| gerrypadilla |
I am looking to get replacement headlight bulbs for my vehicle. Any idea which brand would perform the brightest and whitest color. My previous vehicle I used piaas and was just ok. I dont know which bulb the mdx uses!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
thanks again in advance |
|
|
| manus1980 |
| Other then the RS, I think the MD is the only other current Acura without xenon. The factory MD halogens are powerful but could use some style. I don't know all that much about after market bulbs, but would want to purchase a bulb that appears to be xenon and still remain powerful. The light given off I would like to appear super white, with some blue(like real xenon). Does such a bulb exist. Most of the after market bulbs I've seen appear weak and obviously fake.:cool: |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
| I've been real happy with my replacement bulbs (See my details in the tag line below). Others on the board can tell you more about them. If you search, you'll find a thread from 2 or 3 months ago and photos. |
|
|
| tdnone |
Contact Ron at ADRacing@aol.com for the Razos. It is in backorder now.
Cheers :) |
|
|
| Syzygy |
... or you can order from these guys http://www.autofreak.net/lightf.html
I suggest you go with the Carmate (Razo) BG604 Premium White replacement bulbs (lowbeams). I've been using them for more than four months already. |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
| Razo are good for the low beam and PIAA is recommended for fog lights. I am yet to order my Razos but have the PIAA as low beam for now. I got mine at www.shoppersadvantage.com for about $50.00 |
|
|
| 7plus |
| RAZO, PIAA - How long do these bulbs last? Do they burn out any different than stock bulbs? |
|
|
| sidewinder |
I replaced my lows with Phillips BlueVision 9005 high beams as was suggested by a previous post. It makes a noticeable difference with its brighter and whiter light and does not seem to blind oncoming traffic as I've never gotten flashed. I can definitely see how yellowish the fog lights are compared to these. And these only cost $10 each at Kmart to boot. Only minor catch is you have to cut out a plastic ridge on the bulb base for it to fit. BTW, these are 60W bulbs while the factory ones are 55W. These bulbs are suppossed to last average 300hours and give out 1700 lumens compared with 1000 lumens for the low beam unit.
Check out http://www.autolamps-online.com/halogen/bvcentre.htm for complete specs. |
|
|
| Syzygy |
quote:
Originally posted by sidewinder
I replaced my lows with Phillips BlueVision 9005 high beams as was suggested by a previous post. It makes a noticeable difference with its brighter and whiter light and does not seem to blind oncoming traffic as I've never gotten flashed. I can definitely see how yellowish the fog lights are compared to these. And these only cost $10 each at Kmart to boot. Only minor catch is you have to cut out a plastic ridge on the bulb base for it to fit. BTW, these are 60W bulbs while the factory ones are 55W. These bulbs are suppossed to last average 300hours and give out 1700 lumens compared with 1000 lumens for the low beam unit.
Before I installed the Razo Premium whites, I replaced the stock low beam bulbs with Philips Bluevision 9006. They were a bit brighter than the stock ones but still, I wasn't satisfied (they were still yellowish!). I was hesitant to buy another pair (Razo) thinking that I'd waste $70 only to find out the illumination (and color) will probably be the same as the BVs. Then one of my friends who also owns an MDX bought a pair of low beam Razos. There was a noticeable big (and I mean, BIG) difference between the Philips BVs and the Razo Premium whites! The Razos really come very close to HIDs and they're just 55 watts/bulb! I assure you you'll never go wrong with them! |
|
|
| sidewinder |
| Syz, I take it you compared the 9006 lowbeam BVs with the Razos. I haven't personally compared a 9005 highbeam BVs with Razos but I believe the 9005s have higher color temp thus are whiter than the 9006. Also keep in mind the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens while the 9006 puts out 1000 lumens. This may even further narrow the gap or maybe even surpass the Razos when it comes to brightness/whiteness. Which brings us to the question, has anyone compared Razos with 9005 BVs? |
|
|
| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by sidewinder
Syz, I take it you compared the 9006 lowbeam BVs with the Razos. I haven't personally compared a 9005 highbeam BVs with Razos but I believe the 9005s have higher color temp thus are whiter than the 9006. Also keep in mind the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens while the 9006 puts out 1000 lumens. This may even further narrow the gap or maybe even surpass the Razos when it comes to brightness/whiteness. Which brings us to the question, has anyone compared Razos with 9005 BVs?
Is it legal to install hi-beam bulb into low-beam socket? If one are tagged by police, one may not be allowed to continue the journey :confused: :confused: |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
| I guess that's like asking, "If you drive around with your bright lights on, will the police stop you". Anyone know? |
|
|
| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by AtlantaMDX
I guess that's like asking, "If you drive around with your bright lights on, will the police stop you". Anyone know?
I was stopped once and the policeman gave me a verbal warning and asked me to change to the low beam ( I forgotfully ran on high beam). I don't know what he would do if I said my low beam is the same.:rolleyes: |
|
|
| sidewinder |
| To clarify, having a 9005 bulb in the lowbeam housing will NOT give you high beam. However, putting a 9006 lowbeam bulb into the highbeam housing WILL give you high beam. The bulbs themselves do not affect the beam pattern as far as I know. As long as the headlight aim is not changed you will illuminate a same area but it will just be whiter and brighter. In other words, you can effectively change your lowbeam into a highbeam by changing the aim. In addtion, the bulb shield in the lowbeam housing(the metal scoop looking thing) will further prevent glare to oncoming traffic. |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
| I suppose you could always say you didn't know you were running on high beams and then when you "tried to switch to your low beams", they wouldn't. You might get a ticket for faulty equipment? |
|
|
| tdnone |
Sidewinder,
Thanks for the explanation and lesson about headlight bulbs. One more curious question: Do you know what is the real difference between the low and hi beam bulbs (since the housing provided the aim)? |
|
|
| Xtreme MDX |
| PIAA came out with the Extreme Series bulbs that are whiter and brighter than their previous Xenon filled light bulbs. They are claimed to be the whitest brightest Xenon filled bulbs in the market right now without the use of a ballast or current amp like the Catz Brand. |
|
|
| wmquan |
| Out of curiousity, how much are they? Are they better than the Razo's for low-beam? |
|
|
| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Out of curiousity, how much are they? Are they better than the Razo's for low-beam?
I saw the price at $109.99 for the pair. Low or Hi beam pairs are the same price. Razo is $69.99.
Go to www.autofreak.net to browse. |
|
|
| tdnone |
PLASMA XENON HID HEADLIGHTS 2001 ACURA MDX
Does anyone know or have used the above bulb? It was auctioned on e-bay and sell by www.platinumprices.net
Much appreciated your opinion. Thanks |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by Xtreme MDX
PIAA came out with the Extreme Series bulbs that are whiter and brighter than their previous Xenon filled light bulbs. They are claimed to be the whitest brightest Xenon filled bulbs in the market right now without the use of a ballast or current amp like the Catz Brand.
Has anyone replaced their bulbs with these? Curious to hear what you think. |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
Initially I bought the new Super white PIAA bulbs for low beams. There was a remarkable difference than the stock bulbs. I was shy switching on the stock fog lights. Last week I installed the Razo low beams that I got from Ron.....WOW what a change.
I currently have the Razo as low beams and PIAA for fogs.
PIAA has improved their bulbs bur Razo has the best white color. |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by Pittmdx
Initially I bought the new Super white PIAA bulbs for low beams. There was a remarkable difference than the stock bulbs. I was shy switching on the stock fog lights. Last week I installed the Razo low beams that I got from Ron.....WOW what a change.
I currently have the Razo as low beams and PIAA for fogs.
PIAA has improved their bulbs bur Razo has the best white color.
So you've done both the PIAA Super White bulbs, and the Razos and prefer the Razos?
I also have the PIAA Yellow fogs. I'm not shy about turing those babies on... if my lights are on, my fogs are on. I've been told that in Georgia that's actually illegal. There must be a weather condition for the fog lights to be on. I haven't been pulled over, but if I do, I'll play ignorant (oh, my Fogs are on officer?!?) |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
Razos are much better for the low beams.
I am happy with the PIAA as fogs.I was shy switching on the fogs when they had the stock bulbs and the low beams were the PIAA. I bought the Razos a month after the PIAA...and now have Razos as low beam and PIAA as fogs.
Sorry, if I wasnt clear. |
|
|
| gerrypadilla |
quote:
Originally posted by Pittmdx
Razos are much better for the low beams.
I am happy with the PIAA as fogs.I was shy switching on the fogs when they had the stock bulbs and the low beams were the PIAA. I bought the Razos a month after the PIAA...and now have Razos as low beam and PIAA as fogs.
Sorry, if I wasnt clear.
Have you ever driven with your razos in rain yet? |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by gerrypadilla
Have you ever driven with your razos in rain yet?
I have. They worked fine. |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by gerrypadilla
Have you ever driven with your razos in rain yet?
I haven't yet but will soon. Now that you asked me I am surprised since it rains so much here in PIT. Have had the Razos for only a week. |
|
|
| wmquan |
Do you folks with the aftermarket bulbs notice if you've been flashed by other drivers? And if so, more so than before you had the bulbs?
Heck, there are some stranger drivers that don't like people turning on their fogs when it's a bit misty. But I suppose there are folks who drive with their fogs on all the time too. |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
| Never been flashed. I drive with my fogs on all the time and have noticed all drivers do the same here in Pittsburgh....mist/fog or none. |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Do you folks with the aftermarket bulbs notice if you've been flashed by other drivers? And if so, more so than before you had the bulbs?
Heck, there are some stranger drivers that don't like people turning on their fogs when it's a bit misty. But I suppose there are folks who drive with their fogs on all the time too.
I haven't been flashed even once since I've had my MDX. |
|
|
| jaybaobao |
| Hello everybody, I just joined acuramdx.org today and was wondering what kind of bulbs does the fog lights uses? Also what size for the low beams. :confused: |
|
|
| TheWorm |
Lows and fogs: 9006
Highs: 9005 |
|
|
| gerrypadilla |
quote:
Originally posted by jaybaobao
Hello everybody, I just joined acuramdx.org today and was wondering what kind of bulbs does the fog lights uses? Also what size for the low beams. :confused:
9006 or hb4 for low beams,9005 high beams |
|
|
| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by jaybaobao
Hello everybody, I just joined acuramdx.org today and was wondering what kind of bulbs does the fog lights uses? Also what size for the low beams. :confused:
Looks like a few people have already answered you question. I just wanted to say welcome to the board! |
|
|
| Xtreme MDX |
Hi Pitt MDX,
Do you have the new Xtreme series PIAAS or the old super white ones? I have the Razos as my foglights which I do not really use due to the HID set I have. I checked the Xtreme series on one side of my fogs and it was whiter cmpared to the Razo ones that I have, definitely closer to my HID sets when I compared them. The PIAAs are a little more expensive than the Razos and the Razos last longer than the previous PIAAS, I do not know if this holds true about the new Xtreme series. Maybe PIAA has solved the reliability problem. The level of whiteness is also a subjective issue. I can say the PIAAs are whiter and another can say the Razos are. I still have the Razos because I always had good experience with them. There are also Japanese market Razos that are whiter than the ones sold in the US but the Japanese version from what I was told is a bit pricey and might fetch unwanted attention from the law enforcers, they are brighter and cast a bluesh tint compared to the US versions. Same blueish tint compared to Porshe HIDs. |
|
|
| FengMD |
| I replaced my bulbs with "Xenon Plasma HID" replacement bulbs from www.platinumprices.net. $59.95 + $5.95 S + H for three pairs (2 pairs 9006 and one pair 9005). They are bright white with a tint of blue. I turned them on next to my wife's Lexus GS400... couldn't tell the difference. I highly recommend them. |
|
|
| Pittmdx |
I have the old Super white PIAA which I use for the fogs. The Razos are much whiter that the PIAA and the old PIAA are much whiter than the stock(had to be). However, after learning about the new Xtreme PIAA I am being tempted to get them. How much do those cost?
quote:
Originally posted by Xtreme MDX
Hi Pitt MDX,
Do you have the new Xtreme series PIAAS or the old super white ones? I have the Razos as my foglights which I do not really use due to the HID set I have. I checked the Xtreme series on one side of my fogs and it was whiter cmpared to the Razo ones that I have, definitely closer to my HID sets when I compared them. The PIAAs are a little more expensive than the Razos and the Razos last longer than the previous PIAAS, I do not know if this holds true about the new Xtreme series. Maybe PIAA has solved the reliability problem. The level of whiteness is also a subjective issue. I can say the PIAAs are whiter and another can say the Razos are. I still have the Razos because I always had good experience with them. There are also Japanese market Razos that are whiter than the ones sold in the US but the Japanese version from what I was told is a bit pricey and might fetch unwanted attention from the law enforcers, they are brighter and cast a bluesh tint compared to the US versions. Same blueish tint compared to Porshe HIDs.
|
|
|
| Xtreme MDX |
| The price range differs from what shop you get it from they range from $ 90.00 - $ 120.00. I think the shop I go to frequently in the SF Bay Area were going to give them to me for a little less than $ 90.00 since I am one of their good customers. Check around in the internet you might find it for about $ 85.00 but you still have to pay for shipping. For the $ the Razo is still one of the best buys if you have this already keep it and wait for the Xtremes to come down in price and then buy them as a replacement light bulb if one of your sets do need replacement. When I use to use these bulbs as my main headlights on my Accord V6 I always had a set in the car as a spare. They have come in quite handy!!!!! I have pics on the Razo fogs and my HID retrofits if you want to see it, you will have to check the archives to find it though. If you are not considering the HID retrofits you might want to consider upgrading your light harness. APC makes these upgrade harnesses they might have one for the MDX. |
|
|
| Acura4Life |
One of my RAZO lowbeam headlight bulbs has ALREADY BURNED OUT !!!
I am very disappointed !!!
:(
Haven't had them more then a couple of months.
They suck !
Beware ! |
|
|
| tdnone |
Questions about installation
The installation of 3rd party replacement bulb called for the disconnection of the negative battery cable. Is that REALLY necessary in light of various electronics instruments in the 'DX? Would appreciate experiences and advices. |
|
|
| Xtreme MDX |
Acura4Life,
Sorry to hear about the Razos burning out on you. Just curious though , did it happen to burn out when you were flashing your hi and low beams? In the past I had problems with bulbs burning out right after I did the mentioned action. On my 98 Accord I had the Razos for a whole year til I even traded it in for the MDX and the Razos were fine. Maybe that's why the HID retrofits were so apealing to me since I have a lifetime replacement warranty on the bulbs or the ballast if any or part of the kit goes bad on me which is great since from what I heard the replacement bulbs cost about 150 and up. Guess it's a good opportunity to switch to the PIAAs if you have not yet done that.
Tdnone, in the past I never had to remove the battery cables, but as a precaution it is safer to do so but a hassle when you have to consider that you have to put back all the saved settings in your stereo, and whatever other things that need to be reconfigured again. But if you do disconnect the battery cables you might gain something positive. This might also be a good time to put in a new K&N air filter. Once you disconnect the battery this will reset the car's computer cpu and reread any new settings that might have taken place eg. like a new higher volume less restrictive air filter like the K&N. You might even get better gas mileage. I used to this on my other cars when I do minor tune ups like spark plug clean up or add performance parts. This procedure should maximize the results of any of the performance or tune ups made because the fuel and ignition programs get reset to read the new mods. |
|
|
| nwaring |
| I rush ordered the Razo low beams and got them the day before leaving on vacation last week. My reasons for buying them was to improve vision. YES they are “whiter”, YES they look cool, and NO they don’t improve the overall ability to see better at night IMHO.:( |
|
|
| FengMD |
quote:
Originally posted by tdnone
PLASMA XENON HID HEADLIGHTS 2001 ACURA MDX
Does anyone know or have used the above bulb? It was auctioned on e-bay and sell by www.platinumprices.net
Much appreciated your opinion. Thanks
I purchased and installed three sets (highs, lows, fogs). I am VERY pleased with them. They are just as white and bright as my wife's 2001 Lexus GS400 with true Xenon lights. |
|
|
| tdnone |
Hi Dave Feng,
Thanks for responding. I have ordered and received the Platinum bulbs at the same price as you got. I have not installed yet. One of my concern is the wattage. It is 100W vs the standard stock of 55W. Do you notice any increase in heat on the wiring harness or housing? I would appreciate your feeback.
Many thanks. |
|
|
| octavian |
I have had the Platinum bulbs installed for a week now.....no problems. I had to drive for 1.5hrs at night (with lights on) in one stint. Checked wiring due to the same wattage concern. Looks fine.
Definitely brighter, whiter light. So far so good. |
|
|
| tdnone |
Thanks, Octavian. I knew that FengMD installed all three pairs (hi, low and fog). Are you doing the same? And have you check all three for heat?
Many thanks. |
|
|
| octavian |
Yup, all 3 sets for $59 bucks. Install took me literally 12 minutes. If my memory serves me correctly, only the highs are 100watts, the lows and fogs are only 80 or so watts.
And I have not gotten flashed either (see other threads on this topic)....and I live in Texas. "Nuff said.
But I HAVE used my high beams on some idiot who pulled out across my lane.....talk about a deer in headlights....heh heh heh...... |
|
|
| FengMD |
| Sorry... can't make any comment as to the heat factor... i never check that sort of thing after driving with the lights on. Now you have me worried! |
|
|
| octavian |
If you can't stand the heat........:D
Seriously, I do not think it will be a problem at all. My buddies all put these bizarre lamps in their cars with no after effects.
Wouldn't recommend a 250 watt floodlight, tho!
Stay in touch and let's keep each other and others up to date IF there are any problems. |
|
|
| lausy |
| Thanks FengMD and Octavian for recommending the Platium bulbs. On your recommendation, I ordered them on Wed and received them today and installed in less than 10 minutes. They look beautiful, can't wait to drive around at night with them. The only problem I had was the driver's side fog light harness dropped when I disconnected it, after fishing around for 2 minutes and finally finding it, plugged it into the new bulb and voila! |
|
|
| octavian |
| Glad to hear it! Mine are working great. Now you may want to do all your driving at night! |
|
|
| FengMD |
| I am glad that everybody is happy with the bulbs. I too have been very satisfied with the performance of these new HID Xenon Plasma bulbs. The bright white with a hint of blue is really apparent when driving beside someone with conventional halogen bulbs. I have had them in for about four weeks now. No problems at all.:D |
|
|
| accmdx |
So for all of you that have installed the 80/100 watt Zenon Platinum bulbs, did you or did you not disconnect the negative battery terminal as suggested?
I've installed 80/100's on my '88 Accord and never done this before. I've run this wattage for the last three years with no problems. Definitely brighter than 55/60 halogens. Even with my headlights aimed higher for longer distance, I still do not get flashed. Never had any problems passing inspections either.
My bulbs came today, but only received the low beam and fog. I hope the high beams are on back order and coming soon. I don't dare put the others in if I don't have the whole order. |
|
|
| octavian |
ah, well, your honor, and members of the jury, I must admit that I did NOT disconnect the negative battery terminal as suggested."
(Audible "GASP" from the jury and court room).
"However, your honor, nothing "negative" happened....get it?...."negative"?
(Audible "GROAN" from the jury and court room).
"While I strongly advise following any given directions, I would like everyone to know that you, too, can survive this misdemeanor and live to tell about it."
:D |
|
|
| Eruption |
Just curious why you didn't get the high beams, I would check with them.
I was going to buy these for my future X but two e-commerce warnings went off. 1) when I checked this site out a couple of months ago, I am pretty sure it said lifetime replacement, now its 3yr warrantly; 2) I noticed on the site it says in big bold letters "First come, first serve, limited stock on hand, while stock last.". Doesn't quite bode well for that 3yr replacement warranty. I hope this is just newbie e-commerce, but save that receipt...
Steve... |
|
|
| lausy |
Unfortunately there wasn't any packing slip or receipt that came with my bulbs but I'm not too worry about it.
After I installed the bulbs on my Acura, I was searching for some for my Accord. On ebay, there was a dutch auction that had the 9006/9005 combo for $28.99 shipped so I bought a pair of those too. Wouldn't you know it, they were the same exact bulbs I bought from platinum prices for $59 plus shipping. Sure the platium prices ones came with an extra set of 9006 for the fog, but it would still be cheaper if I bought 2 sets at the auction and end up with a spare set of 9005. Anyway, the vendor I bought from is Prostreetlighting. If you go to their website, www.prostreetlighting.com they sell this combo for $45.95, I would wait until I see them on ebay again and buy the at $28.99. The only problem I had with them was it took almost 2 weeks before I received my bulbs, could've been because they were on back order, but am very satisfied. |
|
|
| accmdx |
I installed my low beam last night from Platinum Prices and was thoroughly dissappointed. For one, one bulb did not even work, and two, they down right suck!! The factory stock Sylvania 51 watt are approximately 3 times brighter than these Plasma Zenon 80 watt bulbs. Either I got a totally bad batch or these are totally mismarked. The wattage can not overcome the blue lenses on the bulbs.
My 80 watt Hella's (clear) installed on my Accord are considerably brighter than the Acura's 51 watt
Sylvanias. Did we all get the same bulbs? Mine are marked "EAGLITE" HID COLOR APPEARANCE 9006 12V 80W PLASMA XENON. These bulbs are made in Korea.
I wore latex gloves just in case while installing them. I also recieved no packing slip in with the order, very unprofessional. They said they will send me the high beams they shorted me. I'll try to cancell and get my money back. I guess I got what I paid for!
:mad: |
|
|
| octavian |
Bummer, AccMDX.....
I checked mine and could not find any markings except for the wattage.
Go get your money back. Let's see if they do it. I read a post that said they changed their "lifetime" warranty to 3 years. Don't understand that at all.
I compared my Platinums to the stock halogens on my '00 mOdy side by side and no question, Platinums are brighter, especially the high beams which are great.
Maybe you did get a bad batch, or they changed mfg, or they ship whatever they can get a deal on so it's pot luck. In any event, not a good sign. |
|
|
| lausy |
| accmdx, the ones I got from both platium prices and prostreetlighting were both Eaglite 80W bulbs and they were definitely brighter than the stock ones. I did a side by side comparison and was really satisfied with the results. Maybe you might have gotten a bad batch. |
|
|
| FengMD |
ACCMDX:
Sorry to hear about your bad luck. I can't beleive how many problems you are experiencing with these bulbs. I have had mine in for about two months now, and continue to be extremely satisfied. every week or so, I compare my highs and lows side by side with my Wife's Lexus GS 400, because I have heard that some replacement "HID" bulbs lose their "blue" tint over time. So far so good. They are terrific on the highway at night.
I would give it another try. Either return them to Platinum Prices and get a replacement pair, or get a refund and try another dealer. If you search for Acura MDX on e-bay, there are at least two or three different replacement bulb distributors with listings at any given time.
Also, I too noticed the change from lifetime guarantee to 3 year guarantee. I don't like that! We will see if these guys are even around in three years!
Dave |
|
|
| -=Ice-T=- |
So in the end, would it be better to get Platinum fogs, low beams, and highs for $59.99, or just Razo low beams for $59.99?
I can't decide and I want to get new lights. Help me out :p |
|
|
| FengMD |
quote:
Originally posted by -=Ice-T=-
So in the end, would it be better to get Platinum fogs, low beams, and highs for $59.99, or just Razo low beams for $59.99?
I can't decide and I want to get new lights. Help me out :p
ice T
Based on my experience, the Platinum Prices bulbs (all three sets for $59) is a terrific deal. I have been VERY satisfied. The only thing that worries me is that some people have not been so lucky. I would still try the Platinum if I were you. If you like you can try another distributor. There is currently a guy on e-bay selling replacements for $18 a pair. Go to e-bay and search for "acura mdx". You will see his auction. He constantly renews it. If you do try those, let us all know how it turns out.
By the way... a friend of mine has Razo's on his Integra... mine are actually a little brighter and have more of a blue tint. |
|
|
| octavian |
IceT
Mr. FengMD dispenses good advice. My Platinums have performed very well for the month that I have had them in as well.
O |
|
|
| accmdx |
Still waiting for the replacement low beams and fogs. A question for those with the Plasma Xenons. Do you find the blue coating to be a little too dark on the bulbs? Even my high beams which I have installed are not too impressive as compared to clear 80W or even the 60W Sylvania's. Everything in the light path is turned so blue. It's not like it's white light with a tint of blue, everything is blue. I actually find it harder to see. For someone who has been driving with 80W/100W clears for the last three years, I don't see the advantage of the blue tint. It really obstructs the amount of light emitted from the bulbs.
I'll let you all know what I think of the low beam /fogs once they arrive. I don't think it's going to change things. There's way to much tint on these bulbs. |
|
|
| octavian |
accmdx,
It's hard to tell what you are getting, since Platinum may source from several mfg's. My bulbs are tinted blue but put out more of a white light than blue light. And again, they are much brighter in a side by side comparison with my wife's Ody.
But hey, ya wanna be satisfied, and if it causes you stress each time you turn on the headlights, get your money back and try something else. It's not worth the aggravation! |
|
|
| tdnone |
| Finally, I had the time to install all three pairs of Plasma Xenon purchased a month ago from Platinum for Hi/Low/Fog. All working fine and much brighter than the original stocks. Since I have no true HID equipped vehicle, so no comparison can be made. |
|
|
| tjwid |
There is a continous ebay aution for one pair of 9005 and one pair of 9006 for $20.99 plus $6.95 S&H. For the same $6,95 you can buy up to 5 pairs of either 9005/9006. It is hosted by a person with id autotekk.
Anybody has experience with this seller? Seems like a good deal. |
|
|
| mig |
Everyone,
I noticed on www.prostreetlighting.com that the 9005/ 9006 comes in "standard" wattage or "high" wattage. Any ideas on which ones I should order?
I also noticed that one of my local shops carries these. I will drop on by and see what they have to say and report back. |
|
|
| tdnone |
Mig,
I am curious as well regarding the two wattage offering from prostreetlighting. The ones from Platinum is 100W for High and 80W for low/fog, so I think is the high wattage ones. Sylvania has the Cool Blue bulb at the standard 55W. It is not as bright as the Platinum ones. This may be due to the higher wattage. |
|
|
| mig |
I ended up getting bulbs from one of the local stereo shops. I forgot the brand but I tend to believe that there are only a few companies actually maufacturing these bulbs and they get sold under all different labels. I paid a bit more but I know that my dealer will still be around if I need any warranty help and the odds of a web based business being around to help me are much worse. The bulbs were 80w for lows and fogs and 100w for highs. I also got a set for my girls Civic. They look great and I will report back in a moth or so on my experience with them.
I checked out the PIAA bulbs at antother dealer and they are $80 per pair (that would have been $240 for the set) but they do show DOT approvals and are much lower wattage. Hopefully the higher watt bulbs do not damage my MDX somehow! |
|
|
| need4spd |
| OK, I was all set to order some bulbs from platinumprices.net, but saw that they have 9005 and 9005XS (and 9006 and 9006XS). Which do I get? Which ones do you have? Did any of you use a 9005 as a low beam light (cut a notch in the base so it would fit)? I read somewhere (maybe on this board) that the diff. between 9005 (high beam) and 9006 (low beam) isn't so much the wattage (the stock ones are both around 51w-55w, I think), but that the 9005s are rated (stock) at something like 1700 lumens, and the 9006s are at 1000 lumens, almost half as bright for about the same wattage. Could someone "shed some light" on this? :rolleyes: |
|
|
| tdnone |
| 9005 for the high beam, 9006 for low beam and fog. |
|
|
| Acura4Life |
quote:
Originally posted by Acura4Life
One of my RAZO lowbeam headlight bulbs has ALREADY BURNED OUT !!!
I am very disappointed !!!
:(
Haven't had them more then a couple of months.
They suck !
Beware !
Guess who ?!?!?!?!!?
I know...I know...."Where have you been?"
Very, very busy.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I STILL think the RAZO bulbs suck. Mine burned out on me in months.
I just received my brand new Plasma Xenon bulbs from Platuimprices and I am extremely impressed with them. I have personally seen both now and think the bulbs from Platium are superior. Just my opinion.
Lata' all........ |
|
|
| mikedan |
| Accmdx, did your replacements ever arrive? If so, how pleased are you with the new pieces? Considering this purchase, doing a bit 'o homework first.:D |
|
|
| Beachman |
| Any one have a good source for the PIAA Yellow Ion Crystal Foglight Bulbs? Also, am I right that most of you "veterans" leave the factory high beam bulbs in and replace the low beam with the plasma xenon? |
|
|
| accmdx |
mikedan,
I returned my bulbs to Platinum Prices and they said they all checked out fine. I decided to obtain a refund which they promptly sent me without delay. I have since purchased clear 80/100 low, high, and fog bulbs ($30/pr.)from Autobulbdepot.com. They offer both a clear and a high intensity white. The HI Whites have a much lighter coating on the bulbs than Platinums'. The lows and fogs seems much brighter than stock. The highs are brighter too, but they could use to being aligned a little higher for maximum distance. Is there any way to alter the alignment of the high beams without changing the lows?
I didn't notice that much difference between stock high beams and 100 watt. I could swear the stock reached farther down the roadway, whereas the high wattage ones offer much broader illumination. But then when you go from highs back to lows there is a major difference in total light output. In my opinion the stock high beams are quite adequate.
The lows provide much more side to side illumination than the stock factory bulbs. I have yet to be flashed with them in and don't really find a need to drive with the fogs on anymore.
If I did it again I would probably just upgrade the lows and possibly the fogs. |
|
|
| marne |
I have never used aftermarket bulbs before, so I'm no expert. But yesterday I installed three sets of Xenon HID bulbs from PlatinumPrice.com (9006's for lows and fogs, and 9005's for highs) in my new 2002. (These bulbs have been sitting on my shelf since the first week of September. I'm SOOOO happy I've now got the 'X to use them in!)
They work great! They're much hotter-brighter-bluer than the cooler-dimmer-yellower stock bulbs. (I used to be involved in publishing, so the hotter-cooler comments refer to color temperature.)
I also second the comment about the wide side coverage of the fogs, although I can't say whether that's from the bulbs or (more likely) the reflector and/or lens. I do remember reading some comment about variations in the height of a bulb's filament from its base can change the pattern of its light output, since that would change the angle of the 'outbound' light hitting the reflector and lens optics.
Also, I can't comment yet on whether the PlatinumPrice bulb's higher wattage will prove to be a problem. But those caveats aside, I'm a happy user. |
|
|
| tdnone |
Hi Marne,
Congratulations on the arrival of your 02 White. May be it is time for a wine tour MDX convoy :D :D
Like you, I have all the stocks replaced by Plasma Xenon and is quite happy with it. |
|
|
| MANHATTENGAL |
MY RAZO'S HAVE BURNED OUT ALSO. DO NOT BUY!!!!!
SECONDLY, GOTTA FRIEND WHO WENT WITH THE HIGH WATTAGE BULBS AND BURNT HIS WIRING HARNESS.
SO, BEWARE!
I AM GOING WITH ANOTHER SET OF THE LOW WATTAGE. HAVEN'T DECIDED ON WHICH BRAND. DID LIKE MY RAZO'S AND PIAA FOGS.
LOT OF HEADS TURNED.
....GO WITH THE LOWER WATTAGE TO BE SAFE. |
|
|
| octavian |
M-Gal.....did your friend have an MDX? If so, WHERE exactly did the wiring harness burn out? What type of bulbs did he/she have....wattage....how long have they been used? Pictures?
The more details you provide, the more informed decisions you can help us make. |
|
|
| rspitz |
You are all talking about high priced "xenon like" bulbs aren't you? Have any of you considered replacing the oem bulbs with true xenon with supposedly "plug and play" ballasts and harnesses made by different companies? I know several members have reported great experiences with different vendors.
I've gone back and forth thinking about this as I wait for my '02 184. (still waiting on the VIN - dealer is telling me that my build date ended on 11/18 :) ) With prices for some of these brighter "xenon like" bulbs in the $100 range, a 4 to 5 hundred dollar true xenon kit which supposedly lasts much longer and gives a much brighter light isn't that far a rationalization.
Things I have heard and been thinking about are:
1) No auto-leveling in aftermarket systems. My wife's Lexus has auto-leveling, and I know BMW does. It's pretty cool. When the system first starts up it adjusts for the load and aims the headlights. It doesn't do what many people have mentioned and make quick rapid adjustments as you drive. Also, I believe all the other Acuras with their OEM xenon systems lack auto-leveling.
2) Blinding other drivers with your wickedly bright lights. I don't know if this | | | |
