I have a 2k2 SE (only 4 months old) and I just bought new bulbs for the foglights. I bought cheap H3 ion-blue bulbs just because I wanted to change the color of the lights (not worried about the quality), but I just realized they're 100 watt bulbs. I know the stock lights (and most good quality lights) are 55 watts, so I was wondering if it's dangerous to put 100 watt bulbs in. I heard that some cars can handle it, but in others the wiring might get really hot and melt. I would think that a new maxima can handle it but I'm not sure. Does anyone know if this would be a bad idea to do? Thanks.

 

will melt.

 

I did this, The plastic lense will slowly deform and melt. Had to replace the whole assembly... mabye if the lense was glass...

 

The 2k2 lense is glass.

I've noticed discoloration around the base of the plastic just running aftermarket 55W fogs. I do run them all the time, except at night (when I use the HIDs). My guess is that 100 would certainly be too much, if just 55W is causing slight discoloration for me.

BTW: I bought Eurolites and I am disappointed. They are two different shades, I think due to poor quality.

 

well with the 100 watt bulb the light will now be pulling about 8.3 Amps, the stock 55W bulb only pulls 4.6A

personally i would check out www.rallylights.com
they sell Hella bulbs very cheap, and you want a quality bulb and not something that just looks good.

oh and another thing you have to keep in mind when you get a higher wattage bubs is that it will have a shorter lifespan then one of a lower wattage.

 

Assuming 12V are we?

I think he's looking for that HID matching look, and Hella doesn't have an H3 bulb for that yet (or do they?).

I myself will probably try to find Polargs. I've used them elsewhere with great success, and they are considerably less than comparable PIAAs.

 

gee how did you know, lol


but i dont Hella has anything yet that is suppose to resemble the HID look. im sure they do but its not really costefective. hell for $450 you can get Hella H3 HID bulbs and then your problem is solved. Hella does have a "blue" bulb or maybe it was called super white, either or it wasnt either one. the ones is do like are the yellow stars. very nice and it gives the car that nice IS300 look with the HID's up top and the yellow fogs down below.

 

I'm an electrical engineer.

I hadn't thought about using the yellow stars. I think that the yellow stars are actually designed to help reduce glare in wet conditions, perfect for those foggy/rainy days. And I haven't seen a 2k2 with them yet, certainly more distinctive; although personally I'm on this xenon HID look kick lately (replaced the interior bulbs and everything else I could get my paws on).

Hey are you following me around? I've seen you in the angel eyes post...

Welcome to the .org. There's a wealth of info here, even for the experienced.

 

technically i dont have a maxima yet, looking at the 03 SE Manual
actually im going today to look at the one i want.

but thanks

 

Ok, thanks for all your help. So basically, is it ok if I find an H3 bulb that's 12V and 55w? As long as those are the specs of the bulb, it should be fine in my car? Thanks.

 

yes any H3 bulb that is rated 55W will be perfectly fine. Dont worry too much about the voltage beacuse most auto parts are standard 12V.