Does anyone know what the difference between these bulbs are?

D2S: MORIMOTO XB35
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...ducts_id=40562

and the

D2S: MORIMOTO 3FIVE (35W)
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...oducts_id=1250

There is a $10 difference in price, but I'm not sure why.

 

Warranty and one is made with better quality. Kinda like one is a Sony and one is a Sony XBR.

 

Also, look at the difference in lumens at 6000k. The cheaper bulbs have 100 less lumens..

 

Payment sent!

 

I just ordered a set last night for my 04.

OEM Koito projectors are close to the best, if not the best bixenon ones on the market. They have a nice wide hot spot and very even light distribution. These Depo ones are definitely better than the 03-05 ones, but nowhere near the 06+ ones. Anyone who says the projector doesn't make a difference doesn't know what they are talking about.

Check this out:

OEM Koitos (in a Murano w/STI lens)



Some POS aftermarket projector



They might not look super different but on the road it's a huge difference.... the bottom one will have no distance lighting and no width compared to something like an OEM Koito.

I'm also seeing that the DEPOs have issues with bulb centering though that might be people's crappy aftermarket bulbs. In any case, if I had to rank the 3 choices (03-05, 06+ OEM, 06+ DEPO) out of 10, I would say 03-05 is about a 3 out of 10, 06+ DEPO is about a 5 out of 10, and 06+ OEM is about a 9 out of 10. Still an upgrade for 03-05s but nowhere near a 1 to 1 replacement of 06+ OEM- though you might be able to swap the projector from your 06 if you have it.

 

You just need an RHD shield. You could probably make one if you are comfortable taking the headlight apart. You don't need a "new lens".

 

The depos look almost exactly like the first picture you posted. IDK what headlights you are talking about with that second picture.

You just ordered them? So they haven't come yet and you haven't tested them out... so how are you giving out your rating on them?

 

Just received mine. I thought I would share the unboxing experience.

 

I can just tell by looking at the beam pattern. I dial down the exposure on the pictures and just look at the hot spot. The OEM Koitos have a nice wide hot spot whereas the Depos just have a little dot in the middle. Makes a big difference on the road.

Still an upgrade from the 03-05s but let's not downplay the difference between these and OEMs

 

What is the deal with wiring... will these plug into my 03-05s no problem?

 

So, about as useful as giving a review on a book you haven't read, but have heard people talk about.

See where I'm going with this?...

My depo's don't have a hotspot at all, it looks nearly identical to the first pic you posted.
Maybe you should wait until YOU test out the bulbs before you give YOUR opinion on them.

I have tested them, and what i've seen contradicts what you have "seen".

 

How did you test them? Did you test them against a pair of OEM 06+ headlights? Did you use photometrics?

Look I'm not saying the Depos are trash but anyone who knows headlight output can see that they don't come close to the OEMs. Looking at the beams through a computer and analyzing the light intensity is a way more accurate way of evaluating the beam quality than eyeballing and getting angry on the internet. When I get mine I will do a little report with pictures to show you exactly what I'm talking about.

 

Yes, I have an 06..
And no. Why would I do that? That is stupid. I will judge them with my eyes, because it's my eyes that are going to be used while I'm driving. Why would I care about what I can't see.

So are you basically saying they are the same to the human eye but not when you look at them through a photodetector or through goniophotometers? Do you have either of those? Changing exposure digitally is not photometrics.

If you are going to try to use complex words and ideas to try to make your argument hold more weight by making yourself sound smarter, try to make sure you at least fake it right. At the minimum, at least do a bit of research on the "big word" that you decide to use to make sure you are using it right, or if it is even an accurate description of what you are trying to get across.

 

im sure the depo with sti lense and quality 55w system will be as good, or most likely better than oem.

 

I've read about 03-05 with HIDs, but how would this work with a non hid 03-05, unless they are reffering to aftermarket HIDs ? (Which I do have) What would I need to get these Depos working on 03-05 non hid?

 

Just ordered my set. I have an 05 HID currently so I bought the STI-r lenses and Morimoto D2S HID's as well. Plan on adding Halo's as well so I will post some pics when i'm finished.

 

Don't forget to also order the OCI Butyl Rubber Glue when you place your order at theretrofitsource. I forgot and had to pay for shipping twice.

 

No I don't have either of those tools, but playing with the exposure helps to show the distribution of light better. A few folks have already said they noticed the drop in optical quality between these and the Koitos so obviously the difference is viewable to the naked eye. I just don't want people buying these thinking they are getting 99% of the lighting for 30% of the price. It's an upgrade for the 03-05 but not comparable to the OEM 06+, that's all I'm saying... just cause you can't see it doesn't mean it's not the case

 

What the hell is OCI Butyl Rubber Glue?? Is this for re-sealing the headlights? Yup, just googled it. A friend of mine mod's Z,G,BMW headlights all the time. I believe he uses silicone to seal them. He has never had an issue with moisture or anything before, but I will run this by him to see what he says. Thanks for looking out!

 

Absolutely do not use silicone on your headlights. Only use OCI Butyl Rubber Glue. There is plenty of information on this site that says to avoid silicone.