Sutitan

Just came home from work to see my highlights reflection on another cars headlight. I thought to myself that they looked awfully pink, but I thought it might have just been a tint on the other cars headlight. Sure enough, it was mine, and im aware that this is a death sign for HID bulbs. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good OEM replacement. Im not really looking to change the color (4300K is blue enough for me) or to pay a huge amount. Ill probably be changing the pair in hoping I can get them in time for the weekend.

If anyone is curious, the bulbs lasted almost a full 10 years (got the car feb 2004), and 141k miles. I almost always keep them ON as well.

TLin401

Why not just go OEM? Phillips, Kexan (sp?), Sylvania, etc. all good quality.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Osram CBI ...one of the best. Replace in pairs.

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

I vote for Morimoto XB35 they're 1/4 the cost of CBI and they seem to put out a lot of lumens. Plus, the site is a vendor here so if you use promo code ACURAZINE you'll get them for $42.50. I have the older model 5000k and am happy with them, but I plan to upgrade to the XB35.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/mor...l#.VEXLt_ldX6c

nfnsquared

Good to know. I'm coming up on 11 years next month (180K miles) and still on the OEM bulbs. I only run them at night / rain, so hopefully I still have a few years left on them.

kocyk123

CBI's!!

Sutitan

So, Its 2 votes for the CBI's, 1 vote for the Morimotos, and 1 vote for OEM replacements.

Before I asked, I was kind of leaning towards the Phillips bulb (78$/pair on amazon). The CBI's seem to be a clear favorite all around the internet. I dont think I could have gone wrong with OEM replacements, but I ended up going for the Morimoto XB35's (5500k)

The Morimotos advertise a 5000k color, which is about as high as id like to go. The price was also $45 with shipping from theretrofitsource. I couldn't really pass up half the price of a stock replacement or a 1/4 of the CBI's. I did a bit of reading on HIDPlanet, and the consensus that I gathered is that the CBI's are superior, but not worth 4x the price.

Hopefully they come in soon enough so I can rip off my bumper this weekend and remove my lights. I read the DIY for replacing the bulbs through the wheel well and it just sounds like I pain. I replaced my turn signal bulbs with that method, and while it wasnt bad, I cant imagine the HID's being easier given the complicated process. Ive taken of my front bumper and i remember it being easy (espc with the youtube clip to help). Ive never removed my headlights, but from the manual, it just sounds like a few bolts/screws holding it in.

Thanks everyone for the input

nate_0022

iTrader: (2)

Since you want to stick with oem 4300k I'd go with Philips 85122+, or Orsram SVS. I've even heard good things about the xb35's

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/components/bulbs.html

dezymond

Mind posting some pics of when you get those bulbs in? I'm on the fence between the CBIs and Morimotos myself.

CBIs seem to be the best from what I can tell. However, I'm not one to shy away from value either.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

let us know how the Morimotos work out.

davedas90

I would suggest maybe a xenon super vision

Sutitan

Also for anyone who stumbles upon this thread, here is a great and recent (july 2014) comparison of D2S bulbs by TRS

The Ultimate D2S Bulb Test

Its pretty easy to see that the CBI's are the top performers, but the XB35's are not too far behind and they fair better the most of the competition (top 3 I believe).

So it boils down to what you want. cheap but great preforming bulbs, or expensive, but great quality and superior performance bulbs.

kocyk123

If you are looking for more light on the road you should definitely go with CBI's. I the comparison to my stock Osram bulbs and there is almost twice as much light on the new CBI's. I would buy them even if they were for $250 You get pure white light - no blue at all. They looked kinda yellowish on my Audi due to different projector and different lens. It looks just awesome on mine Acura. However you need to make sure that your headlights are not faded out to get the best results in both performance and look.

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

OP requested for a "good HID bulb replacement"

"xenon super vision" sounds like some off-brand eBay type of bulb.

"Our headquarters are located in Hong Kong with sales departments in London, UK, Taiwan, and the US"

Morimoto is the only aftermarket brand I would ever consider for replacement D2S bulbs.

Philips and Osram IS OEM depending on car make.

I have Morimoto 3Five in 5K (not the XB) and kind of want to upgrade to CBI's but can't justify spending that much at the moment.

delerium168

iTrader: (1)

I just got this new Philips 85122XV Xtreme Vision..4800k

D2S: Philips 85122XV C1 Xtreme Vision Bulbs

dezymond

Thanks for posting that.

No doubt the XB35s come close, but after just comparing the shots side by side, I think I'll spend the extra money and get a pair of CBIs. I don't know if I could live with the decision I settled for bulbs when I could've had what I really wanted.

kocyk123

Good pick! Believe me, you won't be disappointed. You will like driving at night more than during the day How are you going to replace the bulbs?

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

I think I'm going back to 4300k or 4500k whatever it is. I have 5000k now and I dont like it enough to give up the lumens from the XB35. My friend went 6000k in his immaculate e90 bimmer. That's way too blue imho, and it's useless on wet roads.

dezymond

Was gonna go through the wheel well off a tutorial I found here. Doesn't seem like it'll take too long or be all that difficult.

Unless removing the front bumper is easier?

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

just remove the front bumper. doesnt take that much time and it'll make taking out the bulb much easier.

i recommend the CBI's

kocyk123

I did it through the wheel and it was really easy. I don't know why I feel that removing the bumper is much more work and it will take more time... Prove me wrong

dezymond

Think I may just go through the wheel. Taking off the bumper seems a bit excessive for this type of task imo.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

5500k? doesn't it look too blueish? i am leaning toward the Morimoto XB35 43k or 50k and wonder how big is the difference.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

there are different xb35. d2s, H1, H7 and H11. which one should i go with? and would you prefer the 45k or 55k? Thanks

dezymond

The TL supports D2S for our headlights.

You can check the Sylvania Bulb Guide online for any other bulbs types of our car if you plan on switching those bulbs out as well.

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

I've been using Morimoto XB35s for awhile now. I might be the first to say I'm not all that impressed. I was really hoping for more.

I had EBay 8000k blue specials (considered garbage) years ago. Believe it or not those were not too bad. Anyways I upgraded to 8500k Kaixens. Now THOSE are some GREAT bulbs, under-rated IMO. So I guess I got used to them. One side burned out so I wasn't too keen on spending so much for bulbs again. Prices had come down I was sure there was decent stuff cheaper out there without resorting to no name brands.

That's how I went with Morimoto. I am using a full 2500k set with ballast on the fogs and 6000k D2S XB35s. So I've given Morimoto 2 chances to impress me. The 2500k has since changed color due to bulb defects. I had EBay 2500k HIDs in there previously that lasted 3yrs. These lasted only a matter of months. They were replaced under warranty. We'll see, but honestly I can see these changing color again. Knowing my luck it will be right after the warranty runs out lol.

From what I can tell the ballast definitely seems better built than no name brands. No complaints there yet. But as for the bulbs; they just seem a notch better than the no name brands in terms of build quality. I am NOT impressed. The Kaixens, Osrams, Philips are definitely totally in another category.

The XB35 bulbs are just OK. Even though the Kaixens were obviously more blue at 8500k, they seemed clearer if that makes any sense? With the XB35s the 6000k are supposed to have a hint of blue. It is blue but with a very very slight tinge of green, hard to explain unless you saw it. It wouldn't be able to be picked up if I took a picture of it. Anyways, not an output I like. The light output just isn't what I'd like it to be. I also have slight weird shadows in the periphery with high beam. I didn't have this with any other bulb, OEM, EBay garbage or Kaixen. So in terms of product; Morimoto has not impressed me at all. Just average.

I think the best thing I can vouch for with TRD is service. As everyone says they are attentive and good to deal with and backup their product. I am convinced though that what I am really looking for is Osram CBIs and I know that's what I'll do next time around. I just felt the price was pretty high, 3x more. But I should have just justified the investment and went with the best. Hell, that's pretty much what I've done with the rest of the car, might as well go all the way.

Sutitan

It sounds excessive, but in all honestly, its very easy. A few bolts and plastic fastners and its practically off. There is a great video on you tube by a member here. Just search Acura TL bumper removal on google and it should be the first youtube clip. Could make take 30 min the first time, but I bet I could probably take it off in 15min now.

From what TRD explained to me, the 5500k is more of a 5000k in color temperature. 5000k is practically true white. 4300 has more of a yellow-ish hue. From my understanding, bulbs aroud 4300 tend to produce more lumens, resulting in a brighter light. The higher the temperature, the more blue the color, and typically less lumens. The reason for the popularity of 5000k lights is because of their true white color.Anything higher I believe is truely cosmetic and sacrifices light intensity.

Sutitan

for what its worth, TRD says that they have just started shipping the "New" XB35's that are "nearly on par" with the CBI's just a few weeks ago. The test I linked to was for the older XB35's. The expectations are that they will be even better then the last gen, and even closer in performance to the CBI's. I should recieve my bulbs Friday so and I can only compare them to my current lights (10 years old with 1 pink light). Ill try my best to compare them (DSLR with manual settings to ensure accuracy), but my test will be less then scientific.

dezymond

Hmm maybe. The wheel well method is definitely less work in terms of removing a few fasteners, though whether my hands are too big to work in that small of an area, we'll see.

Removing the front bumper gives direct access to behind the headlights correct? I've seen a few videos of bumper removal, but can't recall seeing anyone showing what can easily be accessed once the bumper is removed.

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

I didn't read the entire link, but did it say what projectors were used, and if they had ZKW lenses?

I's like to get some replica zkw lenses, but I'm only opening one headlight. So no point in that.

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

When I bought the XB35s they were pretty much a new model and they were saying the same thing at the time; comparable to CBI this and that, same lumens, special halide etc. On another forum I heard a TRD rep say are releasing a new XB35 just as you were saying. So I am confused as to whether they mean that the XB35 is an all new line and these statements are in comparison to the 3Five or that there really is a 2nd gen XB35 available already. If so that is pretty crazy because these were just released this year. Me feel like big dummy.

The 2500k ones that I had replaced on warranty are 3Fives. They said these were upgraded as well, so supposedly I now have new and improved ones. I can't tell a difference, seems 100% the same to me. Seems to have the same coating on them that crackled itself off the last time. If they go bad like the last set I'll know that TRD is pretty good at some slick marketing.

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

there's a 2nd Gen xb35. they are going to get rid of the 3Five bulbs all together

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

I didn't really like the Morimotos after I allowed it to break-in. (The old models-- so I kinda gave up on them until they have more rep. from the HID community)

I've tried the SVS, 85122+, Nightbreakers, and CBI bulbs as well, and, in my opinion, the CBI bulb wins. I'm not a fan of yellow-white. The CBI bulbs give me similar output, but white-blue color.

CBI bulbs all the way. There isn't anything out there that is consistent enough to beat it yet.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

Sutitan,, thank you thank you. i am not a big fan of the blue-ish color and looks immature in some ways. i guess the 55k is closer to the OEM color then.

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

I can't understand how people think 4,300k is yellow. Now, 6000k is blue. I have 5000k Morimoto 3Five and I like the look to 4,300k better. It's brighter especially on damp roads.

kocyk123

Here is a picture of my baby with the CBI's. This is how they look in real life. Pure white light, no yellow and no blue whatsoever.

dezymond

You mind posting a pic of light output from driver's seat. Yeah I know it won't be too accurate, but gives me an idea. I did one last night with my stock bulbs with my Galaxy s4, didn't turn out too bad.

I'm more than likely to order them, I just wanna make sure they're as bright as they're claimed to be and over on HID planet. I don't recall seeing a pair of CBIs in a TL over on that forum.

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

Yea I figured they were gonna do that as they dropped the price of the XB35 close to the price of the 3Five (Hence why I bought them at the time). But it's weird that they should drop the price of the 3Five if they are looking to get rid of stock. Who would buy 3Fives for only a few bucks difference?

The XB35 didn't come in 2500k, that's why I had to buy the 3Five package; unless it does now? On top of that I was looking for a promo code but there weren't any and I couldn't keep driving with one headlight. Literally a couple weeks later they anounce a new promo code . Talk about picking the wrong time to buy, lol.

(edit: I keep saying 2500k, it is actually 3000k)

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

if you use the acurazine code it's good for 15% off. there is no expiration for it.

it's either acurazine or acurazine15

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

Do any members here have CBI with ZXW or ZKW-R lenses? After pulling my stock fresnel lens out I can easily see how much better a clear lens would be.