Consensus? No. People have different priorities with respect to their available funds and desire to be able to see better. The expensive route taken by some here (including me, although I haven't installed my lights yet) is particularly reflective of the cost of simply replacing the OEM headlights with another set of the same. It is not a very cost-conscious solution, but it seems to (and I certainly hope it will be in my own case) a very satisfactory and long-term solution.

The cheapest real solution, I suppose, would be the arduous method some here have used of re-laminating the projector cups. For some of us, that is more work (and more chances of screwing something up) than they consider prudent. Of course, if you don't have the HID system (non-Tech), simple bulbs can restore the factory level of lighting.


RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen
--
"There is nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what is right with America." -- Bill Clinton

 

Is there a way to tell if the projectors are de-laminated? I am adding some photos. The "wall" test actually looks decent - still have pretty sharp cut-off. Visually, I can't tell any de-lamination, unless I am not looking in the right places.

 

The HID headlights didn't really have the issue. It's mainly the halogen headlights that suffered from the issue. If your HID bulbs are starting to become weak, then they may just simply need to be replaced.

 

This is another part of my confusion - I am reading conflicting stories on these forums. Seems like halogens start having this problem around 5-6 years and HIDs around 10 years. Any suggestions for HID replacement bulbs besides the dealer?

 

is a great place to look for good D2S replacements.

They offer a variety of options from Philips and Osram in a range white points. They would be the best drop in option if your looking for OEM 4300k, 5000K, or a near 6000K (LED White) color without sacrificing (and actually improving) the output.

They also have their house brand of D2S bulbs which are about as good as you can get for aftermarket HID bulbs.

Replacing the bulbs ‘should’ help. But again, the long term effect of delamination is still a thing.

my RDX Tech is a 2015 Model Year, originally sold sometime in 2014. And I can def say the last 18 months the delamination effect really began to get worse and worse.

 

Did you actually replace your HIDs from Retrofit Source? If so, which ones did you get and how difficult was it?

 

I replaced my bulbs back in May of 2019.

I used Osram Cool Blue Boost D2S bulbs, and Xenon Depos 5000K 9005’s for the DRLs. With Diodes older SLF H11 fogs.

The CBB bulbs were a nice neutral 5500K white in practice and you could tell the difference compared the the warmer tone the 9005 DRLs and SLF fogs had.

The Philips Xtreme Vision 2’s were not an option back then, if I were to recommend a set, it would be those now.

I’m much happier with the matching white points of the new SL2 Pro 9005s and H11 fogs with my retrofitted headlights.

but here’s the photos from then for reference.











the old Xenon Depo 9005’s had a fixed base, so you can see what happens when they were installed. The emitters were clocked 45* off. Didn’t effect much as far as DRL use, but the beam would not be usable (not focused or powerful enough) as a function High Beam.

 

+1 for TheRetrofitSource, been a long time supporter of theirs, they have awesome replacement bulbs and amazing service to boot. If you're on a budget, their Morimoto in-house brand bulbs are solid, else, Osram and and Philips are available based on your taste for price and temp color.

 

That is a nice color, I think the exact same as mine - Forged silver metallic?