Results 1 to 6 of 6
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02 January 2015 #1
- Join Date
- 31 Dec 2014
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- Posts
- 9
- Saab(s)
- 2011 9-4X, 1978 99 Turbo, 1964 GT850
Weak Headlights (base lights on 3.0 Premium)
I just got my 9-4X a couple of weeks ago, so am still sorting through a few things and learning to live with it. One thing that was pointed out by a friend and that I have now experienced myself is that the low-beam headlights are dismally dim. I live "out in the country" and drive often on 2-lane roads with no other lighting. The high beams are decent, but when I dip them for oncoming traffic I really can't see where I'm going. I plan to try to get some brighter bulbs and possibly to aim them a bit higher, but I am interested as to whether anyone else has made the same observation and come up with any other improvements. I found that fog lights could be installed for about $400-$450 in parts plus the effort to get the proper codes to reprogram the Body Control Module. I suspect that trying to upgrade to the HID up-level headlights would be wildly expensive, and I'm sure would require the same BCM effort. I am not sure if the same wiring is used or not. Let me know what you think!
Best,
Gary
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02 January 2015 #2
Frank Administrator
- Join Date
- 30 Jul 2010
- Location
- USA - Netherlands
- Posts
- 7,901
- Saab(s)
- previous: 2006 9-3, 2001-06 9-5, 2011 9-4X
I wasn't impressed with the headlights on my 9-4X Premium either. I replaced the factory bulbs with Philips CrystalVision Ultra and that was somewhat of an improvement: SaabWorld - Saab Garage
Fog lights won't be much help for regular driving as they shine their light right in front of the car. Not farther ahead like regular headlights.
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02 January 2015 #3
- Join Date
- 31 Dec 2014
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- Posts
- 9
- Saab(s)
- 2011 9-4X, 1978 99 Turbo, 1964 GT850
Wulf,
Many thanks, I'll give the bulbs/aiming a try. I agree, fog lights (which are not "driving lights") won't help with seeing further.
Thanks!
Gary
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02 January 2015 #4
- Join Date
- 15 Apr 2012
- Location
- spokane, wa, usa
- Posts
- 94
- Saab(s)
- '95 9000 Aero, '98 9000 CSE, '05 9-5, '11 9-4X
I suppose it depends on where one is coming from. The standard headlights don't seem that bad when I drive it regularly. Then, I get into my son's BMW 535ix and the HID headlights are clearly superior in area coverage and distance. Judging from the headlight flashes from oncoming cars, they're also obviously blinding them.
jack vines
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03 January 2015 #5
- Join Date
- 13 Oct 2011
- Location
- Romansville (Thorndale), PA , USA
- Posts
- 177
- Saab(s)
- 2011 9-4x, 2008 9-3 Aero, had 2005 9-3 Arc, '93 9000CSE, '86 9000Turbo
I have the Technology package which are supposed to be "Bi-Xenon cornering headlights with signature front lighting" and I don't think the low beams are very bright, especially compared to my wife's 2015 Buick Regal GS
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16 January 2015 #6
- Join Date
- 15 Jan 2015
- Location
- Chicago Il.
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2011 9-4x 3.0 xwd
I just bought the Sylvania ZXE bulbs. I too think the stock low beams are a little weak. The ZXE's work well in my Silverado I'm sure they will help the 9-4x.