Xenon bulb replacement?

[dhobbs]

Well it's that time of year where I realise that the Z4 lights are crap, so at some point I need to adjust the lights.
As for the bulbs, I understand they are D2S and as mine is a 2007, that's 8 years old, so I thought it would be worth upgrading them.
My question is, has anyone changed/upgraded the bulbs?

My initial options are:
Osram D2S Night Breaker Unlimited Xenar
Philips D2S 4800K X-treme Vision Bulb
Osram D2S Upgrade Cool Blue Intense Bulb

The Cool Blue may be out as I want a more OEM style but with more light (don't want the modified look), so anything with a colour temp of 4200k to 4800k.

I'm happy for suggestions.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I found with 5000k HIDs that I got eye strain at night, 4300k gives me no issues.

 

[dhobbs]

I've read some reviews that say that, one of the reasons for choosing the colour range. I think OEM are 4300K.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I see no point in changing xenon lights that work correctly, unless you have a desire to move up the colour spectrum for looks
(which you clearly don't)

OEM are the ideal colour for the best useable light in night-time driving, so just get what you have adjusted correctly, unless they have gone pink meaning imminent failure.

I'm not really convinced about claims for more light output and probably needs balancing against the inevitable reduction in bulb life before failure as nothing is for free...

 

[dhobbs]

The bulbs still work but I assume they degrade over time. There is a pink tinge to the top of the light pattern but nothing of any concern.

I'll have a go at adjusting them first but just wanting opinions from people on the forum

 

[cj10jeeper]

My understanding is they do not degrade (no filament, etc. like halogen) and last 2,000 - 3,000 hours. After 200 or so hours they bed in and have a slight colour shift to more white (hence fit in pairs)

Towards end of life they have a big colour shift to pink (not minor tinge) shortly before they fail.

May be value in a change if they are really pink

 

[-Tom-]

Mine had the old pink eye before complete failure. I read a load of reviews, some of which on e46 forums found the latest osrams appearing more yellow than oem! I went for the cool blue, they look way more modern and no problems at night with them.

 

[dhobbs]

Resurrecting an old thread I know but I bit the bullet and got new bulbs. I went for osram xenarc cool blue in the end. Much better light than the old 9 year old bulbs. In fact one had been replaced previously as they weren't identical bulbs (one Philips one no name).

Was it worth the change, yes definitely although not a night/day difference. Much brighter and clearer, don't think the range has increased though. Maybe time for another lense polish.
Daz