I have heard that if you turn on a new bulb just for a second it shortens the life of them. Don't know how true it is. Jjh
 
Cast your mind back to the 70s V8, the tales of being able to see in the dark by replacing your Wipac or Lucas 7" headlamp with a Bosh H4 Halogen.
It did work but it was much wiser to stay in after dark, Lucas the Prince of Darkness.
Simple days with a ten wire electrical circuit, Im still not sure the latest Lambus system has any long term advantages. Back in the 70s the argument was if a wired circuit had any advantage over magneto and acetylene canisters.
PS I'm getting the urge to buy a mid 70s bike to renovate. Norton Mk3 Commando spare in your garage, Please contact me.

Ps also , I do like the way the Lambus system warns of a bulb failure.
 
Sooty09 said:
Cast your mind back to the 70s V8, the tales of being able to see in the dark by replacing your Wipac or Lucas 7" headlamp with a Bosh H4 Halogen.
Click to expand...

Memories......77 - 80 I was working in the parts dept of a Kawasaki dealership in Watford. Telling all my customers to buy Bosch H4 upgrades!:augie

Like you, I've been contemplating a classic from my youth. However, every time I look at one reality strikes, and I realise that they were just crap bikes compared to modern fare
 
Some of the higher rated bulbs do not last as long as standard.
OEM bulbs are just rebranded Philips, I saw philips bulbs in the dealers.
Any bulb that is rated correctly should work.
 
I fitted the Halfords brighter bulb - still rated at 55w - about 3000 miles ago and it's still working. SO much brighter than standard, I recommend it even if your bulb hasn't failed.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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