jkv11503

I recently ordered a set of clear side markers for my '05. Included in the purchase is a set of amber bulbs; however, from what I've seen, the amber bulbs will cause the "egg yolk" effect when used with the clear cover. What that means is that during the daylight, when the light is off, the yellow bulb will be visible through the clear lens.

Has anyone had any experience with the "stealth" bulbs - the kind that are made for use with a clear lens? For example, I've looked at the chromium type sold by Hoen and the silver bulbs made by StealthAuto. Of course each company says their bulbs are the best. Who am I to believe?

wingless

This reply shows the Sylvania SilverStar bulbs on my '05 C320 Sports Coupe.

jkv11503

Thanks, wingless. What has been your experience with the life expectancy of the Sylvania SilverStar bulbs? Have you tried any others?

Also, in the photo of your rear lamp assembly it looks like I see a blue bulb in the lower white portion (not sure of the correct terminology for that slot) of the assembly. Is that what I can expect to see if I use Sylvania SilverStar bulbs in all of my clear lenses?

wingless

The Sylvania SilverStar bulbs are the ones with the blue tint in the lamp assembly. These bulbs have over 100K miles without failure. They have been used at almost every lane change. There were three or four emergency lane changes when I avoided a brain-dead drone that I didn't signal first.

My front assemblies have the Stealth Auto bulbs. They have more of an amber tint. I've got over 80K miles on those without failure.

These are the front lamps.

jkv11503

Thanks for the pics. I guess I'm looking for a bulb that doesn't look blue or yellow when the light is not on. I'm beginning to wonder if such a thing exists. Nothing personal, but your front turn signal lamp has a bit too much "egg yolk" look for my taste. I'm surprised to see that those are from StealthAuto, as I was under the impression that StealthAuto bulbs were dipped (or coated) in a silver-like substance and would not appear yellow unless turned on.

Based on the photos that I have seen of your vehicle, I would probably go with the Sylvania SilverStar bulbs over the StealthAuto. I would rather have a bit of a blue look rather than that of an egg yolk.

How about the chromium type bulbs sold by Hoen? They claim to achieve 98% of the brightness of an ordinary amber bulb. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

wingless

Mt fault. That is the "before" image.


Here is the after image.




Here is the side by each of the factory and the Stealth bulb.

jkv11503

Ah, yes. Much better.

I just installed the HOEN Chromium Bulbs (turn signals), H11 Endurance Bulbs (fog lights), H7 Xenonmatch (Hi-beams), and W5W City Lights (daytime running lamps).

After a bit of research I learned that yellow fog lights have a slight advantage over white fog lights. Considering that I only use them in foggy conditions, I decided to go with the yellow Endurance bulbs.

Here is the before pic...



Here is the after pic with the HOEN bulbs...

Skylaw

See posts 42 and 44 at https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...25#post1632025

Also post 47 in the same string. The upper pic shows the lights on - you can see the yellow. They are off in the lower pic - lenses show no color behind.

Most of the bulbs with silver coating will show white in the side markers. Some illuminate more evenly than others.

jkv11503

Thanks, Skylaw. I just compared my side markers with the images in post 44 of the thread you referenced. I found that when my markers are turned on in partial daylight, they look similar to your pic #3 (1928.jpg) - the back part of the lens is lighter than the front.

I really like the way the Polarg G51 Visual Amber bulbs completely illuminate your side markers. I wish I had seen your thread before I ordered my Hoen side marker bulbs.

By the way...where did you purchase your bulbs?

Skylaw

http://www.eautoworks.com/product-Polarg-6138.htm