the ones I have just now are 35w but one has died so thought I might as well try the 55w this time.

what colour temp did you get, 6000k?

cheers



Paul

4300 will give a more usable light

HIDS4U only have 5k 6k or 8k.

my old ones are 6k and although very bright at times I feel they should light up the road more than what they do, hence upgrading to 55w this time.

I take it I'd be better getting the 5k then?

cheers


Paul

On some of the HID websites they show a graph with the light output (in lumens) vs bulb rating.

So if you want an OEM look (pure white) with the best possible light output go for 5k.

Going for 6k (which is what I went for) results in slightly less light output than 5k but with a 'modified' look. The light output is white but with a blue tinge around the outside. It's not noticeable on the road generally but you'll see it on motorway road signs or shop windows. 6k HIDS4U Photos

I really don't recommend 8k, they will have a blue light onto the road and significant drop in light output compared to 5/6k.

When I bought my car it had 10k's in which I really didn't like, I found them quite tiring on the eyes.


I have a feeling that light output is more important to you than the lights looking 'cool' so i'd go for 5k



Hope that's of some use

thats my problem, I really like the colour of the 6k (think its looks great with a porto coop)

but, my vision at night is not the best so cant decide what to go for.

The answer should be glasses but i hate wearing them and while im planning on surgery I cant afford it at the moment.

ps I dont "legally" need glasses to drive, they just help a little.

ah ok ..

6k still produces a white output and at 55W I would expect v.good performance.

I guess if you did go for 6k and it wasn't white enough for you, you could purchase replacement 5k bulbs.

Without being able to compare different sets in the flesh it's difficult to make a judgement call, but I wasn't disappointed with the 35W 6k's in terms of brightness and white light.

I have genuine Philips Ballasts and HIDs, same ones used in new Audi, BMWs and Mercs. Brightest road usuable like is 4300 as bockers stated correctly.

The higher up the kelvin scale the less usable light and more for the 'look'. 5k is what most go for as a balance. IMO anything above looks less OEM and far too much aftermarket.

Even with my 4k, i get a lot of blue tint, as the bulb goes to half-life after few years and will eventually emit higher kelvin as xenon gas diminishes.

hi peeps have installed the 2 watt 19 led jobbies and compared them with some single led 1watt side lights and they are definitely superior.. twice the price so expected this.. as this car is my new car and has halfords top of range bulbs whiter light the leds look more suited to the hid look which is what i will be upgrading next..
cant decide on 4300 5000 or 6000k as i fitted 6000k to my porto last year.. looking for probably 5000k with mini ballasts as like a slight blue tint not complete white..
the new leds have a definite blue hue not white.. and based on my early impressions are no better than those pictured earlier in the thread..1.5w?? think my lights may benefit from a cut and polish too!
will try and take some photos for you guys to compare..
regards mitch

[IMG]http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx75/misterbishi_album/DSC00954.jpg[/IMG]


as you can see my plastics may benefit from refurbs inside out to give a crisper light and the leds would suit a hid set up better imo!!
will try a few late night shots for comparison

a few later on.. rain too!

I think 5k would give white with no or (v.marginal) blue tint. For a noticeable blue tint i'd go with 6k.

LEDs look good though

Just placed an order for the 1.5W bulbs and the voucher code still works. Thanks !!

I have led sidelights on my Alfa 159.. looks realy nice..