Arcadian

So, my original HID bulbs in my 2000 GS4 were getting dimmer and dimmer and bluer and bluer, time to replace. I wanted something a little brighter, but no crazy blue/purple stuff. I checked OEM Toyota bulbs and they wanted $500 for the pair. I checked out aftermarket and wanted a well-known brand. I settled on Philips 4800K Ultinon at $300 for the pair.The dealer installs them in the afternoon. Come night I switch on the lights, the levelers do their cycle and lo-and-behold, my lights now shine in the tree-tops and nothing on the ground. The dealer says bring it in, I advised them I had switched to Philips. They return my car and say they had to dial down the adjusters all the way, but the lights now aim within acceptable range.Later that night switch on the lights. They are much, much lower than before, the Philips are brighter and whiter than the old bulbs. The lights could be a bit lower, but it’s quite tolerable. But, I have questions. Why did the adjustment change so much from OEM to the Philips? Also, the Philips seem to be ‘patchy’ in how the light shines, has anyone else experienced this? Should I go back to OEM bulbs?

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

Did they install D2R or D2C bulbs? D2R bulbs are shielded; D2C are not but they do fit D2R sockets.

Also, wow, you got hosed so bad on those bulbs... $300. I hate to break it to you but you'd have been just fine with a sub-$100 set. Philips 85126 D2R bulbs are around $100/pair most places. Even for Philips 85126WXX2 (Ultinon 6000k, Philips' site doesn't list a 4800K Ultinon) $300 is a rip-off.

My advice: find a more competent and scrupulous dealership.

Alphaman19

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

Arcadian

Hmm, thanks for the replies. I'm in Canadian dollars BTW, and shipping/duty because you can't buy anything locally this far north. But, they were D2R and the GS uses D2R from all my research. Here's the listing, I should have included that https://www.hidconcept.com/products/...ulbs-pack-of-2
Still, why did the headlight adjustment change so much? does the bright-spot in these bulbs not align the same as OEM?
I guess I'll bite the bullet and get OEM.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

kaliehulum

captainva

iTrader: (1)

The factory HIDs are D2R. If you have D4S those will not work in your factory headlights

SpectraBlu

iTrader: (1)

Oem bulbs are Phillips 85126 and are D2R like everyone else said. You shouldn't need to align your lights from just changing the bulb. I would check to make sure the bulbs are seated properly. You also could have just gotten knockoff Phillips. If your current bulbs don't work out try The Retrofit Source for authentic bulbs, definitely don't get raped by the dealer though. Good luck

Arcadian

Thanks for the info. I saw YouTube video on changing bulbs where the video creator mentioned he had not seated the bulbs properly and had alignment issues. The packaging had Philips' anti-counterfeit markings and hologram like they say on their website, but yeah anything's possible, thanks again

captainva

iTrader: (1)

Also make sure you wear some clean gloves when installing. The oils on your hands can cause the bulb to burn out more quickly