Alexdfw

So, I had some body work done to my car because of a recent accident. My car is fine... the only reason the body shop replaced the lamp was because a scruff. Anyway, I received my car today and I can't help but notice the difference in light color. Before I call Park Place Bodywerks ...do you see what I see? Is the bulb whiter because it's newer? Now, I am wondering if the bulb in my old lamp is not OEM...

Left lamp is new, right is original.

xXHotelCrazyXx

That is why I prefer to replace both at the same time so there is no mixed brands and/or newer/older worn bulbs.

Shifter

Xenons take time to break in. MB states up to 100 hrs. But I agree with above I replaced mine in pairs because the difference drove me crazy.

Alexdfw

I don't think I even had a choice. The bulb was replaced because the entire assy had to be swapped. Anyway, 100 hrs, so this is "normal" -got it!

Thanks!!!

giovannifh

I would go buy two of the same make bulbs and replace them.
if it still has a color difference then there is a problem with the wiring.
my hunch is that if you replace both bulbs with two new ones from the same manufacturer then they'll match.

vic viper

OEM Xenon bulbs start out yellowish/white and tend to go more blue over time, when they are completely spent they look almost pink.

A replaced bulb will never "catch up" to the other one in color temp, so always replace them both when one goes.

vipsa

Why are we talking HIDs? I don't see that mentioned anywhere. It looks like stock halogen lights to me where the right one probably has an aftermarket blue tinted bulb. Again, I would replace both to satisfy my OCDness, but if you just want them to match, pull the brand new passenger bulb and see what brand it is. Buy one and place it in the driver side lamp.

Alexdfw

Halogen? HID? I know what both are, but your statement confused me. I have the bi-xenon headlights, p2 lighting package or whatever. I'd love to test the "purchase a new bulb for the other side" theory, but aren't xenon bulbs rather pricy?

vipsa

This is the first time you mention you have bi-xenon lights, that's why I was wondering why everyone thought you had xenon(HIDs). My statement was in regard to the possibility of you having halogens, so disregard it.

vic viper

Looking at the pictures above it is pretty obvious that they are xenons.