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Xenon bulbs, make any difference?
Posted: December 11th, 2005, 3:22 pm
by Black4CylMX3
Basically what the topic says.
Getting some blue xenon bulbs for now for the headlights, how much of a difference do they make if any?
Probably will eventually get a complete HID conversion but not for a while, so just getting these for now.
Posted: December 12th, 2005, 12:59 pm
by jschrauwen
You definitely haven't done much of a serch on this particular subject. Ther's actually a current thread that discusses similarly related topic. I believe you're being duped into believing that you are actually getting a "true" Xenon bulb which is used in HID applications. There is no such thing for the 9004 bulb. The blue colouring on the outside is another ploy for those gullable enough to swallow this. If you need greater details, it's all documented in here using the search function.
HID Conversion, again same thing. There is no real HID conversion for our cars. Perhaps HID "like" conversions but no true conversions. For our standard light fixture configuration the most suggested recommendation to get the best lighting possible is to acquire the Silvania Silverstar bulbs or another similar Silverstar.
If you're really keen on quality illumination while maintaining the overall esthetics and integrity of the MX (and you have around $700.00 - $1,000.00 or so), then may I suggest you serch the info regarding Tatsu's up-coming Group Buy for projector headlight units. I believe it may be in the new product development forum.
Hate to burst your bubble but that blue bulb Xenon thing is bunk.
Posted: December 13th, 2005, 11:28 am
by MX3 GSR for dummies
Posted: December 19th, 2005, 7:37 pm
by MX-SLICK
yeah dont get high wattage bulbs either. They tend to melt the wires behond the headlighs. XENON is just a term for a standard halogen bulb with a coloured film on it usually. Good bulbs are PIAA if you want to spend the money. Silverstars are good, and there are a few other ones around. Stay away from rice lights like eurolite...they will last about 2 weeks.
Posted: December 20th, 2005, 1:17 am
by jschrauwen
MX-SLICK wrote: XENON is just a term for a standard halogen bulb with a coloured film on it usually.
A different construction inside bulb than a halogen wrt filament. The gases inside are also different, comprised of argon and Xenon. System runs on a completely different temperature range and also requires a ballast and other ancilliary items for a complete system.
Posted: December 20th, 2005, 8:18 am
by MX3 GSR for dummies
MX-SLICK wrote:...they will last about 2 weeks.
Mine lasted about 2 years at one point in time until I removed them(they did not blow). You must make sure you do not get any foreign material on bulb as well as finger prints due to the extreme tempature range on glass. This is probably why they only lasted 2 weeks! With any headlight bulb you must take extreme care when installing as any oils or grime that may come in contact can reduce the life of your bulbs and they can even explode!!
Another point is to make sure you have a good seal on your headlights. If for any reason wind can penetrate seal, it will throw all sorts of stuff on the bulbs.
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 11:06 am
by jschrauwen
Those that wish to be more conversant about HID's, Xenon's, Halogens, conversions, what's good, what works, etc, should try to go through the various posts and forums from this link;
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/index.php
EunosTT is a member from this BB and knows his stuff.
g/l
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 12:04 pm
by MX3 GSR for dummies
Wicked link John...lots of info!
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 12:29 pm
by jschrauwen
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 12:31 pm
by MX3 GSR for dummies
Holy crap.....wheres the link for the rotating disco ball???!!!!
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 4:55 pm
by jschrauwen
Posted: December 22nd, 2005, 5:15 pm
by MX3 GSR for dummies
I just got my breath back.
...OMG...I can't believe it, you got links up your yin yang. I love the family pack...hey everyone, a group buy
http://store1.yimg.com/I/eparty_1873_8829832
Posted: January 8th, 2006, 10:20 pm
by slowmx3
get an HID system.... WAY better...
Posted: January 8th, 2006, 11:56 pm
by jschrauwen
slowmx3 wrote:get an HID system.... WAY better...
It would be a great asset if you could provide more than just saying "get an HID system". From what I've found there is no after market retro-fit to convert our headlight shells to "True" HID's. Posting some links and pics of this "system" would be very helpfull to the rest of the membership. Also posting night time pics of your new beam pattern on to walls at a straight-on and sideways perspective would give a better representation of just exactly what you mean by "way better". A little more descriptive or elaborative info would be fitting, else your recommendation may be considered missleading and without foundation or substantiation. I personally would like to see reference material to your new "HID system".
Posted: January 9th, 2006, 2:54 am
by slowmx3
You sound as if you think i'm trying to sell the guy something. Or that i'm just trying to make myself sound cool. I bought an HID retrofit kit off ebay, and installed it on my car and it made an unreal differance in night time vison for my mx-3. I have the kit where you put the HID bulb in the stock housing. Its not in a projector or anything. I really can't afford do spend thousands of dollars getting projectors from high end cars, so i did the next best thing. And i love it.
