From my searching here and in the Amazon, it seems to be two choices: Pay huge $$ for Phillips bulbs or go with aftermarket bulbs that seem to be sparse in the OEM temperature. I still have one original bulb, and it's getting noticeably dimmer than the one(OEM) replaced a few years ago after sliding into a pole.

Does anyone have a set of aftermarket OEM-equiv bulbs with over a year on them? 4300K-5000k? How are they holding up? Intensity and color?

Any other good options? I want to stick with or close to stock temp for maximum light output.

This seems to be my first choice. I do know from experience buying marine lighting that color temp ratings are usually marketing as much as science. I'm skeptical that these are 5000k bulbs "optimized"for an amazon search of OEM equivs...

http://www.amazon.com/MAXLUX-Xenon-B...d=FFH9OZG9TTS0

 

How about 5000k bulbs from HIDextra?

$34 shipped for the pair. I used an entire HID conversion kit from them in my Z, and I have 5000k bulbs in my Maxima. No issues whatsoever.

Plus, HIDextra gives a very, very nice two(?) year warranty incase anything happens to the bulbs during that time.

 

5000K > 4300K. 4300K is just too yellow and dull for me.

 

What is the stock temp range? The Maxima is the one car I own that I didn't have to change the bulbs, yet. I am waiting for one to go one day. This car has been very good to me over the years.

 

Stock is 4300K

 

Also that link above is for D2C. I recommend NOT getting D2Cs because 99.9% of them do not come with the metallic strip on the bulb itself. Make sure they are D2R. Philips, McCulloch, Osram(sylvania), DDM, HIDextra, Xentec and the list goes on, they are all great brands and quality.

 

What kind of price should you expect to pay for these bulbs your recommending?

 

Depending which brand, $15-$150 a set.

 

Hell yeah got the 8000k ones for 34 bucks from hidextra.com works great going on like 9 months looks more blue check out my cardomain page 1 has stock vs 8000k picture ar night!!

 

I say get 5000k or 6000k. Higher=no visibility......

 

My 2c:

I think it really depends on what you're goals are.
If you're seeking a true OEM replacement, then stick with the 4300K bulbs: Philips 85126+ (It's a D2R bulb).

I just replaced both on my '03 GLE a few months ago, and am satisfied with the light output. Nice blue hue when they first come 'on' and then warm up to a nice white light.

FWIW I ordered from these guys..very straight forward and fast shipping..Bulbs were brand new, well packaged, and made in Germany.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAND...item35a910c707

Hope this helps...

 

Don't get crazy overthinking it.

There are a few reputable vendors here on the forum that sell HID products.
I personally have purchased from Operatic, and have had both good quality and good service from him -- so yes, I'd purchase again.

Get yourself a set of cheap 5k's and replace the headlamps in tandem.
For the price vs. Phillips -- you can buy THREE more sets if the aftermarkets fail prematurely.
you won't be able to tell any difference in the light output...save for the slight difference in temp.

Agreed with previous poster: don't go higher (bluer) in temp than 6k or you'll be losing lumens/output/visibility.

good luck.

gr

 

Agree about Hidexta. Have one of their 5,000K kits for over a year and very happy. Don't know if they sell replacement OEM stock bulbs or just kits.

If you want to keep it looking stock, my advice is don't go above 5,000K.