Factory xenon not very bright

A

AlpinaBoy

Member
I have had Porsche Subaru and fords with xenons in the past and they are brilliant

Is it worthwhile buying new bulbs to see if they are brighter?

They self level fine but the power output around town is rubbish

Any recommendations for new bulbs????
 
It's not really a case of them not being bright, rather a combination of several other factors.

The car is low so they shine a short distance forward
They self level, but to a preset height, so you may be able to adjust them up slightly for more distance projection
The stock bulbs are a low temp so you can substitute a higher temp say 6,000). Will look brighter, but actually give out less usable light (especially if you go too high temp.)
 
I am experiencing the same, drove on a dark and wet road the other night and it felt like my xenons were weak compared to other cars... I even switched on the fog lights too feel a bit more safe.
Thought I will first try to evaluate the self-level by positioning the car in front a wall , check the beams and take measurements.
The stock bulbs are a low temp so you can substitute a higher temp say 6,000). Will look brighter, but actually give out less usable light (especially if you go too high temp.)
Click to expand...
Could you please specify a little more the difference/final result between low and high temp bulbs?
 
http://obdtool.co.uk/wholesale/digital-slim-xenon-hid-kit-h4-9006-h11-9007-h7-6000k-8000k-10k-12k-15k-30k.html

This gives you a idea of colour temperature
 
Get bulbs of a higher temperature (kelvin). I have 5000k and they're similar to the newer models.
 
Hi all whilst on this subject do I have to get "BMW" bulbs or can I get replacement xenons from anywhere. I fitted a kit on my last car from HID's4U which were good quality. Am I correct in mine will need H7 bulbs. Z4 2004 3.0L with factory xenons. I agree with the author of this string in that they are not very bright so will try some of 5000K.

Cavey
 
my Xenons were "dimming", and i did a few things:

- cleaned up the lenses (not very cloudy, but polished them up)

- raised the beam pattern up a few notches on the adjuster

- replaced the xenons with some Osram DS2 (the latest ones seem to be a better bet though: linky - i have the H7 variants for the high beam and they're pretty good. If you replace, don't go too cheap, there are a number of low cost ones on eBay but i wouldn't risk it.

they're pretty bright now, have no complaints :thumbsup:
 
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