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Thinking to upgrade the HID bulb....

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Old 11-30-2011, 12:11 PM
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Thinking to upgrade the HID bulb....

I believe the stock one for my 05 TL is 4000K which i personally think is somewhat "good enough" for me compare to halogen bulb....but i kinda wanna upgrade it 8000K so it looks sicker from outside and suppose give me a better vision at night....i was on ebay and saw couple pairs of HID bulbs for actually under $10???? are the bulbs suppose to be this cheap or they are just crappy bulbs?? I need something that will last at least 3 to 5 years but just 3 to 5 months......any recommendation??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-AC-35W-...item1c213ba24f
Old 11-30-2011, 12:32 PM
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8k is not going to give you better vision at night. If anything, it will make it worse.
Old 11-30-2011, 12:36 PM
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why is that?
Old 11-30-2011, 12:41 PM
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Shamelessly copied AJ's post:

Originally Posted by csmeance
Most LED's are around 7000K color temperature (kelvin color scale) while the stock bulbs are 4300K.

As far as changing the bulbs, it's not that hard on the MDX but some folks have problems because they don't have the right screw-driver for the little cover. If I remember correctly the cover is held on with a security torx screw.

If you go with a set of HID's the HIGHEST color temp that I would go with is around 6000K. The higher the temperature, the less light you will get with automotive HID's. Once you get to the purple ones in the 10K range you have the same amount of light as with a regular halogen bulb!

As far as brand and quality, it is VERY true that you get what you pay for. Cheaper HID bulbs will fail prematurely, run hotter (risk melting things and starting fires) and will have a low light output vs. better bulbs. As well some cheap bulbs can rattle around and move slightly while driving causing other issues.

I personally would get the OSRAM CBI 5000K HID lights. They are some of the brightest bulbs on the market and as well are 5000K with no loss of light output over 4300K bulbs. The second bulb I would suggest is the Philips 81522+ bulbs. They are 4300K but they are a bit brighter than the stock bulbs.
Old 11-30-2011, 12:48 PM
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i see...i think i will stick with what i have now...like i said the stock one is good enough for me...the reason i want 8000K is it looks sicker and i thought it will give me better vision because it's brighter....guess i was wrong..



i will prob mod the front sidemarker first to white LED as my next project......
Old 11-30-2011, 01:08 PM
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This will give you better vision, one of the best bulbs on the market for a great price. Otherwise you can get the best of the best and get a pair of Osram 66240 CBI's but they're pretty spendy.

85122+
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=148

Osram 66240 CBI's
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?42579-GB-OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-D1S-(-235-shipped)-and-D2S-D2R-(-190-shipped)&p=436898#post436898

http://www.motivemods.com/OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-p/osr-cbi-d2s.htm
Old 11-30-2011, 01:10 PM
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Your stock headlights are XENONS already. Not halogens. (If you didn't know)

OEM Stock Xenons are 4300K.

4300K = 3000-3400 Lumens (Depends on bulb manufacturer)
5000K = 3000-3200 Lumens
6000K = 2500-3000 Lumens

anything over 6000K is ALOT lower in Lumens.

Lumens = Brightness.
The more Lumens, the brighter the light output

If you want to upgrade, stick to 4300 or 5000. If you want it to look "sick" (-_-) than you can opt for 6000K. It will look whitish/blue but will offer you less visibility than 4300-5000K bulbs.

People that get 8000K+ are idiots who don't know anything and assume the higher the "k" the brighter and better. I can't tell you how many morons i've come across who say "You should get the highest K, it's the best". Idiots I tell you..

Last edited by vietxquangstah; 11-30-2011 at 01:12 PM.
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Old 11-30-2011, 01:23 PM
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Also, a lot of people confuse the color of OEM projectors with the color band. When you see most cars driving around that give off that awesome blue/purple effect, it's coming from the color band, not the color of the bulb. Our stock headlights are okay as far as giving a color effect, but if you want a sick color flicker, look into getting ZKW-r clear lenses from The Retrofit Source, the clear lenses will give you a lot crisper cut off line, with more pure color to it.

Stock fresnel lenses:


ZKW-r clear lenses:
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Old 11-30-2011, 01:27 PM
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Osram 66240 CBI's = amazing.

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Old 11-30-2011, 01:34 PM
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While those are all good points I just got my 8000k bulbs in the mail. Where I live lighting is not an issue for me. 8000k while a bit worse then stock will still be better then halogen.

Whats the difference between D2S/DSC? I got D2S bulbs. Did I get the right bulbs?
Old 11-30-2011, 01:41 PM
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Well it's not a problem if you live in the city. Living in the country it definitely suck driving in the sticks with anything more than 6k. I've tried numerous bulbs and i'm sticking with 4300-5000k
I think the difference is that the D2C come with a capsule over the glass part, it might even be the notches at the base of the bulb may be different. Our cars take D2S, D2R's can be used but they're mainly for HID reflective housings such as the 2G TL's

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?22096-D2S-vs.-D2C
Old 11-30-2011, 01:48 PM
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damn those Osram bulbs are pricey....but looks super sexy~~
Old 11-30-2011, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by nate_0022
This will give you better vision, one of the best bulbs on the market for a great price. Otherwise you can get the best of the best and get a pair of Osram 66240 CBI's but they're pretty spendy.

85122+
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=148

Osram 66240 CBI's
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?42579-GB-OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-D1S-(-235-shipped)-and-D2S-D2R-(-190-shipped)&p=436898#post436898

http://www.motivemods.com/OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-p/osr-cbi-d2s.htm


Are those pricing for a pair or just a single bulb?
Old 11-30-2011, 01:52 PM
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Get in on the HIDplanet group buy, you'll save $60 at least doing it that way. The second pic I posted up top is with the CBI's the first pic is with the 85122+
The CBI's are by far my favorite bulb 5000K (pure white after 100 hour break in) 3400 lumens, can't go wrong, also it's an OEM bulb in the Mercedes line up.
Old 11-30-2011, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by nate_0022
This will give you better vision, one of the best bulbs on the market for a great price. Otherwise you can get the best of the best and get a pair of Osram 66240 CBI's but they're pretty spendy.

85122+
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=148

Osram 66240 CBI's
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?42579-GB-OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-D1S-(-235-shipped)-and-D2S-D2R-(-190-shipped)&p=436898#post436898

http://www.motivemods.com/OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-p/osr-cbi-d2s.htm
Originally Posted by nate_0022
Get in on the HIDplanet group buy, you'll save $60 at least doing it that way. The second pic I posted up top is with the CBI's the first pic is with the 85122+
The CBI's are by far my favorite bulb 5000K (pure white after 100 hour break in) 3400 lumens, can't go wrong, also it's an OEM bulb in the Mercedes line up.
Man, this site is really hurting my wallet...

My gosh this is sooooo tempting.

Thanks for the link, Nate. Maybe this will be my early xmas gift...
Old 11-30-2011, 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by CBP08TL
Man, this site is really hurting my wallet...

My gosh this is sooooo tempting.

Thanks for the link, Nate. Maybe this will be my early xmas gift...

.....u not the only one......
Old 11-30-2011, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ggesq
8k is not going to give you better vision at night. If anything, it will make it worse.
Yep. And going to high in the temperature range will result in lamps that are almost useless in rainy conditions.
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Old 11-30-2011, 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by coykiam
Are those pricing for a pair or just a single bulb?
That's when you know those bulbs are expensive as fuck, when someone has to ask "is that the price for a pair or just 1 bulb?"

To answer your question, that insane price is for a single bulb.... So a pair (2 bulbs) will cost ~$200. Maybe a little more.
Old 11-30-2011, 11:24 PM
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The Osram CBIs are priced as a single bulb $125. That's why I mentioned the GB on Hid planet, for a price of $190 a pair. If you buy OEM bulbs through Honda you're going to be paying the same price if not more per bulb.
Old 11-30-2011, 11:41 PM
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I am running 6000K headlight (blue-ish tint) and 8000K lower fogs...love them....

while 6000K gives me plenty of light output to see the road, 8000K is just for looks....for the main driving light, i would NOT recommend anything more than 6000K....




Old 11-30-2011, 11:55 PM
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holy banana,..your fog light IS MOOOOTHERF&^%&ING BRIGHT~~~~
Old 12-01-2011, 12:23 AM
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^^^ yup...DDM tuning 8000K HID's

i had to make sure they are pointing down else I can seriously blind oncoming traffic
Old 12-01-2011, 02:03 AM
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Originally Posted by nate_0022
This will give you better vision, one of the best bulbs on the market for a great price. Otherwise you can get the best of the best and get a pair of Osram 66240 CBI's but they're pretty spendy.

85122+
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=148

Osram 66240 CBI's
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?42579-GB-OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-D1S-(-235-shipped)-and-D2S-D2R-(-190-shipped)&p=436898#post436898

http://www.motivemods.com/OSRAM-Cool-Blue-Intense-Xenarc-p/osr-cbi-d2s.htm

ARGH! What a great deal, just placed my order. Looks like no one is getting presents from me this year.
Old 12-01-2011, 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan000
Looks like no one is getting presents from me this year.
LMFAO. Classic.
Old 12-02-2011, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by vietxquangstah
That's when you know those bulbs are expensive as fuck, when someone has to ask "is that the price for a pair or just 1 bulb?"

To answer your question, that insane price is for a single bulb.... So a pair (2 bulbs) will cost ~$200. Maybe a little more.

Yeah its pretty crazy....the OEM's on my 06 are still going strong, hopefully they don't go anytime soon. If they do I'll be forking $200 for the Philips or CBI...Heard its the same or better quality as the OEM Osram.
Old 01-12-2015, 06:41 PM
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Didnt mean to start up this old thread again, but is there a better option for new HID bulbs?

One of my bulbs started to flicker and actually went out, till I turned the headlights off and back on. Seems like it might be going out soon.

Is this my best option in terms for price/quality

D2S: Philips 85122XV C1 Xtreme Vision - $185.00 or is it the $95.00 (these prices are for pairs correct?)

The Retrofit Source | Innovative Headlight Upgrades

Also, is there a possibility that my ballast may be defective and not the bulb from what describing?
Old 01-12-2015, 07:16 PM
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Generally your bulb will give off a pinkish color before going out. That is your warning to buy new ones. Lights going out may possibly be the ballast, but most of the time it's the igniter.
Old 01-12-2015, 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by DejaVu85
Didnt mean to start up this old thread again, but is there a better option for new HID bulbs?

One of my bulbs started to flicker and actually went out, till I turned the headlights off and back on. Seems like it might be going out soon.

Is this my best option in terms for price/quality

D2S: Philips 85122XV C1 Xtreme Vision - $185.00 or is it the $95.00 (these prices are for pairs correct?)

The Retrofit Source | Innovative Headlight Upgrades

Also, is there a possibility that my ballast may be defective and not the bulb from what describing?
You want Osram 66240 CBI. do a search for it
Old 01-12-2015, 08:41 PM
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My bulb turned pink before it died a few days later. I replaced them with a pair of CBIs. Excellent color and brightness. When I replaced the bulb, I also noticed that apparently my headlights were aimed horribly. So once I got them adjusted, it was even better!
Old 01-13-2015, 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Mystralhawk
My bulb turned pink before it died a few days later. I replaced them with a pair of CBIs. Excellent color and brightness. When I replaced the bulb, I also noticed that apparently my headlights were aimed horribly. So once I got them adjusted, it was even better!
I have a feeling mine are aimed pretty terribly too. How it got that way is a mystery to me as the previous owner never did any cosmetic work to it, but I feel they're aiming a bit high.

Did you adjust them yourself?
Old 01-13-2015, 05:54 AM
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Originally Posted by dezymond
I have a feeling mine are aimed pretty terribly too. How it got that way is a mystery to me as the previous owner never did any cosmetic work to it, but I feel they're aiming a bit high.

Did you adjust them yourself?
All that is required to properly aim your headlights is a long philips head screwdriver, a flat wall and a leveled ground to park the car on
Old 01-13-2015, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by vietxquangstah
You want Osram 66240 CBI. do a search for it
Yea I know the Osram CBI are the best ones. Is the $185 price point for the pair?

What's a little cheaper alternative I can go with?

How would I go about first checking if my ballast or ignitor or bulbs has a problem?

Only symptom I saw so far was that the bulb flickered once or twice and it went out once till switched it on/off.

I got 6000k bulbs in there right now and the look pretty white to me even I feel like mine are aimed wrong too.
Old 03-02-2016, 02:44 PM
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I was thinking of upgrading my fog lights to HID's and had 2 questions is there anyway to tell if my headlights are 4300k OEM or if they've been upgraded and if they are 4300k would the match up be the best if i just bought a 4300k HID kit.
Old 03-02-2016, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Jsantogrossi
I was thinking of upgrading my fog lights to HID's and had 2 questions is there anyway to tell if my headlights are 4300k OEM or if they've been upgraded and if they are 4300k would the match up be the best if i just bought a 4300k HID kit.
Take off the bulb and look at it to see what's stamped on it.

Old 03-02-2016, 09:11 PM
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Anyone tried the Philips 85122XV C1 Xtreme Vision yet?
Old 03-05-2016, 08:04 PM
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5500k is about as high as you can go and still get really good white light but the bulbs will have a slight touch of purple if that's the look you want. The retrofits I got for my car came with the 5500k bulbs, really wasn't too sure about it at first but the light output is really good. Whenever I need to replace them, probably going with 4300-5000k though.

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Old 03-06-2016, 09:25 PM
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I got 08 tl type s, im gettin my headlight cleared tomorrow and wanna get a set of new hids, make it looks really clean

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...l#.VtzxiEU8KnM
Im thinking these, r these the best, top of the line?
Old 03-06-2016, 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Weezy2390
I got 08 tl type s, im gettin my headlight cleared tomorrow and wanna get a set of new hids, make it looks really clean

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...l#.VtzxiEU8KnM
Im thinking these, r these the best, top of the line?
Yes the best go for it
Old 03-06-2016, 11:02 PM
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I'm probably going with the NightBreakers:

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...ghtbreaker.htm
Old 03-07-2016, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by swoosh
^^^ yup...DDM tuning 8000K HID's

i had to make sure they are pointing down else I can seriously blind oncoming traffic
I only bought the 5000K DDM Tuning HID kit for my fogs and thought they were nice and bright but damn, those 8000K's are crazy!


Quick Reply: Thinking to upgrade the HID bulb....



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