View Poll Results: 3000k or 6000k HID Fog
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll
3000k or 6000k HID Fog's?
06-22-2010, 06:53 PM
#11
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: So. Cal (SFV)
Posts: 17,508
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
The reason fog lights look brighter than lowbeams when you use the same temp rating bulbs is because the the fog light housing is a reflector whereas the lowbeams use a projector casings. Lights from the fog lights are dispersed so the look brigher compared to lights from the lowbeams which are more focused.
06-22-2010, 07:10 PM
#13
Members
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: West
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 535
Model Year: 2008
Not trying to rock the boat, but how much penetration or reflection would the 6000K kick back in real fog situation. If oem low beams are around 4300K, what temp are the oem fogs? I am not discussing the color match or visual appearance by others, just efficient candlepower showing me the road in front or not.
06-22-2010, 07:14 PM
#14
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not trying to rock the boat, but how much penetration or reflection would the 6000K kick back in real fog situation. If oem low beams are around 4300K, what temp are the oem fogs? I am not discussing the color match or visual appearance by others, just efficient candlepower showing me the road in front or not.
But really...higher temp = less light output. BUT, the stock fogs are simply halogen...even 8k HIDs will be brighter...simply because they are HIDs...
06-22-2010, 07:15 PM
#15
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: E60 M5, F85 X5M
Not trying to rock the boat, but how much penetration or reflection would the 6000K kick back in real fog situation. If oem low beams are around 4300K, what temp are the oem fogs? I am not discussing the color match or visual appearance by others, just efficient candlepower showing me the road in front or not.
1) Seems like most people agree that yellow fog lights actually provide better fog penetration because they don't get reflected as much as whiter light so 6000K bulbs are not very effective. That's why OEM fogs are halogens because you don't need the whiter output.
2) I remember seeing a chart where lumens start to decrease once you go past 4500K-5000K so I think the 4300K OEM bulbs will provide more light output than a 6000K.
06-23-2010, 10:03 AM
#18
Members
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: West
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 535
Model Year: 2008
I think you're asking about two different things; 1) if 6000K bulbs are effective in fog and 2) if they provide more light (lumens) than the 4300K lowbeams.
1) Seems like most people agree that yellow fog lights actually provide better fog penetration because they don't get reflected as much as whiter light so 6000K bulbs are not very effective. That's why OEM fogs are halogens because you don't need the whiter output.
2) I remember seeing a chart where lumens start to decrease once you go past 4500K-5000K so I think the 4300K OEM bulbs will provide more light output than a 6000K.
1) Seems like most people agree that yellow fog lights actually provide better fog penetration because they don't get reflected as much as whiter light so 6000K bulbs are not very effective. That's why OEM fogs are halogens because you don't need the whiter output.
2) I remember seeing a chart where lumens start to decrease once you go past 4500K-5000K so I think the 4300K OEM bulbs will provide more light output than a 6000K.
You addressed my concerns. It really becomes a matter of form or function. I live where there is real fog at times and need all the penetration I can get. Sometimes I wish I could turn off the headlight and only use the fogs as there is too much glare coming back. I am sure I am the exception with my needs though.
Thanks.
06-23-2010, 10:05 AM
#19
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OC
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2009 W211
Model Year: 2017
Thanks for all the information guys. Fog's not a big issue here in the OC / LA County area, so I guess I'm going with aesthetics over function.
2000k Civic Fogs ftmfw! Thanks again John!
2000k Civic Fogs ftmfw! Thanks again John!
06-23-2010, 12:08 PM
#20
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NYC, Rego Park, Queens
Posts: 5,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 E60 530i, 2012 E70 X5 35i
Model Year: 2004
I'll tell you my experience.
I've had 3000k, 6000k, and now 8000k.
My reason. First, I had 6000k on my Euro Headlights. with my Mtec Angel eyes with 6000k HID D1S bulbs and white eyebrow LED. The 6000k Fog matched perfectly and looked great.
I sold those lights and got regular ones and then got 3000k fogs. (with amber eyebrows) It was fun until I remodded my eyebrow and then put in the Orion V2's. (6000k D1S lowbeams). And the 3000k fogs did not match obviously. So tried 6000k fogs, with 6000k lowbeams and Orion V2's and White eyebrow. Forgot to mention SMD LED Turn signal. For some reason, the 6000k did not match at all. The Orion V2's were overpowering the color of my headlight and looks so off.
Now I have 8000k Fogs and they match perfectly to my Orion V2's with 6000k lows and SMD LED White turn signal and White Eyebrows. And now they look great.
So if you dont have Orion V2's, stick with 6000k. If you have Orion V2's, go for 8000k.
I've had 3000k, 6000k, and now 8000k.
My reason. First, I had 6000k on my Euro Headlights. with my Mtec Angel eyes with 6000k HID D1S bulbs and white eyebrow LED. The 6000k Fog matched perfectly and looked great.
I sold those lights and got regular ones and then got 3000k fogs. (with amber eyebrows) It was fun until I remodded my eyebrow and then put in the Orion V2's. (6000k D1S lowbeams). And the 3000k fogs did not match obviously. So tried 6000k fogs, with 6000k lowbeams and Orion V2's and White eyebrow. Forgot to mention SMD LED Turn signal. For some reason, the 6000k did not match at all. The Orion V2's were overpowering the color of my headlight and looks so off.
Now I have 8000k Fogs and they match perfectly to my Orion V2's with 6000k lows and SMD LED White turn signal and White Eyebrows. And now they look great.
So if you dont have Orion V2's, stick with 6000k. If you have Orion V2's, go for 8000k.