2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main 93 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Xenon replacement - any suggestions on what to buy? Posted by Larry West [Email] (#1140) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Larry West) on Tue, 7 Apr 2009 10:23:02 In Reply to: Xenon replacement - any suggestions on what to buy?, nreuter, Sun, 5 Apr 2009 18:21:23 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
You can always take your chances on ebay. At worst, you'll just be back to another online dealer for a "quality" item.
Yes, they do get dull over time. What actually happens, is the halide salts in the arc capsule start to coat the inside of the glass, diffusing and dimming the output. Eventually they start to flicker, turn colors, and will eventually die.
I replaced what I think were the factory D1S capsules in my 2002 9-5 in March of 2008 with ebay-bought capsules. The difference in light output was startling. And when I examined the old capsules, the almost complete coating of the inside of the arc capsule was the obvious reason.
After seeing that, my plan is to inspect them after two years, then either replace them then, or wait until the third year and replace them, but not to go longer than three years on a pair.
And yes, replace them in pairs. You'll regret not doing it.
Phillips or OSRAM or Sylvania should all be quality capsules. I agree with sticking to the 4300K ones, too.
After replacing mine, I was no longer interested in making any mods on that car to keep the halogens on with the BiXenons. there's plenty of light with new capsules!
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.