Suggestions on Replacing the Low-beam Headlight Bulbs

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color of HIRs?

they aren't really supposed to be a "brighter" white are they? Because mine sure don't seem to be any different in color either... just about the same looking color and "brightness" as the stock 9006 and 9005... again, I do see a slight increase in brightness but with all the "hype" of HIRs I was sure let down.

Yes, please post some pics, would LOVE to see your side-by-side comparison.

Fish
 
I've ordered some HIR's for high and low beam plus spares. Sounds like I'm going to be disappointed. Will give my opinion once I install them and my extreme tranny.
 
If the difference is 1800 lumens vs. 1000 lumens, that's about 2/3 a stop (in photography talk), which should be noticeable, but not day-and-night. When I went to HID in my LX, I got 2 stops difference (4x brighter), which is definitely noticeable (like the difference between looking at medium gray and a nearly black shadow). Two-thirds stop is like looking at one image where you can just see some detail in the shadows and another that has black shadows.

Any reason why you can't put the HIR1 bulbs in the low beam position?
 
The photo concept helps a bit to understand I think... To be clear, there is some, what I would call "slight" increase, but by NO means is there any kind of "wow, now that is much better" thinking with my experience with HIRs. It was more like "wow, that's it? For $100 I could have bought 2 nice bottles of wine and had more enjoyment." Again, it was probably all the hype of "HIRs make a huge difference" that I read or "wanted to read" ....

anyway, you'll see avery slight inprovement but don't hold your breath for anything amazing.

I fitted the HIR1 into the 9005 high beam and they snap right in - no modification needed.

The HIR2 into the 9006 low beam work fine but you have to file down and reshape one of the base tabs on the bulb plastic body - see my amazing graphic rendering below...

SORRY - messed up on the image below - it should read 9006 as the low beam, NOT 9005 in the drawing below
HIR tab.webp
 
I replaced the passenger side lamp with the HIR lamp and and left the old one on the driver's side. The result is exactly as what I have bolded in Jim's post below. There is some difference, but you have to be looking for differences to notice it.

My opinion - it is not worth the money, especially because the HIR bulbs are not expected to last any longer than stock ones and though a bit brighter, they are not bright enough to make much of a difference at all.

My camera battery was dead and thus I could not take pictures. Will try to take some pictures and post them tomorrow night.

Jim_Chow said:
If the difference is 1800 lumens vs. 1000 lumens, that's about 2/3 a stop (in photography talk), which should be noticeable, but not day-and-night. When I went to HID in my LX, I got 2 stops difference (4x brighter), which is definitely noticeable (like the difference between looking at medium gray and a nearly black shadow). Two-thirds stop is like looking at one image where you can just see some detail in the shadows and another that has black shadows.

Any reason why you can't put the HIR1 bulbs in the low beam position?
Click to expand...
 
How much are stock replacements?
 
In my 80 series I 'modified' the plug on the harness end to be able to receive the 'high' bulb into the 'low' plug. That was a "no frills" huge improvement. Plus I used HIR highs in both low and high plugs.:eek: Haven't been flashed yet by oncoming drivers!
 
How is 5 months for ASAP?;)

I replaced my low beams with the Toshiba HIR bulbs. I noticed a good difference right away in the brightness of the low beams. The first part of my commute is in the pitch black coming down the mountains. The difference was definitely worth my money. Personally, I would do this again.

My European Spec Phillips bulbs went into the fog lights and they are brighter now too! These were brighter than the stock bulbs they replaced and the HIR's are even brighter.

At some point, I'll try and do side by side comparison photos. Maybe in like 5 more months:D
 
calamaridog said:
One of my HIR bulbs burned out already:mad:

What a waste of money:doh:

Anybody need one HIR bulb!
Click to expand...

That is unusual, there are guys (including myself) that have been running the HIR lamps for 4+ years on the 80 board with no problem. Are you using the high beams in the low beam slot?
 
cary said:
That is unusual, there are guys (including myself) that have been running the HIR lamps for 4+ years on the 80 board with no problem. Are you using the high beams in the low beam slot?
Click to expand...

He just forgot to wash his hands after having a Big Mac and greasy fries before installing the bulbs.:D
 
cary said:
That is unusual, there are guys (including myself) that have been running the HIR lamps for 4+ years on the 80 board with no problem. Are you using the high beams in the low beam slot?
Click to expand...

No. Of course I drive at night frequently:rolleyes:

mot said:
He just forgot to wash his hands after having a Big Mac and greasy fries before installing the bulbs.:D
Click to expand...

:flipoff2:

:mad:

So, does anybody need one bulb:D
 
I am one of the guys that SWEARS by the HIR bulbs!

I ran them in my 80 for over 2 years, most of which was driving on VERY rough washboard roads down in Mexico. I never had one fail and the improvement was night and day over stock!

I ordered them from Daniel Stern and will be ordering a set from him for my 100 as well!
 
Kevin,

I agree the performance was better than the stock bulbs. Very obvious difference actually.

I'm just pissed I'm out $25 for no reason.

I'm sure I'll pick up another bulb eventually...
 
I bought my LC100 used with some sort of funky blue coated bulbs in all positions. One blew and after some research on this forum I went HIR for high and low with Daniel. Two comments:

1. They are noticeable brighter than the crappy blue coated bulbs I had. vs. stock... no comment.

2. With a brand new boxcutter blade I had the new low beam bulbs trimmed down in about 2 minutes each. To confirm, there is no trimming on the high beams.

I can't comment on durability, but the headlights are very white and quite bright. As that is what I was expecting, I am happy with the purchase.

Now, the devil's advocate: A pair of GE stock bulbs at Walmart are $11... So there's that...
 
So, does anybody need one bulb:D[/quote]

I'll take it. Just put it in the mail. :grinpimp:
 
Had one go out in the 100, and replaced it with a $6 one from Autozone. But we don't do much night driving, so not a big issue for us.... :)
 
Elijah said:
In my 80 series I 'modified' the plug on the harness end to be able to receive the 'high' bulb into the 'low' plug. That was a "no frills" huge improvement. Plus I used HIR highs in both low and high plugs.:eek: Haven't been flashed yet by oncoming drivers!
Click to expand...


I was thinking of that! I was thinking of replaceing the plugs on the wiring.
~D
 
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