Mackhack

I'm about to replace my Xenon bulbs and was wondering what some of you have in? I'm looking for longevity and brighter than what came with the car, since I still have the first set in use. It's an 04 E55 without cornering lights.

Thanks.

das eighty

I would suggest Philips or OSRAM. You can't go wrong with either. Take a look at TRS, they have the run of the mill OEM bulbs, but then step it up a notch with Philips Xtreme Vision and Osram Nightbreakers. More lumens = more light.

The Retrofit Source

Mackhack

Thanks for the link. Would you say 6000k is a good choice? What's the difference between D1S and D2S? What I don't want is anything shining blue('ish)! This color is annoying and blinding as hell and I don't want this to happen to other motorists just as I don't want it to happen to me out there by others.

das eighty

6000k will bring you closer to the blue spectrum. I would stick to 5000k, pure white.

D1S has the igniter integrated into the bulb, with D2S the igniter is typically in the ballast. My 2004 lights used DS2 bulbs and the set of 2006+ I just upgraded to with bi-xenons uses the D1S bulb. Newer technology essentially. Hardly a noticeable difference though.

Mackhack

Thanks again for clarifying. I think the OSRAM XENARC 66240 CBI with 5000K is what I'm going for. They are D2S. I haven't verified if they will work in my 2004 but that should be the correct bulb I think if you're 2004 used that technology, too.

stockC43

the trs house brand is very good. I've ran them without issues. I'm currently running cbi's in my ml and s class. Fyi 2010+ s class and e class came factory with cbi's so they are a OEM quality. Just contact Trs and they will steer you in the right direction. No cheap China junk bulbs that will burn your housings with Trs. They only sell quality

Mackhack

Thanks stockC43! I learned already that cardboard boxed bulbs are most likely China counterfeit bulbs. Will go with authentic in plastic box only.

2000UZJ

I worked for TRS and now work as a wholesale for their products. Not a shameless plug but they have great stuff (even the in-house brand).

I run the 66240 CBI's and love them. 6K will bring you out of the "usable light" spectrum and you won't like them on a rainy evening with no city lights.

Toadster

pretty sure the Phillips in the parts list are recommended

dchl21

Philips or osram for about 200 if you want cheaper go with morimoto about 80 they are almost as good.

Mackhack

I got the double pack (original) on eBay last night for $120 instead of $160. Should arrive in a couple of days.

pamiboy

Most of the eBay bulbs are counterfeits even if they say Philips, Osram, or "made in Germany".

Mackhack

Correct. I don't doubt it. But I told him to send me a picture of the authenticity sticker and verified it with the manufacturer. It's legit. It's also a plastic box just like from overpriced O'Reilys. I'm not concerned at this point. The cardboard boxes are the counterfeit ones it looks like.

pamiboy

As long as you are sure it is authentic, then it's fine. If in doubt, then buy from reputed brick& mortar shops or retrofit source, candlepower, etc.
BTW it doesn't cost the Chinese much to make a suitable look alike plastic box.
I'm sure the counterfeit bulbs will work reasonably well too. But if you are looking for that level of perfection in your car, then why bother saving a $10-20 for possibility of fake ones.
From what I read somewhere there are agents in Germany /Europe who buy cheap bulbs in bulk from China and repackage them in Germany to be sold overseas.

Mackhack

I'm confident. Thanks to everyone for their help.

pamiboy

Good to know.
Let us know how the output is. Cheers.

Mackhack

I'll make before and after picture against a wall.