OSRAM Xenarc Night Breaker Bulbs D2S

JeffKeryk

JeffKeryk

Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
27,610
Location
Los Gatos, CA
Replaced the Phillips Crystalvision Xenon HIDs in our beloved 2006 TSX with 243K. About 5 years and maybe 50K.
Wifey gets used to her RX and the Tesla. I always thought the TSX had excellent lighting.
Dunno how long these bulbs are supposed to last. The Osrams were $115 + the govenor's tax.

I'll give it a spin tonight.... Bit of a pain install, but that's on me.
 
Pretty sure the osrams are the standard here unless one asks for the “commercial account” bulbs for 30% less behind the counter. Compared to generic HIDs, they simply last longer and are far less picky when using aftermarket ballasts, even good ones. I think they are 4.5 or 5k bulbs

However, the retrofit source sells HID capsules with lower color temps. They have a 3.5k (I think it’s 3.5) that looks very close to halogen, and when I used them I preferred them in every way. Halogen warmth, seemed to have better definition while being easier on the eyes. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long and didn’t have the reliability long term as the osram capsules. Some would go on forever, some were done in a year.
 
I bought Hella 4300k last time. They were only $55 each - least expensive name brand I found. They seem the same lighting wise as the original MB bulbs. We'll see how long the Hella last.
 
Osram or Philips are always my choice for automotive headlight bulbs. It will be interesting to hear you report back, if there is a noticeable improvement in intensity. HID bulbs do lose intensity, but from what I understand, it usually takes a fair amount of on hours before they start to degrade enough to tell the difference.
 
Vercingetorix said:
I would be worried of fakes from Amazon. I have always ordered out of the UK from Powerbulbs but that’s changed recently. They have a trust program.
https://www.osram.com/appsj/trust/frontend/trust.do?locale=en_US
Click to expand...
Thanks for the check. I've got 2 sets of fake NGK plugs, that I know of. And a set of coils for the Tundra.
The packaging label passed the 1st of the OSRAM 2 step test. The 2nd test is on a label on the bulbs; they are already installed.

We just took a ride test; I am calling the bulb replacement a win. Initial switch on was definitely improved. The big difference is distance; these are far better than the 5 year old Phillips. I don't think the old bulbs had that many hours on them, but the difference is striking. Distant srop signs on the right are perfectly illuminated. The peripheral vision is blanketed in light.

I would recommend the OSRAM bulbs, but they are pricey! Sheesh.
 
JeffKeryk said:
Thanks for the check. I've got 2 sets of fake NGK plugs, that I know of. And a set of coils for the Tundra.
The packaging label passed the 1st of the OSRAM 2 step test. The 2nd test is on a label on the bulbs; they are already installed.

We just took a ride test; I am calling the bulb replacement a win. Initial switch on was definitely improved. The big difference is distance; these are far better than the 5 year old Phillips. I don't think the old bulbs had that many hours on them, but the difference is striking. Distant srop signs on the right are perfectly illuminated. The peripheral vision is blanketed in light.

I would recommend the OSRAM bulbs, but they are pricey! Sheesh.
Click to expand...
Good data @JeffKeryk !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom