Philips 12258XV+S2 Philips X-tremeVision halogen headlamp H1 12258 XV+ 12V 55W P14,5s S2 +130% more light 45m longer beam, Set of 2

*Update* 19/4/17.Near side bulb has just died. So yes they are a bit brighter but 6 months is not worth the expense in my opinion. This would equate to about £70ish per year on bulbs plus the hassle of swapping out the bulb itself. I'm not disappointed as a short life span is expected when pushing the limits of a design like this. Just thought potential buyers would be interested.These are supposed to be the best bulbs on the market before going to some sort of HID xenon setup. Given that the bulb is still 55w it's impressive how much brighter it is. It's not night and day compared to oe bulbs but noticeable on dark motorways. I found the most difference in the peripheral light giving much better visibility on approach to exits, they also do put more light onto the road and shines further ahead than the oe bulbs. They are also whiter than others but if you're looking for imitation xenons you would be disappointed.

I've used these for 3 months now, and would say they are a slight upgrade on the factory fitted bulbs they replaced. The beam is certainly good, casting light a fair way into the distance, and we have noticed they are brighter than the originals, but it's hard to quantify if they are really 30% brighter. In terms of the quality of light, they are a good match to the originals, and do not have the blinding effect on other drivers that some of the blue/whiter high powered xenon or LED bulbs seem to have. In my book that's good news, so I'd recommend these as a solid replacement for blown factory fitted bulbs, or an upgrade/replacement for aged or underperforming bulbs.UPDATE: Having been pleased, but underwhelmed by fitting these, I noticed that one was apparently brighter than the other. Over the weekend I removed the less bright one took careful note of the direction of the filament in the bulb, and made sure I placed it so that the filament itself was at the top when fitted (which in the case of these bulbs meant that the indented “tab” was facing downwards). Instantly the situation improved to make each bulb equally bright, and the beam in front of the road suddenly lengthened & brightened considerably. I can now say there is a definite & significant improvement in the road illumination over the previous factory fitted bulbs, and I’ve changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Hope this has been helpful if it prevents you making the same mistake I did.UPDATE 2: - Last weekend, another driver of a similar car to mine approached me asking how I had "tuned" my headlights to be so much better than his :) ...so, must be noticeably different to other drivers as well as me.

These are about as good as an incandescent bulb can get and not much behind more expensive +150% bulbs. I changed from the Philips Vision Plus (plus 50%) which I had used in previous car 2008-2013. They match the Osram Nightbreaker Plus H7s in the dip beam very well. The colour and output is very good in range and spread. They are definitely needed in these nights when many cars have HIDs and newer cars have LED or laser light generators now. A standard halogen bulb is now like a pre-halogen gas bulb was.This type of bulb often receives criticism for poor life. My experience is different. I get good life from bulbs yet voltage to the bulbs is typically just over 14.0 volts.My tips for good bulb life are simple.Install carefully using either kitchen roll or nitrile gloves to prevent finger printing the quartz glass.Install correctly. If the bulb contacts it's holder correctly, more heat is dissipated into the reflector. Not only that, a good beam image is assured.Switch lights on and off as required. Do not rely on auto on and off function. The reason is even a soft start alternator can create a voltage spike at switch-off. This hugely reduces bulb life to a few weeks from what I've witnessed from others (clots).They are so good, I have no intention of converting to a dubious aftermarket HID kit which will likely produce a substandard beam image and cause dazzle. In fairness, the upgrade is more like half of what is claimed (+130% looks more like +65% to me). Of course, I only trust OE manufacturers to ensure correct geometry and lasting quality. I've seen the results which cheap varieties can produce.They may be bettered by very bright LEDs (of dubious legality and often beam image) which need to be bright due to narrow waveband of LED light but they can at least defrost/melt snow from the headlamp lenses in very cold weather.

I've been using Philips X-Treme Power H1 for the high/ main beam and H7 for the low/ dipped beambulbs for several years since I saw them get the first of several rave test reviews in Auto Express.PROSThey are bright, white and more accurately focussed or controlled than any other bulb I have used. I don't get 'flashed' by oncoming vehicles which I did with less accurately controlled bulbs.My experience has been that they have a long life - certainly as good or better than a good quality conventional bulb. I had my first one burn out a few weeks ago after being used for about 50,000 miles/ 4 years. I bought a reputable branded replacement from a very well known national chain of Autocentres but could immediately see that that, the replacement bulb did not focus and project the light as sharply as the X-Treme Power.CONSNot as cheap as an inferior bulb - but that extra cost gives extra safety and makes night time driving a touch easier.