Holagen bulb

Subject: Holagen bulb
From: "Jon R. Lewis" <LEWISJR@domain.elided>
Date: Tue, 03 Sep 1996 10:44:14 -0500

Help!  I just replaced a dead bulb in the passenger's side, low beam,
headlamp in my '89 E30.  Instead of the 55 watt OEM bulb, I tried an 80
watt bulb which is marketed by a well known, glossy-catalogued,
aftermarket source.  I also replaced the driver's side bulb at the same
time.

Installation was a snap (I've done this before and besides, its a
no-brainer) but when I turned the lamps on, the passenger side
illumination was dimmer than the driver's side.  I removed the both bulbs
and the passenger bulb was VERY cloudy - smokey grey.  No problem
with the new driver bulb though so I placed the old, driver's side, 55 watt
bulb into the passenger lamp.  Both bulbs seem to work fine but,
obviously, the driver's side is brighter given that is has an 80 watt bulb.  

What might I have done wrong?  I am careful not to touch or scratch the
bulbs.  Could an electrical short cause the 80 watt bulb to cloud?  How
about a surge?  Where do you recommend that I start troubleshooting?

Multi-meter in hand,

Jon Lewis