Are Sylvania SilverStar Bulbs Compatible with E30 ActiveCheck?

[BMWtyro]

I would like to use Sylvania SilverStar bulbs (blue-tinted but incandescent, not LED) in my E30. Does anyone know if they are going to be compatible with ActiveCheck?

Jeff

[bluptgm3]

They will be fine.


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[jagerking]

Any 12v incandescent headlight bulb will work with check control and not throw a warning lamp. Only LED and bulbs requiring a ballast and igniter (HID variants, such as Xenon-gas bulbs) will throw a check control error, but on the E30, it won't throw it until after you've shut the lamps off. On my car, I will get the check lamp after I shut the headlights down (I have 55w HIDs), but the lamps will still receive power if I needed to turn them back on. Since I usually shut my car off after turning off the head lamps, the check warning is very short lived, and resets when I restart the car.
FWIW, there is absolutely NO benefit to running the SilverStar headlight bulbs. They are the same color as every other incandescent bulb on the market that will fit your car. Don't waste your money on a brand name for those. They were in a class-action a few years ago when someone called them out for claiming their bulbs were "brighter" than other 12v incandescent bulbs. They're not. If you want brighter headlights, retrofit some projectors, and install HIDs or LEDs. E-Code buckets are also an option if you want to stay relatively factory.

[BMWtyro]

bluptgm3, thanks.

jagerking, I should have been more specific: I intend to run the SilverStars in the taillights.

I run Sylvania Xtravisions as headlamps; I won't run SilverStars in that position as I don't wish to blind other drivers as they and their @#$& HIDs blind me.

Jeff

[ELVA164]

Blue tinted taillight bulbs? What?

[BMWtyro]

ELVA,

Here they are:

https://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/large/syl/sylvania_046135326530primary.jpg

And no, that's not just the blue on the package card showing through the bulb. I have installed these in all exterior positions (except headlamps) in our 1976 Olds Cutlass, and they are definitely blue-tinted --- and a lot brighter!

Jeff

[jagerking]

bluptgm3, thanks.

jagerking, I should have been more specific: I intend to run the SilverStars in the taillights.

I run Sylvania Xtravisions as headlamps; I won't run SilverStars in that position as I don't wish to blind other drivers as they and their @#$& HIDs blind me.

Jeff


HIDs, installed in ellipsoid headlamps (as they're designed to be), and properly adjusted are actually much safer for other drivers on the road. Ever wonder why newer, factory installed cars with HIDs don't blind you? Because the ellipsoid lenses throw light exactly where they want, rather than scattering it generally forward, without regard to opposing traffic. The cutoff produced by ellipsoids reduces almost all blinding light to oncoming drivers, which is a greater benefit, not to mention focuses all the available light down on the road, which is better for the driver of that vehicle. Installing ellipsoids and HIDs on older cars (yes, even E30s) can be properly done and will give better output than any halogen bulb can. Running HIDs in housings not designed for them (as I'm guessing you're referring to) is improper, and does blind oncoming drivers. Installing SilverStar headlamp bulbs in your factory housing will not do this, as they're not any brighter than any other halogen bulb you can buy, including whichever ones you have installed.

Whatever those tail light bulbs you pictured are, they're not any brighter than any other new tail light bulb. The brightness is controlled by the wattage and the filament. Comparing them to an old, worn bulb isn't a representation of what they're capable of. You're being tricked by clever marketing if you think they're any brighter.