Kamen Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I'm buying a 2008 outback XT tomorrow and it has a driver's side headlight out (as well as a license plate light out). I've read that there are some issues with the headlamps on these vehicles; what bulb should I get? I only had to replace twice headlight bulbs on my 300K-mile Legacy, so I never put much thought in it, but I've read some people replace them every year on the newer Legacies. Would genuine Subaru be best or are there any more durable bulbs? I am not looking to mess up my illumination by using any fancy "blue" aftermarket bulbs, just good-old halogens. What do you guys think works best? And, any tips on replacing the bulb (it seems like the battery has to come out for that)? Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk6933 Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Bulbs are just plug and play, no need to disconnect battery. OEM bulbs are made by Philips, Sylvania, GE, etc., just get the standard replacement ones from Walmart, Autozone, etc. Be sure not to touch the bulb when installing, and you can use some alcohol wipes to clean it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBlackPearl Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Alot of people disable the DRL so the headlights last longer... Self proclaimed PNW Craiglist find of the day Champion, April 2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 The best bulbs you can buy off-the-shelf in the USA are going to be the Sylvania XtraVision's. [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nstg8r Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 alot of people disable the drl so the headlights last longer... +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Thank you, very much. My question about the battery came from talking to a Subaru mechanic, he said you need the clearance to reach the driver's side bulb, but if you say it can be reached without lifting the battery, I'll do it that way. I also use Sylvania bulbs on my other Subies, so I'll try that, too. Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RabidWombat Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Alot of people disable the DRL so the headlights last longer... 2008 uses the high beams for DRL, so no need to disable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lingling1337 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Are they H7? Sylvanias are good if you have to buy from an auto parts store but I and a lot of others like Osram Rallye 65w's. Definitely brighter than stock bulbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Donated Too laff79 Posted January 3, 2013 I Donated Too Share Posted January 3, 2013 Are they H7? Sylvanias are good if you have to buy from an auto parts store but I and a lot of others like Osram Rallye 65w's. Definitely brighter than stock bulbs. ^Yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 According to the manual, they are supposed to be 55W H7. I'd rather stick with stock power levels since the light output may or may not be noticeably higher, but the heat output certainly will. Also, higher light output does not necessarily translate into improved road illumination when you factor the glare (blinding other drivers). I'll check the voltage drop at the socket to make sure they're getting the proper voltage. And also keep them clean. Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssbtech Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 I've been running the Osram Rallye 65w bulbs for the last severla years on my 05 XT with no problems. I'd highly recommend them and they seem to have great lifespan too, even with DRLs enabled (low beams on the 05, highs on the 08). http://store.candlepower.com/osraulhiouh7.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iNVAR Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Why you should get the Osmra 65W Rallye bulbs: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/daniel-stern-lighting-and-subaru-headlight-options-45991.html (Not because Daniel Stern said so, but because a ton of LGT members say so) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasejase Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Alot of people disable the DRL so the headlights last longer... dont be those people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share Posted January 6, 2013 A few things: 1) On my 2008 XT, the high beams are used for DRL. I like DRL - on my older Subies, which don't have DRL, I tend to turn the headlights on manually when it is raining or dim outside. I just wish other drivers would do that! 2) I've known Daniel Stern since the 1990's when he used to post on the NNTP Subaru newsgroups. Being an engineer myself, I have established that he is an authority in the area of automotive lighting that is to be trusted. If he says those bulbs are a suitable replacement for the OEM bulb in my car, than that's what I'm getting. 3) I bought a single Sylvania H7 Standard so I can drive the car until I find the Rallye 65W. About that - what trusted source would you recommend? Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iNVAR Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 candlepowerinc, look above, ssbtech linked you. it's DS' store, or at least he's affiliated with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share Posted January 6, 2013 candlepowerinc, look above, ssbtech linked you. it's DS' store, or at least he's affiliated with it. Yes, I saw that but they seem to be out of stock. If there aren't any other sources, I guess I could try ordering and see if they'll ship it when it's back in stock. Thanks! Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssbtech Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 dont be those people. Indeed. Here's a screengrab of how much DRLs make cars easier to see during the day. I know a lot of people say "Well I'm smart enough to know when to turn them on" but really, how many people think "Gee, I've just come around a bend, the sun is low on the horizon behind me and I should turn my lights on". http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/ssbtech/DRLScreenshot_zps317fbeca.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Donated Too laff79 Posted January 6, 2013 I Donated Too Share Posted January 6, 2013 I disabled my DRL's http://gifsforum.com/images/gif/deal%20with%20it/grand/jim_carrey_deal_with_it.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grovlet Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 RallyLights.com has them in stock. They also carry the HIR Bulbs for the High Beams:wub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Thanks. I had already ordered them from CandlePower. Still waiting to get them, though. Kamen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanjk3 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I've had Osram Rallye bulbs for almost 2 years, they still work fine. Still haven't upgraded my high beams since I rarely need to use them. AFAIK The extra 10W hasn't caused any issues. If it did, I'm sure someone would have posted about it by now. These are IMO the next best low beam upgrade after the Osram Rallye bulbs. http://store.candlepower.com/bfcopotphxtp.html Bought them for my brother's Scion xB, they are noticeably brighter & whiter than stock. Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 You did see the sticky up top...right ? I'm running HIR2 p/n P9012 in the high beams http://store.candlepower.com/ph3rdge90h.html Osram H7 p/n 64217 in the low's http://store.candlepower.com/osraulhiouh7.html 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesuby Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Indeed. Here's a screengrab of how much DRLs make cars easier to see during the day. I know a lot of people say "Well I'm smart enough to know when to turn them on" but really, how many people think "Gee, I've just come around a bend, the sun is low on the horizon behind me and I should turn my lights on". http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i357/ssbtech/DRLScreenshot_zps317fbeca.jpg Disabling the DRLs to prolong bulb life is way overplayed. If you make sure your lights are switched off and the handbrake is engaged (to keep power off the bulbs) while starting, you will not have the unpleasant short lifetime experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasejase Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Agreed. I'd rather replace my headlights a couple months early than run the risk associated with having no drl's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nstg8r Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Agreed. I'd rather replace my headlights a couple months early than run the risk associated with having no drl's After much thought, I've decided to re-enable my drls for safety reasons. Besides, the drl/high beams on the 5th gens are super easy to replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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