I just joined the Xenon club. I purchased my Xenon used (got a good price) and did a DIY install. I notice my Xenon are not nearly as white & bright as my wife's SC430 projector Xenon. Is this normal because of projector vs. reflector type of Xenon? Or do I need new D2R bulbs?
I like the way the Xenon fits my brush guard.
First shot of the beam pattern is the SC430. The second shot is my ML. Both cars are park next to each other.
The bulbs in there have most likely color-shifted already and wont perform as good as the newer bulbs in your wifes car. Just get a new set of bulbs in the color you desire and you should be set to go.
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John_L - 8/18/2005 12:25 AM
Is this normal because of projector vs. reflector type of Xenon? Or do I need new D2R bulbs?
Yes John, the D2S type of bulb founded on reflector-based Xenons not have as high a colour temperature as the projector style Xenons, nor do they have as high a luminal output; the difference can be anywhere from 300-400 Kelvins, depending on the manufacturer.
Xenon HID bulbs actually get whiter as they age, up to a certain point. Then they will suddenly colour shift to yellow, pink, etc. I don't necessarily think that this is the issue in your case though.
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I replaced my D2R bulbs with new 4300K bulbs and they are a bit brighter. I am satisfied with their performance now.
Notice the old one on the right has the haze around the middle.
I orginally wanted to use white/clear signal lights up front however checking into Washingtion State law, they do not permit this. So the next best thing, I replaced the amber signal lights with Sylavnia Silverstar. I think they look better when off vs. the amber bulb. At night, they don't throw out as much yellow on the road.
I replaced my D2R bulbs with new 4300K bulbs and they are a bit brighter. I am satisfied with their performance now.
Notice the old one on the right has the haze around the middle.
I orginally wanted to use white/clear signal lights up front however checking into Washingtion State law, they do not permit this. So the next best thing, I replaced the amber signal lights with Sylavnia Silverstar. I think they look better when off vs. the amber bulb. At night, they don't throw out as much yellow on the road.
i may be a little late here but the color diff between your HIDS and your wifes can possible due to the kv rating of the bulb. 4300k's do give off a more "yellow/white" whereas the 5300k-6000k gives off more of a "white/blue". there are even 7000k-10,000k that give off a "blue/purple" tint. generally speaking, the higher the kv the "whiter" until you hit the plateau, then the actual light output drops significantly.
i believe the 4300ks give off more light output but is still a shade yellow. if you dont like it, i'd say go with a 5300k or even 6000k and you'll be right in the zone with the lexus.
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