Has anyone purchased these bulbs off ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8000K...mZ380067620328

And if so would you recommend 8000k?

 

Sure, go 8k if you like being harassed by the popo.

No one should EVER go higher than 6k, and that's already a big compromise on usable light output. Best is to stick with the stock D2S bulbs.

 

Stock lights are the brightest available and the least fatiguing on the eyes. I'm not sure why you would want an inferior light.

 

I don't think the stock lights are the brightest. I think the Phillips Ultinon lights are.

 

I've never heard of that company, I would make sure they are reputable enough to purchase from them for long term. Most people on here go with either kaixen, or phillips. A few including myself switched to Xetronic. I currently run the 8000k Xetronic and haven't had any issues with seeing the road, light output etc. Sure its alil decreased from stock 4300k but its not that bad as people make it out to be.

 

I love my 8000k's.... lights up the road perfect to me... nice shade too...
brightness on 6000 and 8000 is pretty much the same... go 10,000 and you'll lose all sight....

 

No. Philips D2S are the brightest bulbs. The Ultinons (are rated at 6000K) are only 75% as bright as the 4300K bulbs.

When the roads are dry and the weather is nice and clear, you'll see fine with the 6K/8K/10K. But when it's raining, that's when it'll feel like you're driving with no headlamps on.

But it's your car and your safety. My advice is to play it safe, but I'm just some shlub on the interweb.

 

4300k bulbs put out 3200 lumens compared to 2800 lumens for the Ultinons. According to my math that's 12.5% less so they are 87.5% as bright.

I do agree with you about sticking with 4300k though.

 

Well, then I am mistakened. I remember back around 2000-2002, the data sheet used to say Ultinons were putting out 2400 lumens. Thanks for updating me on the numbers.

But in all seriousness, for those already using 8000K/10000K bulbs. Be honest with yourselves. Next time it rains at night, go take a drive. You'll see that anything "reflective" are still super bright, but that's about all you'll see.

It's cool if you say you like the 8000K/10000K for the looks. (Because that's what they're really for.) But you're just kidding yourself, and/or have been lied to by some vendor, that your lights put out more light than stock bulbs.

 

If you really want to go with a higher kelvin bulb you should look into converting over to d4s bulbs. From what I can gather they come in 4800k and 5800k putting out 3800lm and 3300lm respectively. You will however need new ballasts seeing as they are apparently mercury free and the voltages are different.