Headlight Bulb...

[motordavid]

I must be really getting older and addled, as I can't figure out which headlight bulb I need:
2001 3.0, oe headlights
RealOEM says HB3 12 V 60 watt

I look at the local auto parts site and they list dozens of differing types, prices etc. Not looking for HID or other stuff, just an oe-like replacement.

Low beam went out, high still works, same bulb I know.

Can anyone point this Geezer in right direction for which freakin bulb?
Advance Auto Parts site, handy and close to where we are here in NJ visiting the kids:

Advance Auto Parts: Search Results for headlight bulb

[mrbmwx5]

H7
https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/appli...l=2212&make=13

[Ricky Bobby]

mD, you don't have Xenons?


If not, yes you need H7, I don't need to tell you this but replace them in pairs

[dkl]

HB3 is 9005, which is for your high beam.

[motordavid]

Thanks, Maties...
no Xenon here.

Gonna try and jam it in this weekend, hanging with the kids. Otherwise, no real nighttime driving and it will have to wait until we get back to the Mtn joint this week.

I thought I understood headlight bulbs, but haven't changed one in years/decades, other than on my Scoots.
Thanks...
mD

[haumana]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

mD, you don't have Xenons?


If not, yes you need H7, I don't need to tell you this but replace them in pairs

Seriously (I'm being sincere here)? I did not know that!

Does that apply high beams too? Does that also apply to xenons? or Does it apply to all headlamps, regardless of type?

Everyday I lurk here ... and everyday I totally get schooled by you guys!

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by haumana

Seriously (I'm being sincere here)? I did not know that!

Does that apply high beams too? Does that also apply to xenons? or Does it apply to all headlamps, regardless of type?

Everyday I lurk here ... and everyday I totally get schooled by you guys!

Not all x5's came with xenon low beams or bixenon units. Some models utilize good ol' fashion incandescent bulbs.

As for switching out the bulbs in pairs...it's good practice, but not really necessary for non-arc lamp (hid) burners since they don't really color shift over their lifespan.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by X5SND

As for switching out the bulbs in pairs...it's good practice, but not really necessary for non-arc lamp (hid) burners since they don't really color shift over their lifespan.

Although halogen bulbs don't color-shift over their lifespan, they tend to lose their luminance as it ages. If you just replaced one, you will notice how much brighter the new bulb is compared to the old one.

[Ricky Bobby]

I was actually recommending halogen replacement in pairs not necessarily for color match purpose like xenons, but bc halogens tend to go at similar age, so after 10 years if you are replacing one its quite likely that the other one is not far behind "going out" soon.

I learned this years ago replacing brake light bulbs on my vws, I did one side and a week later the other one went out.

I always replace in pairs, a pair of h7 can't be more than 25 bucks, and mD depending how far you are from my town (martinsville 08807) come on over and I will replace them both for you, I have 2 brand new h7s in my basement!

[motordavid]

RB, I understood what you meant by 'pairs'; I will replace both sides, as they are 12+ yrs old.

Appreciate the offer, but we are 70 miles south in Cherry Hill, and packed with just hanging out/laughing our fannies off, with our Kids and their Fams.

Will get to it when we get back on the Mtn; should be an easy 30 min DIY in the driveway or garage.
BR, mD