H11 vs. H11b (yes, again...hear me out)

KoupRider · Jul 11, 2012

I spent a good half a day trying to get down to the root of the difference between the two bulb specs, and I think I finally have some decent info.

Looking around the net a lot of people ask "what's the difference between a H11 and an H11b?" Well, they are very similar that's for sure, but let's take a closer look.

The first thing you notice is the lack of a plastic socket and rubber ring, then notice that the H11b bulb twists into place.

Searching around the forums, some people believe they can mod their light assembly to make an H11 fit and work in place of an H11b bulb, but once you look at the specs below, you will see the problem.

H11b Bulb specifications Vs. H11

Here are the technical specifications from the Sylvania Website
This is the standard H11b bulb

Bulb Types It Fits---------------------H11B
Bulb Size-------------------------------T4
Primary Light Output (lm)----------1350
Primary Voltage (V) ------------------13.2
Primary Power (W) ------------------55
Primary Color Temperature (K) --3200
Primary Filament Life (hrs) --------930
Primary Light Output (MSCP)------107.4

And this is the standard H11:

Bulb Types It Fits-----------------------H11
Bulb Size --------------------------------T4
Primary Light Output (lm) -----------1345
Primary Voltage (V) -------------------13.2
Primary Power (W) -------------------55
Primary Color Temperature (K) ---3200
Primary Filament Life (hrs) ---------270
Primary Light Output (MSCP)-------107

Can you spot the one major difference? Look at that filament life, the H11b last about 3 times longer. The reason behind this is that the H11 isn't meant to be running as much, it's a fog light or driving light on a car. The H11b bulb is typically used as a low-beam bulb. Now some cars do use the H11 for a low beam (A Silverado for example), but unless the power going to the bulb is lower, then you will change that H11 3 times more often than a car with an H11b bulb.

Hopefully, this clears up a few questions, if you have anything to add please do.

This came from an article I found here:
H11b Bulb

Tebore · Jul 11, 2012

I don't get it? why did you look for the information again?

People ask for the differences generally when going for HIDs. In which case the bulb life makes no difference. Just the connector the base will screw in to the headlight. Again most will get a harness or relay harness.

Aftermarket non-HID bulbs are generally coloured over-wattage bulbs which again the bulb life doesn't matter. And you can easily swap the connectors with a tiny bit of work.

If you're just replacing a burnt out bulb just grab an H11B from the dealership for $15. They are rare in the wild.

Also that part about the missing gasket is wrong. My 11Bs had them when I pulled them out.

KoupRider · Jul 12, 2012

Tebore said:
I don't get it? why did you look for the information again?

People ask for the differences generally when going for HIDs. In which case the bulb life makes no difference...

Thanks Tebore. I was looking for myself as much as anyone else. I'm not interesting in moving to HID in the short term for financial reasons as much as anything else, so I wanted to know if I needed to buy a new halogen bulb if I could use a regular H11 in place of an H11b. Turns out I can.

I'm sure I won't be the only person with such an interest. And since I couldn't find any good detailed info on it in the forums, I thought I'd share my findings

noodile · Jul 11, 2012

both bulbs are the same bases wise. they both fit in the bulb socket on the koup.

if you want to always use an H11, then all you have to do is splice an h11 connector instead of an h11b connector. and you'll be good for years

SXey · Jul 12, 2012

i wish i understood all this stuff better. haha i just bring my car to someone and have them do what i want. i would appreciate the work more tho, if i did it myself.

Sergio810 · Jun 8, 2015

H11 vs. H11b

Hi I'm new at this forum and I wil like to make a quetion.

H11 will fit in a Kia Optima EX, I know they use H11B, but It have a big difference or not.

Thanks

K5 Optima Store · Jun 8, 2015

Sergio810 said:
Hi I'm new at this forum and I wil like to make a quetion.

H11 will fit in a Kia Optima EX, I know they use H11B, but It have a big difference or not.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

Both H11 & H11B HID bulbs will fit on the Optima. However you may have shadows cast in your headlight pattern from the ground return wire on the bulb if using the wrong one.

H11 vs. H11b (yes, again...hear me out)

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