our headlights kinda suck
08-07-2006, 10:08 PM
#1
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our headlights kinda suck
Having driven several high end cars with HID headlights i have to say that the HID's on my Cl are among the worst as clarity and fidelity that i have come across. not only is the cutoff angle very soft and mutted but they jsut dont illuminate stuff that well, i dont think they are much if any better than my conventional headlights on my 92 prelude i have in highschool. they are certainly not as effective as the headlights on the new tsx/tl and i assume rl's, has any one else noticed this? or could there be something wrong with mine?
08-07-2006, 10:31 PM
#3
proffesion...axle breaker
well shit for a 5 year old car im pretty impressed, there are more expensive cars out there that dont have HIDs....i like the way they look. people always flash their brights at me, so atleast mine are bright. and they illuminate well farther up the road than Many other cars ive been in.
just wish there was a better alt. to the roadlamps that look good in thier place
just wish there was a better alt. to the roadlamps that look good in thier place
08-07-2006, 10:35 PM
#4
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by Stealth CL
well shit for a 5 year old car im pretty impressed, there are more expensive cars out there that dont have HIDs....i like the way they look. people always flash their brights at me, so atleast mine are bright. and they illuminate well farther up the road than Many other cars ive been in.
just wish there was a better alt. to the roadlamps that look good in thier place
just wish there was a better alt. to the roadlamps that look good in thier place
08-07-2006, 10:42 PM
#5
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Originally Posted by GreenMachine
I get high beamed prematurely in towns that dont have a lot of high end cars floating around. Yup, for 5 years old my HIDs are still very bright. Once one of them burn out I'm going to switch to 8K HIDs.
As for the light output of the CL's HID system, I agree it doesn't have as sharp of a beam cutoff as other vehicles but the light output isn't terrible. I was driving right next to a Mercedes on a fairly dark road tonight and it wasn't all that bad. The Mercedes had better lighting out to the sides and was brighter closer to the car, but overall color temp and distance down the road was about the same as mine.
08-07-2006, 10:45 PM
#6
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Which cars back then had it this good? Please dont compare todays with something from years ago. Just be pleased that Acura listened and made better solutions for us to play with. IF you do want to compare, i still find our HIDs on par with todays G35 and lesser. Not bad for a 3+ year old car.
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08-07-2006, 10:50 PM
#8
maybe you drive in a well lit areas all the time? all the D2R cars like lexus is300, infinity g35 and so on have similar output. 02-03 nissan maxima for some reason is pretty bright compared to all. but good projectors beat them all anyway. When I bought the CL I didn't expect it to be a BMW and those HID's are pretty damn good in my opinion. the high beams I don't understand though, who the hell decided to put such weak bulbs in there??? they almost don't do shit.
08-07-2006, 10:53 PM
#10
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Really? My highbeams do quite well. I'll take pics if really needed.
Originally Posted by belcom
maybe you drive in a well lit areas all the time? all the D2R cars like lexus is300, infinity g35 and so on have similar output. 02-03 nissan maxima for some reason is pretty bright compared to all. but good projectors beat them all anyway. When I bought the CL I didn't expect it to be a BMW and those HID's are pretty damn good in my opinion. the high beams I don't understand though, who the hell decided to put such weak bulbs in there??? they almost don't do shit.
08-07-2006, 11:10 PM
#12
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Originally Posted by TRILIGHT
Just a note, 8K temp will be considerably less bright than the OEM bulbs. A waste of money IMHO.
As for the light output of the CL's HID system, I agree it doesn't have as sharp of a beam cutoff as other vehicles but the light output isn't terrible. I was driving right next to a Mercedes on a fairly dark road tonight and it wasn't all that bad. The Mercedes had better lighting out to the sides and was brighter closer to the car, but overall color temp and distance down the road was about the same as mine.
As for the light output of the CL's HID system, I agree it doesn't have as sharp of a beam cutoff as other vehicles but the light output isn't terrible. I was driving right next to a Mercedes on a fairly dark road tonight and it wasn't all that bad. The Mercedes had better lighting out to the sides and was brighter closer to the car, but overall color temp and distance down the road was about the same as mine.
On paper yes, to our eyes...nope.
Yes, Ive read the reviews and quotes saying the put off less light. Its a proven fact that they do BUT, you probably couldnt tell. 8k is probably still safe, but at the cutoff. A lot of times people put HID kits in cars that dont have the correctly designed lens to disperse the light and ,yea its going to suck. 8k in our cars would be ok. Ive 6k and im a freak about light output. I wanted nothing to do with dimmer lights. I noticed absolutely NO change when I put mine in. They color is more intense so it APPEARS brighter when next to another car with stock HIDS. The light output is so close its undistinguishable to untrained eyes, like our own.
The 10-15% less light output is justified with the much nicer color.
08-07-2006, 11:29 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by o2cls
On paper yes, to our eyes...nope.
Yes, Ive read the reviews and quotes saying the put off less light. Its a proven fact that they do BUT, you probably couldnt tell. 8k is probably still safe, but at the cutoff. A lot of times people put HID kits in cars that dont have the correctly designed lens to disperse the light and ,yea its going to suck. 8k in our cars would be ok. Ive 6k and im a freak about light output. I wanted nothing to do with dimmer lights. I noticed absolutely NO change when I put mine in. They color is more intense so it APPEARS brighter when next to another car with stock HIDS. The light output is so close its undistinguishable to untrained eyes, like our own.
The 10-15% less light output is justified with the much nicer color.
Yes, Ive read the reviews and quotes saying the put off less light. Its a proven fact that they do BUT, you probably couldnt tell. 8k is probably still safe, but at the cutoff. A lot of times people put HID kits in cars that dont have the correctly designed lens to disperse the light and ,yea its going to suck. 8k in our cars would be ok. Ive 6k and im a freak about light output. I wanted nothing to do with dimmer lights. I noticed absolutely NO change when I put mine in. They color is more intense so it APPEARS brighter when next to another car with stock HIDS. The light output is so close its undistinguishable to untrained eyes, like our own.
The 10-15% less light output is justified with the much nicer color.
08-07-2006, 11:48 PM
#14
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
http://hidtech.com/
They'll do it for about 500-800 bucks, but thats a lot of cash and your headlights will be out of your car for at least a week.
We've had a member use them, his car is actually on the site.
They'll do it for about 500-800 bucks, but thats a lot of cash and your headlights will be out of your car for at least a week.
We've had a member use them, his car is actually on the site.
08-08-2006, 04:20 AM
#15
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Originally Posted by o2cls
i loved my stock HID's, I love my 6000's even better!
08-08-2006, 07:16 AM
#16
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Originally Posted by 03CLS6
Did you just switch the bulbs or did the 6k kit? Im considering switching just the bulbs, but I know ours wasnt made for 6k hids so Im guessing it will be underpowerd just a bit? What brands are you guys using for aftermarket bulbs/ kits?
Underpowerd......? Its still a 35w bulb. Theres no need to switch out the ballast at all.
08-08-2006, 07:38 AM
#17
Originally Posted by o2cls
On paper yes, to our eyes...nope.
Yes, Ive read the reviews and quotes saying the put off less light. Its a proven fact that they do BUT, you probably couldnt tell. 8k is probably still safe, but at the cutoff. A lot of times people put HID kits in cars that dont have the correctly designed lens to disperse the light and ,yea its going to suck. 8k in our cars would be ok. Ive 6k and im a freak about light output. I wanted nothing to do with dimmer lights. I noticed absolutely NO change when I put mine in. They color is more intense so it APPEARS brighter when next to another car with stock HIDS. The light output is so close its undistinguishable to untrained eyes, like our own.
The 10-15% less light output is justified with the much nicer color.
Yes, Ive read the reviews and quotes saying the put off less light. Its a proven fact that they do BUT, you probably couldnt tell. 8k is probably still safe, but at the cutoff. A lot of times people put HID kits in cars that dont have the correctly designed lens to disperse the light and ,yea its going to suck. 8k in our cars would be ok. Ive 6k and im a freak about light output. I wanted nothing to do with dimmer lights. I noticed absolutely NO change when I put mine in. They color is more intense so it APPEARS brighter when next to another car with stock HIDS. The light output is so close its undistinguishable to untrained eyes, like our own.
The 10-15% less light output is justified with the much nicer color.
And I dont know what your guys are talking about. The lights are fine to me. Are they MB quailty? no, but they are close enough. Beats standard lights to death.
08-08-2006, 08:45 AM
#19
Wow, I couldn't believe it when I saw this thread. I think our lights are pretty good. My last car was a 97 Acura GSR - you want to talk about light that sucked. So, for me the CLS is a huge improvement.
I put the Silver Star's in for high beams. So, if I'm in the middle of nowhere and use them too, I can see very well.
I put the Silver Star's in for high beams. So, if I'm in the middle of nowhere and use them too, I can see very well.
08-08-2006, 10:12 AM
#20
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im jsut comparing my CLS headlights to my 92 prelude primarily (which would be 14 years old compared to 3) it had piaa halogen's at the stock wattage and i believe they out performed my HID's i have now. granted they werent as blueish white as what i have now but they were very VERY good headlights and im kinda dissapointed with these. but for really bad headlights i had a 97 mountaineer, those were about as effective as holding a mini maglight out the drivers window at 60 in a monsoon (worthless)
08-08-2006, 10:47 AM
#21
The HID's are far better & are far brighter, & are far superior to Halogen's. It's a night a day difference, there should be no question when comparing them to halogens. Maybe something is wrong with your cars lights? Are they aimed right? You sure it has the correct bulbs in them?
08-08-2006, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by jdmerk
...but for really bad headlights i had a 97 mountaineer, those were about as effective as holding a mini maglight out the drivers window at 60 in a monsoon (worthless)
As for light output, it is hard to appreciate until you start spending time in a car with halogen lighting. My other car had really dull halogen lights so I purchased Silverstars all the way around. Made a BIG difference! Not only in color temp but light output. I was amazed at the difference. Then I got the Acura and I've gotten used to the HID lights. Went back to the other car the other day and the lights looked downright DIM!
08-08-2006, 09:07 PM
#23
Moderator Alumnus
I would never go back to Halogens...you couldn't pay me enough money to. Even trying the Xenon bulbs on the cars I used to own: its just not the same.
08-09-2006, 01:57 AM
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I like mine and they've been trouble free. 
Even after 5.5 years I'm still impressed they came standard. Back then, many of the high end cars either didn't have them available, or they were an expensive option.
Even after 5.5 years I'm still impressed they came standard. Back then, many of the high end cars either didn't have them available, or they were an expensive option.
08-09-2006, 10:44 AM
#27
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You want to talk sucky headlights - My other car is a 2004 Volvo XC70. When you click the dimmer, the lights tilt up mechanically - NO increase in output for hi beam, just angle. 
I love my Acura
I love my Acura
08-09-2006, 04:31 PM
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My passenger side "inverter" (I'm guessing that's the ballast) blew the other day and the Acura stealership wants almost a grand to fix it. Would anyone recommend switching to something different or just replacing the ballast and bulb that are blown? I don't really know much about the lights, but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.
08-09-2006, 04:40 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by Landocommando12
My passenger side "inverter" (I'm guessing that's the ballast) blew the other day and the Acura stealership wants almost a grand to fix it. Would anyone recommend switching to something different or just replacing the ballast and bulb that are blown? I don't really know much about the lights, but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.
08-09-2006, 05:06 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by Landocommando12
Has anyone done a DIY on this?
08-09-2006, 06:45 PM
#32
Originally Posted by Landocommando12
My passenger side "inverter" (I'm guessing that's the ballast) blew the other day and the Acura stealership wants almost a grand to fix it. Would anyone recommend switching to something different or just replacing the ballast and bulb that are blown? I don't really know much about the lights, but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.
taking off the bumper is not a big deal. remove all clips from bottom. remove radiator cover. remove all bolts and screws under the radiator cover and in the wheel wells and then just slide it off carefully (get someone to give you a hand).
08-09-2006, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by belcom
I just got a pair of Philips d2r plus version, they're supposed to be 5000k with same lumens as normal ones (3200). I'll take a pic tonight, it's not dark yet.
08-09-2006, 10:19 PM
#34
Rooting for Acura
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I have an 01 and my lamps are just fine.
Personally I think that a lot of the OEM Xeon headlamps are waayy to bright. Especially BMW.
I think ours are just right. In the dark they work great and that is what headlights are for.
If you are of the type that like to 'show off' your headlights in the daytime then yes the CL headlamps are not for you.
Personally I think that a lot of the OEM Xeon headlamps are waayy to bright. Especially BMW.
I think ours are just right. In the dark they work great and that is what headlights are for.
If you are of the type that like to 'show off' your headlights in the daytime then yes the CL headlamps are not for you.
08-09-2006, 11:28 PM
#35
Uses turn signals in my
Originally Posted by knight rider
I have an 01 and my lamps are just fine.
Personally I think that a lot of the OEM Xeon headlamps are waayy to bright. Especially BMW.
I think ours are just right. In the dark they work great and that is what headlights are for.
If you are of the type that like to 'show off' your headlights in the daytime then yes the CL headlamps are not for you.
Personally I think that a lot of the OEM Xeon headlamps are waayy to bright. Especially BMW.
I think ours are just right. In the dark they work great and that is what headlights are for.
If you are of the type that like to 'show off' your headlights in the daytime then yes the CL headlamps are not for you.
I'm going to see if later on this week (I would do it tommorow night, but I'm getting my wisdom teeth out) I can take a side by side comparrison pic of an 02 lexus sc430's projector xenon vs ours on the street just to see the difference. I've driven the 430 at night quite a few times before and from what I remember, theres not much of a difference.
Now my friends 06 350z seem's to light up the ground a lot more than my CL.
08-09-2006, 11:34 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by TCM 01 CL-S
...(I would do it tommorow night, but I'm getting my wisdom teeth out)...
Seriously though, it may sound funny but right after you get it done, biting softly on warm tea bags (green tea is best) will help stop the bleeding and help you heal faster. Also, load up on Echinacea.
[We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread discussion]
08-10-2006, 11:30 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by TRILIGHT
Ahhh.... Vicodin.
Seriously though, it may sound funny but right after you get it done, biting softly on warm tea bags (green tea is best) will help stop the bleeding and help you heal faster. Also, load up on Echinacea.
[We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread discussion]
Seriously though, it may sound funny but right after you get it done, biting softly on warm tea bags (green tea is best) will help stop the bleeding and help you heal faster. Also, load up on Echinacea.
[We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread discussion]
huh! huh! He said teabag!
08-10-2006, 11:39 AM
#38
When u C the L type S
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hehehe teabaggin !!!! But also I think our lights are quite good. Except the brights dont do much. My stock Integra brights were the best brights i've ever had. Thinking i'll replace my highbeams... any suggestions on whats best for that ??
08-10-2006, 12:19 PM
#40
When u C the L type S
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Hehe. Then I might just have to get those. I wanna be able to see the aliens b4 they get me so I can get outta there. Feel sorry for those CL-P's that wont have enough pwr to get away. Got any pics of ur lights w/ the brights on ? I would like to see...