Alright all you techies out there -- here's your question for the day.

My 2005 545i is fully loaded and has the Adaptive Xenon Headlights with the D2s Factory Bulbs. I'm tired of the low intensity white light and want something brighter and purer white . HOWEVER -- I do not wish to mess with the ballasts, etc. I was going to do a simple bulb change out to a higher intensity bulb. I have seen and read that the Phillips 6000K Ultinons are the way to go [see link]:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PHILIPS-600...1QQcmdZViewItem



So my questions are:

1. Is this truly simple plug and play? Can I just swap bulbs and that's it? Is the difference as dramatic as claimed?

2. Anyone tried the Apexcone D2s Bulbs? The 4500K bulb seems radically brighter!
http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml


3. Any other "brighter ideas?" Here's your chance to shine! If guys out there have actually tried any of these, would appreciate your feedback in comparison to the stock/factory bulbs.....

 

looks good

 

I purchased from understeer before and all I can say is their great. but as for if its just an easy bulb swap... I think it is... e-mail them and ask.

 

It's hard to put a value on which is better as photo's are so easily manipulated these days, I have the Xenon's on my e60 and they for me are as bright as i'd ever want or need, I'd suggest the techies did their sums on these during development and came up with the brightest, clearest solution.

Sorry it's a no for me but be sure to be careful when your swapping out those bulbs, apparently they can give quite a kick.

 

There can be a problem sometimes with confusion between color temperature (i.e. shade of white/blue/purple) and brightness.
Generally, the relationship with xenons is the further from white the light appears to be (the more color in otherwords) the lower the light output.
So, you can tint the light output, but it will actually give you less light - its your decision, but best make it in full knowledge of the facts.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. To clarify, I do understand that there is a difference between brightness and color temperature. I also understand the whiter/and higher the degree of K in a light, the whiter it appears.

If you look at Understeer, Apex, or even Umnitza's websites -- they all claim BRIGHTER light. So, the question is --- has anyone mentioned the lumens for each of these bulbs???? Can we prove one is BRIGHTER than the other???

 

the xtec DS2 is brigther but you can not see when you on wet road.chech the link below .
http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html

 

WOW! That is a really good write up on HID's.