silv_w210

I know that d2r are reflector type and d2s are projector type bulbs. I also know that our cars use d2r. Now the question I have is if I can use a d2s bulb instead. I am looking at these on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-New...QQcmdZViewItem

It says they work in d2r and d2s housings and that d2s is actually a brighter bulb. I guess I just want to know if anyone on here knows if there is any truth to this. One of my d2r bulbs bit the dust and I am looking for replacements. I just can't find any at a reasonable price. I don't want ricey 12000 K bulbs or anything like that, I really want the most light output I can get. I am seriously considering buying these, the guy has pretty good feedback. You lighting experts out there tell me what to do. Sould I get Philips or OSRAM or what. I really don't want to spend $200 for a pair of bulbs.

GOD I'M CHEAP

-Stephen

ruffrob

Philips or Sylvania are pretty good. I got a pair of Philips from www.outmotoring.com for $49. But to get the optimum output, contact a member here by the name of Zam2000. He is the light guru here,and can definitely answer all your questions on that subject.....

silv_w210

Sorry, I guess I wasn't too specific. I have the OEM xenon HID's, not the halogens. If I could get philips d2r bulbs for $49 I would buy as many as I could, I think you are refering to the H7 halogens. I miss halogen lighting when I think of bulb cost.

-Stephen

foreyes

For xenon HIDs, the Philips D2S 4300k bulb throws the most lumens. If you opt to go up the Kelvin scale to get a flatter, bluer light, i.e. 6000k and above, you start to lose actual light output. The optimal route for W210 xenons is to purchase Depo projector headlights, toss out the inferior projector assemblies, retrofit in BMW X5 projector assemblies and ballasts and Philips 4300k D2S bulbs. The stock Mercedes free-form reflector D2R xenons are dismal compared to a good D2S projector setup.

raymond g-

I've never had D2R bulb in hand so unable to confirm firsthand. But according
to my notes, they're notched differently so D2S isn't a drop in plug n play.
D2R is made for reflection bowl. D2S is made for projection designed bowl.
If you retrofitted D2S into a D2R socket, the light output may appear slightly
brighter but the beam pattern will not be optimum and may result in hot spots
(or dimmed sectors).

silv_w210

Yes the bulbs in the ebay ad have been notched to fit both d2r and d2s housings. I have thought about the beam pattern being affected like you mentioned and I am just looking for someone to confirm or deny this concern. I know someone out there knows whether or not this is a good idea.
I can't find any info on doing this but I see many ebay sellers out there selling the d2s bulbs notched to fit d2r also, so there has to be some people out there who are running around with them. Anyone with advise?