BlackBeauty

Hi everyone,

I am currently confused right now. I plan to change my C240 headlights bulbs to "Xenon" bulbs but I don't know what brand is the best for the bulbs.

I know there are a few brands to consider like Nokya, Eurolite and PIAA.

I am looking for the one that looks closest to the real HID (purplish blue/bluish white) while keeping the brightness of the bulbs too.

So, I need you guys' opinions on this and please advice me on which brand is the best to buy.

Thanks so much guys.

PoonerElRay

Xenon bulbs are only for aesthetic purposes. They will in no way be as bright as true Xenon HID lights.

If you still want to buy xenon bulbs, most of the members here prefer Philips Vision Plus. They aren't bluish/purplish but offer a bit more brightness than the stocks.

If you just want the bluish/purplish color, I suggest you go with PIAA Xtreme White or Plasma Blue.

With these xenon bulbs, you can't have both color and brightness.

zpeed

I went to Summit Racing yesterday, they carry Toucan and Matrix. Toucan is 100 watts and $20 for xenon blue. Matrix is 70watts and $20 for Ultra white, $30 for Ultimate white. I want to try it out but they are out of stock right now. I will post pictures when I install it.

PoonerElRay

The C Coupe's low and high beams are rated 55W, anything greater such as those 70W and 100W bulbs you described are dangerous for both the electrical circuitry and the housing of the bulbs. Using higher wattage bulbs will draw more power and you risk blowing fuses. Secondly, the increase in heat generated by these cheap bulbs may melt the bulbs itself or even worse, damage your headlamp housing.

Think about it before you do it. My dealer made a lot of money repairing damaged headlamp housing units b/c of people who use higher wattage bulbs.

BlackBeauty

Thank you Big Sheesh and zpeed for your replies.

So the point is that I have to look for 55w bulbs, right?

And, one more thing that I'm confused of, Big Sheesh, I know you recommend me PIAA bulbs. But aren't they expensive? They are like $100+, right? Is it really worth the $100+ to buy the PIAA bulbs? Because the real HID kits are something like $500+.

I know there are a lot of brands that cost mostly around $30 (maybe like Toucan and Matrix that zpeed mentioned) for a pair of bulbs. And do you have any idea which one of those cheaper brands can give the best puprlish/bluish look? I heard that Nokya is quite good. And Eurolite too. Is is true?

Maybe those cheaper bulbs are not legal and PIAA's ones are legal. That could be the reason why PIAA bulbs are expensive.

Well, I'm sorry if I ask too many questions......but I am really confused here because there a tons of brands in the market and I have to pick one of them.

Thank you...thank you so much guys...you have been a great help here...

preyx

Cheaper bulbs usually indicate poorer performance and decreased filament life when compared to the more expensive ones.

You must understand first that with the increased wattage draw, the filaments will inherently last shorter than stock bulbs. The answer to the question of how short generally depends on the brand of bulb bought. Many people buy PIAA bulbs with no burnout for over a year. The cheaper bulbs, however, may only come with lives of 2 months, possibly even less.

I would recommend paying more for PIAA bulbs, not only because higher costs reflect on quality (which they do), but also because it's a name that everyone knows and rarely complains about.

When it comes down to it, use personal judgement. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

TimmyC230boy

Toucan bulbs are very good. I have had them in several cars and no problems ever!

bajaiman

I have tried different PIAA light bulbs on my car..... if you are looking for "Xenon" look then i would recommend PIAA Plasma FX, it emits purple/bluish light depending which angle you look at ......but the down side is that its not as bright as the stock.
The PIAA Extreme white, it emits whiter light compared to stock but also as bright...
You could also try RAZO zero something (i forgot the name) bulbs...it emits bluish light too...bluer than the PIAA extreme white...but its a bit too blue for me

young

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&threadid=4512

also, refer to timmy's lightfaq (in his sig above)

zpeed

I have PIAA 910 driving light (pencil light) not on my new MB and one of the bulb burn out in 2 month. I call PIAA for the warranty replacement. They told me that it's normal burn out. The new one gonna cost me $40-50 each. So I went to Pepboy get 100 watts bulb for less than $10 each and it last me at least 5 year now. I can drive with out the headlight just my driving and I adjust it not shine in to other driver eye.

I use all stock wire and relay that came with the PIAA kit and everything work fine nothing melt nothing burn.

Don't get me wrong I like the PIAA design and housing but not the bulb. I did order 3 set of bulbs at Summit but they are back order til the end of the month. I will let your guys know which one I pick.

bagwell

I have RAZO bulbs....I'm VERY happy with them.

paid $49 instead of $500 for a true HID kit...they're close enuff for me.

But my next car will have them from the factory !!

sdcaclint

razo looks great, but not as bright as stock

PoonerElRay

Forget those fake Xenon bulbs. Wait until the 2003 Coupe comes out and pray for a "problem-free" HID conversion kit.

zpeed

<sdcaclint razo looks great, but not as bright as stock>

<bagwell I have RAZO bulbs....I'm VERY happy with them>

Do you remember how many watts on those RAZO?

BlackBeauty

Thanks guys for all your replies.

Now at least I know which brand to go for the "Xenon" bulbs......

I may be trying the PIAA Plasma Fx H7.

Anyone tried this before?

This has no warranty and I just wanna know how long they can be used before they burn out.

Thanks again, guys!

You have been great!

young

the razos are 55watts.

the nokyas that i tried had a label that said 55watts===>75watts. i thought that meant that their 55watts were like other 75 watt bulbs (brighter), but it's the other way around. i'd also recommend staying away from higher wattage bulbs.

bajaiman

I've used PIAA Plasma Fx H7, I like the purpleish-bluish light output ....I think its the closest thing from HID but the light output is a bit worse than stock bulbs, if you're after the look and don't mind the less light output then i would recommend this light bulbs.
Been using it for 4 months and no problems so far.