GP Thunder scare
 

So last night I decided to install a new set of GP Thunders. They came in new packaging that stated they are 35w but are as strong as 50w? This was not on the old box. So I installed them as usual and noticed they fit very loose in the H8 mounts, but I proceeded and they appeared to function properly. An hour or so later I went outside and hit the unlock button. The interior lights and door handle lights turned on but the angel eyes didn't. I started that car and it said that the right parking light was out. Sure enough I looked and it was out. I assumed the new bulb just burnt out, so I grabbed the factory yellow bulbs and put them in. The right side still would not turn on. I put another factory bulb and it still wouldn't turn on. Finally after starting and shutting down the car for a third time I got out and looked at the angel eyes. They were glowing EXTREMELY bright. Much brighter then the standard yellow, they literally lit up my whole garage like there was much more wattage going through them. I shut the car down again and they both are turned on now, standard brightness. So I am sticking with the stockers for now. That was an odd experience and I think there is definitely some issue with wattage on the GP Thunders. Not to mention the color really does not look high quality like a true led and is barely visible during the day.

Try PIAA's

This is very true. It's funny how others who bought GP Thunders swear they are exactly like the $200 Lux's. They just think GP Thunders are the greatest thing when they are hardly visible during the day.

I just recently put GP Thunder 7500K "Xenon" H8 bulbs in my 2010 750i and 2010 M6 Cabrio. They look great!! Very visible, gratnted not as much as the stock, yellow bulbs, but nonetheless quite visible and crisp.

At night, they look especially good! The GPs, 7500k, are a bright white, with the slightest hint of blue. Nothing purpley or rick rockety at all. We've had them installed for almost a month now...and perfect. No codes, no issues. I've had 2 people ask me about them while in parking lots...asking me why & how my "angel eyes" are so white and modern looking. I highly recommend GP Thunders!

I would say they are a great value at 10x less the cost (not to mention effort)... they are definitely not as intense all around as LEDs but they do the job perfectly fine... these pics are not brightness/contrast enhanced, I just took the color out of the background... this is how it is during the day:

24 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
26 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The outer rings are definitely not as prominent but it's there if you look straight on. The inner rings are most likely no different than LEDs. I love the effect though... I wanted angel eyes that glowed white in a person's rear view and that's what I got. It also looks great from my viewpoint when following a black car (I'll have to get a pic from that seating position).

I have the GP Thunders as well and though definitely less intense than the stock yellows they look good. I am now contemplating replacing them with HIDs, still a less expensive solution than LEDs.

I haven't researched the HIDs yet but "Cman (C's bimmer)" has some info. on them though he went with GP Thunders for Angel Eyes. I think there are folks on the board who have done that upgrade.

Those with GP thunders, are you getting the 35w version or the 80w?

Edwin

35w