I've read many posts regarding HID looking Halogen replacements for a 2nd gen IS. However, most of them seem dated so I wanted to ask what are the best Halogen bulbs one can buy currently that look the closest to stock HIDs? Also, do most people change only the low beams or both low and high. Light output is important to me...should be as bright as stock halogens at a minimum.

Also, looking for replacement bulbs for my figs which would match the headlights.

Any help regarding this matter would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

The posts are dated but still hold true. If you want visibility over looks then get a PIAA or Philips brand replacement in the correct bulb size. Stay away from too much blue or white color in your bulbs as you want function > form. For your fogs, you can probably run a set of quality LEDs.

 

Thanks. Know of any good vendors?

 

xenondepot

 

Thoughts on these for my lows, highs, and fogs?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GD8OL62/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1405705047&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GQSXV4W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1405706189&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AF3SS7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1405706239&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

 

If light output is important to you, I would suggest that you get an HID kit and get rid of the halogens. Good quality HID kits can be purchased for around $90...

 

I have never found a halogen bulb that looks anything like an HID. My advice would be to get an HID kit. I have had numerous aftermarket kits and was never happy with any of them until I found The Retrofit Source. Just remember you get what you pay for.

 

Purchased Philips Diamond Vision low beams and fogs based in the good reviews (on this forum and others). Hopefully they meet my needs if not I'll look into a HID kit.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Halogen will not be as bright or have the same color as HID, but if you are looking for a simple replacement bulb that will give you more light output and is whiter than standard halogen, I would suggest the Philips CrystalVision/X-treme Vision bulbs. They are rated around 4000K. If you want something with a bit more blue that's a cosmetic upgrade, the Nokya in arctic white are rated at 7000K.

John

 

I'll be getting a pair of Sylvania Silverstar ZXE today to see if their claim of HID attitude are true or not. I'll update on my results with them.