My 03 GTV6 had the stock drivers side headlamp burn out at about 70,000 miles. I wanted some brighter lights so I replaced both of them with Silvania Silverstars.

about 3000 miles later the drivers side burnt out again and I replaced it with another silverstar.

About another 5000 miles after THAT, the passengers side lamp burnt out. I'm getting ready to replace it, but I'm wondering if it's just this brand/model of head lamp.

When I looked at my headlights to make sure that one was burnt out this time, I noticed that whenever my lights are on, the passenger side high beam is on very dim (the high beam switch is not engaged.) which makes me wonder if it's not the brand of headlamps that I'm using, but maybe an electrical short.

Anybody have any ideas? Should I try another brand? Should I investigate my electrical system?

The Silverstars are a real nice bulb, although they do have a short life. And they do state that on their site. The Silverstar Ultra's are supposed to have a lot longer life cycle.

But the problems you're having are not bulb related - I'd start checking wiring and connections.

Have you given any thought to getting a nice set of HIDs ? I was running Silverstars in my 06 Sonata before diving into the HID arena - the difference is absolutely amazing. Here's a pic of Gracie with a Silverstar on the left and a 6000k HID on the right.

Forgive my lack of knowledge on the subject but are HIDs bulbs or entire headlamp assemblies?

The kits are bulbs and ballasts, with associated wires. The bulbs mount just like a standard bulb and they come in the same sizes (H7, H4, etc.). Most times the hardest part is finding a place to mount the ballasts, but they're not that big and the good kits come with mounting "holsters" like in the pic below. I just picked this pic because it's clear - never heard of this business before. If you decide to go this route I would recommend Against the cheap eBay kits, pay the extra money and get a quality kit and you won't be sorry.

Just as an FYI - in comparison with a standard halogen bulb, HID bulbs last, on average, five times longer, use much less energy (35w vs. 55w), put out three times the light, and run much cooler.

Like I said, I absolutely love ours and will never go back to halogen again, of any type. :thumbsup:

(IMG:http://www.popnow.cn/img/popnowhidbig3.jpg)

Thanks. I will give it a shot after giving my wiring a quick look.