I just bought a 5900K set of Xenon "HID" direct replacement bulbs for my projectors and my highs, then I started reading mixed stories about whether or not it's safe to run 100w bulbs in our cars. Some guys say they've been running them for a year w/o any problems, but a lot of people speak of burning out the actual in cabin switch and/or wiring, or melting the housing, or starting a fire. All kinds of "scary stories", but none of these people seem to have any actual experience running 100w bulbs.

Does anyone have any real world experience with 100w bulbs and/or are you in a position to give me reliable advice?

I know 100w bulbs will be hotter, but can the projector housings and circuits handle them w/o any issues? I'm thinking worst case scenario: they blow a fuse, but again: I don't know. That's why I need advice.

Thanks in advance.

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Is this an actual bulb and ballast type situation or just 100W halogen bulbs? I have no experience running over-powered bulbs, but as you know all of the current is fed through the headlight switch in our cars. If you're really intent on running them, you should use a relay harness.

 

They're not true HIDs. Just replacement bulbs.

Is there a write up on this relay harness mod? That's been a common theme in my research as well.

 

I've been doing some more research on this and after thinking about it: If you're driving with your stock 55w low beams and your stock 55w high beams on, then you're actually running 110w through your lighting circuit.

That (theoretically) means that I should be able to run the 100w bulbs, right?

Any ideas?

 

The high and low beams are on separate circuits, so that logic is flawed. Looking at my wire diagrams, the headlight wiring is listed as 1mm, which is close to 18awg. The max ampacity of 18awg stranded copper is 14A. With 100W at 13.5V, you're looking at 7.4A each. With a total current of 14.8A, you're doubling the demand on the lighting circuit. In my opinion, this is NOT a good idea. I'm not sure who the manufacturer of these bulbs is, but I'd be willing to guess that it is not a well known seller, ie ebay. If you're looking for more light output, look for some quality bulbs.

 

I was looking at the numbers myself and I was thinking the same thing about the cheap eBay bulbs. I don't need more output. I just need one replaced and figured I might as well get some cheap 6000K bulbs (I love the look of 6K is all), but when I was looking at the HL wiring, it looked very much like they're run in parallel, but if you have the diagram and awg, then that settles it for me. I'll just take the hit on the 100s and buy some 55s. It's not like it's going to break the bank and the added cost outweighs the risk, by far.

Thanks!

 

Why not just get a 55w DDM kit? was plug and play on my 01

 

I've done the HID thing and I love HIDs, but it's not really what I'm looking for on this car. This is supposed to be my first "Grown Up" (aka: stock-ish) car. That's why I'm looking for stock replacements only.

The only reason I want 6000K, is for that fresh, clean, newer model look. I've had these stock replacement, coated type bulbs before - as well as HIDs and the output on these stock replacement bulbs are fine for me.

In the end I said screw it and went ahead and bought the correct wattage 55w bulbs.

Why risk the 100w damage over almost no cost difference?

Thanks for all of the input guys! I appreciate your time and responses.
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