showstoppertk

iTrader: (6)

Hey Guys, one of my low beam HID's is out. Is this normal for 2 yr old HID's? I thought HID's were supposed to last longer than halogens? Is it more likely to be my ballast?

I've done some shopping for a replacement bulb and the cheapest I've found is $127 per bulb and I've heard that you should replace both bulbs at the same time so that you don't have any light color variations. Is that true? Also does anyone know of any place I can get the OEM or something equivalent cheaper?

Lastly I've heard the only way to get to the bulb to replace it is to take off the tire/rim and the wheel well coverings. Is that the only way? did nissan not make an easier way to do this?

Thanks...

GWAPITO69

iTrader: (6)

can't help you with the purchase but yeah that's the easiest way to change your low beam bulbs. Goodluck finding a cheaper HID bulb.

Santacruzslick

iTrader: (12)

Unfortunatly the "easiest" way to replace bulbs is to go through that process. Nothing is simple with the Z. lol

Zivman

iTrader: (19)

Check ebay for some replacement bulbs. I think you should be able to find a phllips or osrams for 60-70 bucks. Yes, the bulbs should last 5-10 yrs depending on how much you drive More specifically, HID capsules should last 2000 hrs vs the 200 hrs that halogens last. If you are still with warranty I would check with the dealer - it's worth a shot.

auctions:

OEM color Osrams
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...965638287&rd=1


5000K Phillips
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...965996267&rd=1

showstoppertk

iTrader: (6)

sadly my base didn't come with HID's. The previous owner (who worked at the dealership) changed the lights out to HID's so it wouldn't be something covered by the vehicle warranty. I'm sure the HID's have a warranty, but it wouldn't be worth my time to track down the previous owner. I did find a site (globalpremier.com) that sells D2R bulbs for $45-48$, but they are 6000k bulbs. will these work/be ok?

Zivman

iTrader: (19)

Make sure your car has D2R based capsules. They may be H7 retros. ONLY buy Phillips or Osram and stick with OEM color 4100-4300K capsules for best light output.

The cheaper bulbs will be just that - cheap. Most likely that is what your car has in it now and the reason the bulb failed so soon.

dapolishdude

im guessing you have some aftermarket kit on there to make them fit in the h7 spot, those usually are crap so dont last as long

old_s13

iTrader: (1)

HID bulbs under my use have lasted 2-4 years, depending. Back in 1998, I ran 6000k bulbs which looked pretty but are pretty much garbage.. they only lasted 2 years. Since then, I've only ran and sold 4300k bulbs -- they are superior in every aspect, and are cheap.

If you have a retrofit kit, enjoy.. this is the fun part.. finding spare bulbs to fit your non-standard ballast. See, HID retrofit kits are no longer legal for sale in the US (not that they were before, but the NHTSA cracked down about 2 years ago on vendors). And, because these kits were so inconsistent.. it'll be difficult to find something that fits.

You may want to check on ebay or www.autolamps-online.com

Best of luck
Mike / ClearCorners.Com

showstoppertk

iTrader: (6)

I'm thinking that the previous owner actually bought and fitted my Z with OEM HID's since he works and gets a discount through the dealership. But I'm guessing the only way to tell for sure is to actually open it up huh? is there no way to tell from the outside? I only ask b/c I live in an apt bldg and its not like I get a garage space to work on my car.

old_s13

iTrader: (1)

Halogen-spec headlamps use H1-style high beam bulb, whereas the HID-spec headlamp uses an H7-style bulb. In addition, the harnesses are completely different. You should be able to spot these differences and see the modification(s) made to the vehicle if indeed it was fitted with OEM HID.