xenon bulbs

Princey · 13 Dec 2014 at 21:28

I think one of my xenons is on the blink. On occasion its a different colour temperature to the other. A lot warmer. Its very intermittent. Has anyone had this before?

stoofa · 13 Dec 2014 at 22:37

I was told that as Xenon bulbs get older then the colour temperature can change - the idea that xenon bulbs can "last a lifetime" is greatly OTT.
So it may well be time to change it and as with all bulbs - really should be changed as a pair.

Howard · 13 Dec 2014 at 23:10

That sounds like the symptom of a failing bulb. They do colour shift as they age but it's quite subtle.

Change them in pairs so that they match.

Princey · 14 Dec 2014 at 12:48

Thanks for that. Next question is where is the cheapest to buy OE replacements? Auto Bulbs Direct have Osram D1S' for £48

welldone · 14 Dec 2014 at 12:49

I've had but I had no use anymore

Will Gill · 14 Dec 2014 at 12:56

welldone said:
I've had but I had no use anymore

Very insightful

on topic, thats exactly what happened to mine, it went almost red in colour then popped.

Gaygle · 15 Dec 2014 at 11:39

Princey said:
Thanks for that. Next question is where is the cheapest to buy OE replacements? Auto Bulbs Direct have Osram D1S' for £48

You can get two Philips D1S bulbs here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-NEW-P...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27f28cdfe0

2 year warranty also!

Just check they're not counterfeit when you get them: http://www.mytreg.com/index.php?/topic/32609-counterfeit-hid-bulbs/ and http://www.hidbulbsrus.com/identifying-counterfeits/

mrk · 15 Dec 2014 at 12:13

Check to see if Halfords have 2 for 1 deals going too^ Nice saving if they do

Princey · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:17

I was in there yesterday for some mats, I think the 2 for 1 only applies to halogen bulbs. I will double check though. Could do with them fitting it for me too.

Firestar_3x · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:37

Princey said:
I was in there yesterday for some mats, I think the 2 for 1 only applies to halogen bulbs. I will double check though. Could do with them fitting it for me too.

I think this is the case, never since gas discharge bulbs in the 2 for 1 offer.

Howard · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:44

D1S bulbs are dearer because they have the ignitors built in. £44 for a pair of Philips seems rather suss to me! I'd expect them to be at least that amount each to be fair! The £48 Osrams are each btw

What's the car Princey?

Princey · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:47

2009 Insignia.

Princey · 17 Dec 2014 at 14:52

I've just ordered two Osram Xenarc D1S Upgrade CBIs (5000k) for £108 delivered. Vauxhall wanted £172 for EACH bulb. They are fitting them though for £25.

Howard · 17 Dec 2014 at 15:12

Good choice. Brilliant bulbs. I'm sure you can probably save that £25 and fit them yourself though, no?

Princey · 17 Dec 2014 at 15:17

Well apparently it's a ball ache on the Insignia with the AFLs fitted. I'll see if there any YouTube videos.

snapdragon69 · 17 Dec 2014 at 16:11

HIDs usually get bluer with age and then they suddenly go dim and pink, it's colloquially known as 'pink-eye' on the web.

Hotlinked image.

mrk · 17 Dec 2014 at 16:14

Some say it usually happens when the car affected tailgates too close to the arse of cars in front.

Amraam · 17 Dec 2014 at 16:26

Off topic, but what is it about Xenon bulbs that makes it so important not to touch them with bare hands? What affect does oil have on them?

Princey · 17 Dec 2014 at 16:27

I imagine it creates hotspots on the bulb when the prints heat up.

Skilid · 17 Dec 2014 at 16:36

Why are modern mercedes bulbs SO blue? They seem to be so much brighter/bluer than any other manufacturers cars on the road. Are they 55w instead of 35w or something? 6000k rather than 4-5000k.

I'm thinking of getting the Osram CBI for my Mazda 3.