I checked the archives, but there doesn't appear to be anything recent. I see that Osram and Philips make bulbs; is one preferred over the other in terms of light output and/or longevity? I also see that The Retrofit Source has these Morimoto brand systems (https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d2...D2S?quantity=1), but I'm not sure I want to replace the whole system and prefer a plug-and-play bulb. However, maybe the total Morimoto package is hands-down better than Osram or Philips? I obviously don't know and am looking for opinions/experiences.

FYI, I'm looking at a 4300K color temperature bulb, as close to factory as possible. Don't want it too blue/cool/purple-tinged.

Car is a 2006 TL with, likely, the original bulbs.

Also saw this super helpful thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-077-a-691135/

Thanks for any help!

 

You can get the Moriomoto bulbs but keep the OEM ballast/igniter. They're a great aftermarket brand for the price if you're not looking to shell money out for a Osram CBB or CBI

 

Thanks!

Shoot, what's the difference between CBB and CBI? Looking for the best light output possible since I'm, er, of a certain age and want the brightest light. Within reason, money is not an issue.

 

CBB/CBI are liked mainly for their color (bit bluer than usual) CBI was the king of the market for quite some time and CBB's have since replaced them on that throne. If you're looking for light output, i believe people swear by the Osram Nightbreakers found here: https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d2...XNL?quantity=1

I think you'll like these ones if you want to spend the money on a quality bulb. Make sure you buy it from a reputable source and not Amazon/eBay as there are numerous counterfeit bulbs out there on the market. TRS and powerbulbs.com are known good ones I hear from others. I personally only shop at TRS for my headlight needs

 

Solid info; thanks, thoiboi.

Those Osram Nightbreakers look awesome, and I think I've read about them.

Agreed on Amazon and eBay counterfeit stuff. Have heard about it on Amazon and have seen it on eBay. eBay has been good with policing/removing counterfeit bike stuff. I was looking for an S Works bike helmet a while back and would see new candidates in my morning notifications, only to find that the listing had been removed. I believe this occurred with at least a dozen helmets I saw.

Appreciate the fast reply.

 

The nightbreakers I got from Amazon ($108 right now) were sold by a lighting company and they were verfied authentic by Osram via the code.

But yes. TRS is a reputable seller. I've bought from them before and their service and product offering is great.

They're massively better than the Morimoto I had previously. More crisp and bright.

 

BROlando, thanks. Good to know about Morimoto. I always thought their stuff was supposed to be top-notch. They get quite the nod over at Miata.net. I bought a set of HIDs from TRS but never installed them on my now-sold NB.

Can you post a link to the ones you purchased on Amazon? How does one identify a fake versus a real one? Can the codes be forged in some way?

 

Another question for the group: would a 55 watt version be too hot for this fixture? Assuming it's even available in a 55 watt configuration, which it doesn't appear to be.

 

55W bulbs require a 55W ballast.

Here is the Amazon link I used for the nightbreakers. Sold by "Retrofitlab"



Retrofitlab looks like a German based outlet. German prices on Osram are lower than US. Not too surprising.

https://www.retrofitlab.com/osram-d2s-xenarc-night-breaker-laser-66240xnl-hcb-2.html



The code in the box requires you to scan it...go to Osram's website and then verify the number printed on the BULB itself. So...seems difficult to forge, but definitely viable.

But why take the time/money to forge an item like this that isn't even sold in massive numbers?

Anyway, mine are bright asf and they have the signature purple/yellow "line".


Or spend $45 more and buy the sure thing from TRS. Its only $45 and you're not buying bulbs every day. So....may be worth the peace of mind.

 

Thanks so much for the info!

 

WHat Brolando said.. don't bother with the "55W" hype.. they burn hotter (with the appropriate 55W ballast), leading to shortened lifespan and oftentimes burnt projector bowls. A solid 35W quality bulb like any of the Osram will outperform any crappy aftermarket 55W bulb out there.

 

Thanks much, thoiboi! Pretty much as I figured.

 

If you don't want bluer, the nightbreakers are you best option. I've gotten my bulbs from powerbulbs.com and used their coupons and they have been great! I got the CBI's and CBB's. CBBs are too blue for me and cause eye-strain on long trips, the warmer color temps certainly helps with that. I've ordered some nightbreakers as the CBI's are close to 5 years old with at least 1000 hrs on them.

 

Enjoying my CBBs
they are not that much Bluer than any high end lighting system. They come on purplish and cool down through blue to almost white.

Check out this thread, it has good information and pictures.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-976237/page2/

 

Thanks so much, everyone!