TLFTW

I am in the process of buying HIDs. I was wondering if I can just buy the bulbs and swap them with the old ones or do I have to buy the ballast also. BTW I am buying from ddm

dr_shoxer

As long as your ballasts are good, just swap out the bulbs. Over the weekend i picked up 6K bulbs for my stock ballasts for like $50. Why waste extra money on a kit?

TLFTW

Thanks man. When do ballasts usually go out?

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

You will know when the ballast goes out.

So far I have not known anyone with a ballast going out which means they are pretty durable. mmade22 had 200k+ miles and never had to replace it.

TLFTW

Well good to know. My setup I plan on having is light blue hids in the low/high beams and yellow hids in the "fog lights". (I have an 04)

Mafyoso

iTrader: (1)

I picked up some HID Bulbs for $30 bucks that are 8000k. I like them better then the OEM bulbs. Just look around and find good price before buying your bulbs. Ballast usually last a long time especially the OEM Ballast since most of them are German Manufactured. The Japanese versions tend to go out faster and aren't as reliable as the German ones. GL

TLFTW

Thanks guys. Btw does anyone know where I can get really good yellow hids? I know ddm colors tend to wash out even with 35w

ebelp

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...g2vpvae8k6ggbf

You do know that if you run a 3000k bulb, your headlight output will be significantly less than the stock 4300k bulbs, right? Run 3000k bulbs as your foglights, not headlights. If you care about performance, 4300-5000k the brightest. If you're only into appearance, 6000k (and up) will be nice and blue/purple.

TLFTW

With the 2004s I don't have fog lights. The middle part of the headlight works as the fogs. The DS2 bulbs I am getting are light blue. I am talking about 9006 bulb type

Mafyoso

iTrader: (1)

I was thinking about this. Changing my DRL to Yellow LEDs if I can find some. but I will still need that Module. Sucks ASS

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

im going to the ddm huntington beach shop this afternoon

TLFTW

Only thing I heard about DDM's 3k hids is that they aren't really yellow

tones160

I will be switching my OEM ballasts to 55w ballasts. I want more brightness!! i did the same for my fogs. I put the kit with 8k 55w ballasts and they're beaming!

ebelp

Use a 4300-5000k bulb with your stock ballasts and it'll be brighter than an 8000k bulb at 55w.

tones160

ewwwwwww no lol. I prefer 8k bulbs ty

ParaSurfer1979

8000k is too blue which are even less bright that oem 35watt 4300k systems in all other cars. I did 6000k set-up on my 08 accord coupe and was made when a bmw 335i sedan came beside me and was so much brighter than mine. After that i swapped to 5000k set-up. I'll be going frome 4300k to 5000k on the TL soon. People buy HID's i thought to see more of the road. Not less.

tones160

Isn't that 4300k almost throwing to like a yellowish color? Actually a 8k bulb ain't too blue compared to the 10k ones. I do believe that the 8k in which is white almost going to blue is pretty decent and stylish looking setup for a car specially for a TL. Then again everyone has their own preferences. Ever tried doing your set up with 55w ballasts? I bet if you get those 8k bulbs w/ the 55w kit set up it may even change your opinion. Just my fogs alone can light up a couple of feet away from the car in a not very bright road.