OEM xenon bulb performance over time

[EssexGonzo]

Hi all,

I've had a quick search on this one but.....

My car is now 5.5 years old and has had the same factory fit xenon bulbs from new.

Sometimes, it seems that the amount of light coming from them doesn't appear to be as bright as other cars with similar lights.

Does the performance of these bulbs degrade over time?

[gupsterg]

Yep they do... info/links in this post Link:- Headlamps general brightness - Page 2 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?135207-Headlamps-general-brightness&p=735300#post735300)

[EssexGonzo]

Really useful thanks Gup. Do you happen to know the make, model and colour temp of the OEM bulb in the C6?

[gupsterg]

All info is in that linked post EG... I really believe mine are the original bulbs IIRC I may have seen a VAG stamp but not sure... mine OSRAM 66040 but discontinued...

If you ref the info here Link:- HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum - Everything you ever wanted to know about HID bulbs. (http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/content.php?4-Everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-HID-bulbs)

Extract below...


OSRAM/Sylvania Bulbs

Xenarc 66040 - According to data I have found, this bulb is 4300K with an output of 3210 lumens. Osrams often take a pinkish hue when they color-shift. Giving the bulb a different look than the Philips bulbs.

Xenarc 66240 - It appears this bulb is 4300K with an output of 3200 lumens. This bulb is a new generation replacement for the Xenarc 66040. It is unknown what if any functional differences exist between the two. Though structurally, the newer bulb now has the metal base support structure and no longer has the white cap over the base. Osrams often take a pinkish hue when they color-shift. Giving the bulb a different look than the Philips bulbs.

Xenstar 62301This bulb is one of the few legal 5400K bulbs (essentially a pure white color). Sylvania included these bulbs with their x1010 driving/fog lamps before they were discontinued. These bulbs are also repackaged by PIAA as 6000k bulbs. They have less red salt than Philips Ultinons, hence the 5400K instead of 6000K color temperature.

Again if you check 66240 is current OEM one IMO Link:- Gas discharge lamps (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/index.jsp)

Available on ebay from a reputable looking business seller Link:- 2x Osram Original Xenarc 4150k D2S 66240 Xenon HID Replacement Headlight Bulbs | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Osram-Original-Xenarc-4150k-D2S-66240-Xenon-HID-Replacement-Headlight-Bulbs-/271034062684?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f1ae3975c)

If I ever need to change mine due to lack of light/fusing I will get these Link:- OSRAM 66240SVS (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/xenarc-silverstar/index.jsp?productId=ZMP_1025431)

When I last checked on HID forum they were well recommended... if you wanted a bluer streak to lights the perhaps Link:- OSRAM 66240CBI (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/xenarc-cool-blue-intense/index.jsp)

Also if check out the HID forum... you gotta replace in pairs otherwise you will have odd looking lights... because of ageing/the composition of salt(material) in HID bulb...

[piotrek]

All info is in that linked post EG... I really believe mine are the original bulbs IIRC I may have seen a VAG stamp but not sure... mine OSRAM 66040 but discontinued...

If you ref the info here Link:- HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum - Everything you ever wanted to know about HID bulbs. (http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/content.php?4-Everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-HID-bulbs)

Extract below...



Again if you check 66240 is current OEM one IMO Link:- Gas discharge lamps (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/index.jsp)

Available on ebay from a reputable looking business seller Link:- 2x Osram Original Xenarc 4150k D2S 66240 Xenon HID Replacement Headlight Bulbs | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Osram-Original-Xenarc-4150k-D2S-66240-Xenon-HID-Replacement-Headlight-Bulbs-/271034062684?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f1ae3975c)

If I ever need to change mine due to lack of light/fusing I will get these Link:- OSRAM 66240SVS (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/xenarc-silverstar/index.jsp?productId=ZMP_1025431)

When I last checked on HID forum they were well recommended... if you wanted a bluer streak to lights the perhaps Link:- OSRAM 66240CBI (http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-lamps/automotive-cars/gas-discharge-lamps/xenarc-cool-blue-intense/index.jsp)

Also if check out the HID forum... you gotta replace in pairs otherwise you will have odd looking lights... because of ageing/the composition of salt(material) in HID bulb...



I have just bought the new Xenarc Silverstars, have to say that they are brighter,very happy with them !!

[SRT88]

I have refurbished my Dynamic Bi Xenon Headlights by Re-chroming the Reflectors inside(Prone to ), Polishing Outside Plastic + 3M Safeguard foil and the best of all I replaced the Lenses with Clear once ZKW Replica from USA(Better focus, more light....night-daylight :) ). Result -> ASTONISHING!

[EssexGonzo]

I have refurbished my Dynamic Bi Xenon Headlights by Re-chroming the Reflectors inside(Prone to ), Polishing Outside Plastic + 3M Safeguard foil and the best of all I replaced the Lenses with Clear once ZKW Replica from USA(Better focus, more light....night-daylight :) ). Result -> ASTONISHING!

Pictures please!! And how did you replace just the lens?

[gupsterg]

Be great to see photos :) ...

I reckon method to open headlight same as in here... Link:- DIY: LED strip DRLs within halogen headlight housings (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?137002-DIY-LED-strip-DRLs-within-halogen-headlight-housings&highlight=a4+daylight+led)

[SRT88]

Most of the work was done by a local specialist in those things. I only polished the outside plastic and put safeguard foil.
I could give you a link to a thread for BiXenon Headlights overhaul but NOT dynamic. There you do NOT have to remove the font plastic piece of the Headlight
ZKW R Clear Lens Upgrade Acura TL E55 Bixenon Projector | eBay (http://www.ebay.de/itm/260912761233?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649) these are the Lenses - D2S, therefore only PREfacelift

[MarkTM]

Sorry saw this thread as was checking if my car used D2S or D2R

Am ordering these as a spare, this seller supplied the Xenon bulbs for mine back in 2007 when I upgraded my XK8 to OEM Xenons

D2S 4300k HID Xenon Replacement Bulb 2 Bulbs Headlight 35w Lamp Light UK Seller | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/D2S-4300k-HID-Xenon-Replacement-Bulb-2-Bulbs-Headlight-35w-Lamp-Light-UK-Seller-/270984399752?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f17edcb88)

Am a little unsure why anyone would pay £100 for a set of bulbs that, based on my experience aren't any brighter or have greater longevity than these cheapies...at a 10th the price it's surely still a bargain is they're half as good:confused:

[gupsterg]

On 04 to 08 A6 xenon bulbs are D2S 12v 35w ...

[MarkTM]

Gup, thanks for confirming I'd picked the right ones! ;)

[gupsterg]

Am ordering these as a spare, this seller supplied the Xenon bulbs for mine back in 2007 when I upgraded my XK8 to OEM Xenons

D2S 4300k HID Xenon Replacement Bulb 2 Bulbs Headlight 35w Lamp Light UK Seller | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/D2S-4300k-HID-Xenon-Replacement-Bulb-2-Bulbs-Headlight-35w-Lamp-Light-UK-Seller-/270984399752?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f17edcb88)

Am a little unsure why anyone would pay £100 for a set of bulbs that, based on my experience aren't any brighter or have greater longevity than these cheapies...at a 10th the price it's surely still a bargain is they're half as good:confused:

Twice this month had the gong for bulb out in front nearside bulb but after switching them on off bulb has work, so either a loose connection or bulb issue which intermittently causing bulb outage. Regardless of fault I thought like Mark why not get these as spares plus I was not feeling so flush at mo (:() to get Osrams.

My new thread Link:- http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?154979-Trying-cheap-Xenon-HID-Bulb-in-my-A6&p=880127#post880127