OEM HID vs. Aftermarket HID

So I was running aftermarket 5000K HID for a year until 1 bulb went out last week. Instead of availing of the lifetime warranty to get the free bulb, I went to ebay and got me OEM Koito/Denso ballast and Philips D2S bulbs with H7 adaptors.

 

Install was relatively easy because the ballasts are very slim compared to the boxy old ballast (like Philips LVQ212). Just a few install notes: 1) Use a dremel to rebased the bulb and make sure you leave a notch so that it will not move once in the projector, 2) Since the base of the bulb is now 2-3mm thicker than halogen base, you need to modify the retaining clips to reduce clamp pressure and widen it a bit to accept the ballast plug...(it is huge), and 3) Since I cut the ballast-bulb wire (yes I know I should not do this) to route the wire thru the OEM grommet, make sure that when you twist the wire and solder well when connecting back. Also, do not cut the + and - evenly, the joints need to be as far apart as can be to prevent arcing.

 

The result is just amazing. There is no comparison in light output. :icon_bigg It is like upgrading to a new level of HID. I am still using stock projectors so the cut-off still has that slight yellowish tinge on top. Overall, I am very satisfied and the price premium (not much btw) is well worth it. I will post pics later as I slept at 2AM just to finish this.

 

Thanks to VXCL for his useful links!

In for the pics.

 

X

Thanks to VXCL for his useful links!

 

no prob, you sound like a different person now!

 

guide found in sig, and waxi you've been added, so add some pics in this thread!

here are pics of the back side of the right headlight housing. i'll take more pics when it gets dark.

 

1st pic - headlight cap on, no holes!!!

2nd pic - D2S plug

3rd pic - same plug, another angle

4th pic - skinny ballast under headlight housing. i used 3M super strength double tape (not the green & white pattern)

so would you say that the d2s bulbs are way better then just a h7 kit....

 

I currently have 4300k h7 kit but was thinking of switching to d2s bulbs.

so would you say that the d2s bulbs are way better then just a h7 kit....

 

I currently have 4300k h7 kit but was thinking of switching to d2s bulbs.

 

Definitely!

how much did you pay for everything?

Very interesting ... I have a xtech 5000k kit and I have not been blown away with the performance at all ... I am not sure if it is my headlight aim ir what but it feels washed out in the middle of my vision spectrum at times...these other bulbs ... can they fit with my current kit?

 

Thanks in advance ...

inorder to use the stock projector and D2s bulbs you'll need to buy adaptor rings like he did.

Would that be the H7 adaptor?

yes, it is this adaptor http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H7-to-D2S-D2R-Adapters-for-Philips-Osram-HID-bulbs_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ36476QQihZ017QQitemZ270069444278QQrdZ1

 

when you install/rebase OEM D2S plugs, you must do it so that the return wire is in the 6 o'clock position.

I used the oem phillips ds2 bulbs with h7 adapter and also the power adapter with a banzi express hid kit. Its a bitch to get everything right when u use ds2 bulbs. Trying to get the clip around it. Had one clip come off one projector(lost the clips) had to temp duct tape and electical tape the bulb in just right for now. I should have just got another set of rebased h7 hid bulbs to replace the golden/yellow ones i had previsouly. Instead of having to go thru all this trouble would have both cost the same in the end.

can you give us the link were you bought the oem set? Thanks.

can you give us the link were you bought the oem set? Thanks.

 

i may have a set for sale. going to have to wait until after the holidays though. pm if your interested.

Its a bitch to get everything right when u use ds2 bulbs. Trying to get the clip around it.

 

Looking at the backside of the housing, there is 1 screw that holds that clip in place. Loosen it then take the clip off. It is much easier to re-configure the clip when it is out. It is a trial and error process to make sure the clips won't get in the way of the plug.