I have been doing a lot of digging and have run across a lot of info. Hopefully someone can help verify what I have found so far. I have factory HID's...125k miles 5.5 years old.

Problem is that one HID went out completely, so I turned it off and back on. I came back on but now its more or a purple hue. Based on what I have read, this is most likely just the bulb. Can anyone confirm?

Pic: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8320339/photo.JPG

If yes...then options are to just replace the one bulb or replace both so they match? What is typical? I just want to replace with stock, which seems to be DS2 35 Watt, 4300k. Is that correct?

Finally, best place to buy? I checked out a few sites with their own bulbs (http://www.xenondepot.com/D2S-HID-Bulb-p/xt-d2s.htm), which are 5000k, so I would have to replace both. However, they have a Philips (which seems to be stock) for 69.99. Or they have a higher level Philips which are 5000k but seem like they might be better. (http://www.xenondepot.com/d2s-philip.../pb-d2s-5k.htm)

Also saw this site: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/com.../#.U-BB-VbrnjU

Thoughts? Is a 5000k better that 4300k? I like a classic look and want the best visibility.

Finally - quick link on process to replace? I recall reading this is a big hassle?

 

You will want to replace the bulbs in pairs. Over the years the bulbs will slowly begin to change color, so if you replace one it will most likely never match the other side. I have an Xenon Depot HID kit in my car with the Xenon Depot bulbs and they look great and are good quality. If I were you though since you have the factory HID's I would stick with the Phillips bulbs unless you want a higher temp. 4300K will give you the best visibility. I would check out Amazon for the Phillips Bulbs, they usually have them for a very good price.

 

I agree with replacing both at the sane time. My son's 02 Maxima had one of the bulbs go out earlier this year. There was a clear difference between the working bulb & the new bulbs. Granted the car is older, but I would want the bulbs to match. We got them from Amazon for pretty cheap, & they were the same as the Phillip OEM bulbs.

 

OP to answer your question, Yes it's your bulb. 4300k temp will be the stock color light whereas 5000k will be slightly more blue in color but not by much. As someone above stated you should replace them in pairs as the other bulb will probably start to fail in the near future. As far as the removal/ install process I believe you can go in through the wheel well liner but it may be a pain. The other option may be to drop the front bumper (there's a DIY on here for it by Ghozt I believe) and remove the headlights to gain access to the bulbs. Someone else might have more insight on the topic. Good luck!

 

The color change is a sign of a failing bulb. 4300K bulbs within their first 30 hours will burn-in to a solid white color, then it will become bluer and lose luminosity by the end of its life cycle (2500-3000 hours). By the time the 4300K bulb needs replacement, it will be a near 6000K color.

As for the linked bulbs, you may experience issues due to Nissan's OEM ballasts. I would recommend finding another bulb, albeit from TRS as they do seem to offer the best prices for OEM lighting solutions (Philips/OSRAM) that are quality bulbs. 4300K will offer the best luminosity (TRS provides lumen info on each bulb), but there are a couple of bulbs out there manufactured by Philips and OSRAM in the 5000k range that have the same amount of lumens as a 4300K bulb. Your pick based on effectiveness, cost, and color preference.

 

Awesome, thanks for the helpful advice everyone!

 

5000k is not blue in color at all.. Unless you got a cheap eBay bulb/ballast 5000k is pure white. 4300k has a slight yellow tint and 6000k has a slight blue tint.

 

Just as a follow up, I just got done replacing the bulbs and everything works great. Thanks to all the advice here! I just removed the front part of the wheel well and it was easily accessible.

I ended up going with the stock bulbs (Philips from amazon for about $38/bulb).

 

Yeah you can't go wrong with the stock 4300K look.

I went 5000K for my low beams and fog HID kit and love them. As long as you don't go higher than 6000K you'll be good