GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking to get some replacement HID bulbs for my Spec D.

Two questions:

Best place to buy them?

Best spec to buy - I want best performance. I'm not fussed about colour, fancy looks, etc.

I recall a thread quite some time back identifying the pros and cons of the various options but I can't find it now so I would appreciate it if anyone could help.

Thanks

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Do you mean an HID aftermarket KIT?
Or does it ALREADY have HID's fitted and you want the "bulbs"?

If it's the former, do be aware that MoT changes this January have made the use of HIDs in anything but lights DESIGNED for them, an MoT fail and illegal. (ie: you can no longer put an HID lamp into a lens/reflector designed for halogen bulbs).

If you intend going ahead anyway:

1. Buy decent, not e-bay cheap. The bulbs should be the same price as the ballasts. DO NOT but cheapo Chinese. Philips, Hella and Morimoto are good makes. But cost £££ compared to ebay kits

2. Get either 4300K or 5000K for MAXIMUM brightness. Anything above 6000K is a waste of money as it gives LESS light than the same halogen bulb
Light output FALLS as colour temperature rises.
Most OE HIDs are 4300K, it's supposed to be closest to daylight and is way brightest.

3. Get ready to take them out at MoT time, so make any wiring chnages easy to do/undo

4. Make sure new bulbs are EXACTLY the same fitting as the old ones and that they are fitted PROPERLY. A slight mis-fit causes a huge loss of light, scatter and disappointment with the product.

Best of luck......

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Alcazar - they are OEM and D2S fittings - I'm aware of your HID input from my searches and I'm pretty certain it was one of your old posts which I referred to above.

I was basically going to purchase a spare and then discovered some sites buying 2 was cheaper per bulb and so thought it might be worth getting 2 and if they were brighter then i would replace my originals and keep them as spares.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

A spare D2S bulb is an expensive piece of kit if you buy decent......and I wouldn't buy cheap

Because there is NO filament and they run relatively cool, there is no appreciable wear, so spares aren't really needed.

If buying spares/replacements, always buy in pairs unless you are certain you are replacing like for like.
Try and stick to Hella or Philips bulbs

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Continental trip.

I've ignored them previously because, as you say, they last a long time but now over 5 years.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Mmmmmm.

If it's worry about one going, then yes. Although they do last a LONG time.

If it's worry about carrying a bulb kit, take a halogen one, they won't know the difference

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Funny enough, I'm intending to bluff my way with the main beam HB3