HID Bulbs Suggestions

[Sankarihauta]

Fair warning, I am generally a beginner when it comes to anything car related besides filters. I get ripped off fairly often. Anyways...

The passenger side HID low beam bulb went out on my 2004 Lincoln LS. Took to dealer to replace and the bulb from them ended up costing $225 for just the 1 bulb.

The bulb they took OUT was this one. Philips D2R
http://www.amazon.com/BulbAmerica-85126-4300K-Single-Automotive/dp/B001D25U8G

The bulb they put IN was an OEM Ford part 2C5Z-13N021-BA.

I have 2 questions. Has anyone ever returned a part to a dealership that the dealer themselves installed? I'll take the hit on labor if I have too. That price on the bulb just seems ridiculous.

Does anyone have any other recommendations for HID bulbs. The philips one died after about 5 years. I have a friend who can help install the bulbs.

Didn't research anything til after I got back because I needed a quick fix. I work late into the night and didn't want a ticket. So did I get taken again??

 

[marcredd]

Welcome to the the forum. Unfortunately, yes. Once an electrical part is installed, it is yours. Very unlikely a return / refund is going to happen.

 

[Andrizzle]

http://ddmtuning.com/Products/HID-Bulb-Replacements-Pair

You can get pairs of HID bulbs in different temperatures for around 20 bucks.


So yes, you did get hosed, but it could be argued you most likely got a higher quality bulb that will last longer. But does the huge price difference make up for that? Not a chance. I and a lot of others have been running DDM's HID bulbs for very long and I've never had to replace one.

Since you don't know much about your car, I suggest next time to come here for questions before heading to the dealer, they love when knowledgeable folks drive in with a simple issue.

 

[simmer]

i found this part # all over ebay for a way cheaper price. maybe order one of those.

i seen one OEM for $25

 

[Sankarihauta]

Thanks guys for the surprisingly mature responses. Guess I'm just use to the wrong forums.

Anyways, I guess I'll just consider this another one of life's lessons. One I apparently haven't learned yet. I plan on buying a pair of reasonably priced HID bulbs to keep on hand in case any go out again, and get my friend to show me how to do it.

$225. I got a car wash out of it at least, lol. Hopefully they used this...
http://www.finewaters.com/Bottled_Water/USA/Bling_H2O.asp

 

[jmtiseo]

You paid a premium for a bulb. I believe the LS came with either Sylvania OSRAM or Philips 85126 bulbs. It's not an area to cheap out on if you're a manufacturer, imagine the lawsuit if both bulbs went out in the middle of the night. These two are definitely up near the top, if not at the top, from a quality standpoint. Unfortunately they're well over a $100 a bulb from the parts store and are often counterfeited and sold on Amazon and eBay.

As mentioned you could probably run DDM tuning bulbs without an issue. They're cheap enough that you'd have to go through quite a few to reach the price of a proven high quality D2R bulb (OSRAM or 85126). Going with DDM Tuning will also give you a color temp to choose from. OEM is 4300k which is what you'll get from the dealer or parts store but DDM Tuning, The Retrofit Source, and other companies will offer color temp ranges from 3000k up to something stupid like 10-12000k, which isn't advisable. Philips and Sylvania make these bulbs but they're not available in our market.

Most of us on here either stick with the standard temp or bump up to 5000k for a white light or 6000k to get a hint of blue. Lastly, the bulbs should be 35 watt.

The links below may point you in the right direction. Welcome to LVC, before going to the dealer search this site via Google. Chances are what you're experiencing has already been addressed so you won't be walking into the dealer handing them your cojones.

I've been running these now for over 6 months in my highs, lows, and fogs without an issue.
Morimoto 3Five - D2R

Other members are running these I believe.
DDM Tuning Replacement HID Bulbs