Xenon bulb choices.

[Ryans323i]

I've got a xenon bulb out and need to replace it. I'll be replacing both (passenger and driver's) and keeping the old working one for an extra.

But what/who's should I buy?

I've got OE projectors, NON-bixenon. Which is xenon for low beams and halogens for high-beams. I do not have DRLs.

Here's a pic (hood's popped)


Am I correct that I need an H7 bulb ($10)? Or is it a DS-2 bulb ($85)?

[spencers]

For OEM projectors you need D2S xenon bulbs.

My suggestion is the Phillips 85122+
$95 a pair here, http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...nvrvmi2ukfm87e
These are the absolute BEST bulbs you can buy for the price. Best light output (lumens), best longevity (2500 hours), and most efficient.

If you can afford, (and locate) the Osram Cool Blue Intense, its a top notch quality bulb, rated at 5000k and 3400 lumens.

Lastly, if you're looking to save a little money versus the Phillips, the Sylvania 66240 on amazon for $40/each is good quality OEM replacement.

[Ryans323i]

Guess I'll be getting the Phillips. Thanks for the answer and links!

[quikryptonite]

Hey Ryan,

How long did it take you to replace the bulb? I've just had one of my BiXenon headlights go out and I'm hoping to take care of it this week. Is this a pretty easy DIY?

TIA.

[BimmerWill]

Im going to be doing this soon as well.
I was thinking about going this route as I would like to go with 6k bulbs again.
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/HI...lacements-Pair

The price is significantly less than the phillips and others. I bought some from umnitza around 2 years ago and they are going out on me.
Should i just bite the bullet and go for the expensive ones?

[JKO_ZHP]

For OEM projectors you need D2S xenon bulbs.

My suggestion is the Phillips 85122+
$95 a pair here, http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...nvrvmi2ukfm87e
These are the absolute BEST bulbs you can buy for the price. Best light output (lumens), best longevity (2500 hours), and most efficient.

If you can afford, (and locate) the Osram Cool Blue Intense, its a top notch quality bulb, rated at 5000k and 3400 lumens.

Lastly, if you're looking to save a little money versus the Phillips, the Sylvania 66240 on amazon for $40/each is good quality OEM replacement.

I'm confused, my '05 325Ci's OEM projectors used H7s; both low and high beams used H7s.
My ZHP though, the projectors are D2S.
Ryan, the 100% error-free way to tell is if the bulb that is out is long or short.

For H7's, I used Sylvania Silverstars and they were pretty bright, pure white.
The D2S's I have now are generic ones from Khoalty, 6000K, very bright with a slight blue tinge. Very cheap, had them on for over half a year, no problems at all. At the price I paid and the brightness, I think I'd rather stick with these. A couple lumens isn't worth around 50-100 bucks extra to me.

Hey Ryan,

How long did it take you to replace the bulb? I've just had one of my BiXenon headlights go out and I'm hoping to take care of it this week. Is this a pretty easy DIY?

TIA.

The airbox kinda blocks the driver's side but I have contortionist hands, popped out the bulb and replaced it in 5 minutes without taking out the headlights or anything.
There used to be a DIY guide on E46Fanatics and also a YouTube vid by sillieidiot...

[BimmerWill]

Hey Ryan,

How long did it take you to replace the bulb? I've just had one of my BiXenon headlights go out and I'm hoping to take care of it this week. Is this a pretty easy DIY?

TIA.

I swapped my 2 bulbs around tonight within ten minutes from one side to the other no problem.

I went ahead and ordered the 6ks from ddmtuning. Says they prob wont be here for a week. Im hoping that it doesn't take that long...

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[JupiterBMW]

I know this thread is old, but for you guys looking for what I believe is the absolute BEST D2S bulb you can buy, go with the Osram Xenarc SVS. I am still blown away at how bright and clear nighttime driving is. Perfectly white, insanely bright.

I got my set at www.theretrofitsource.com. $200/pair


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S...

[BimmerWill]

I know this thread is old, but for you guys looking for what I believe is the absolute BEST D2S bulb you can buy, go with the Osram Xenarc SVS. I am still blown away at how bright and clear nighttime driving is. Perfectly white, insanely bright.

I got my set at www.theretrofitsource.com. $200/pair


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S...

That's just a lot more money for bulbs then I can afford with my other expenses right now. Later down the road when money is not so tight ill look into them.

Thanks for the suggestion ill keep them in mind!

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[JupiterBMW]

Agreed... I will admit, had I not had the extra income when I bought them, I'm sure I'd have been just as happy with OEM replacements at $90/pair... But, I had a little extra cash to toss around, and now that I have them, I'm glad I do.