Great! The only thing I am not super clear about after watching the video is about the clamps. How do the clamps work and how to squeeze them to remove? Thanks.

 

Great Video, once again! So nice to have you on MDXers these days. I just changed out my highs to DDM Tuning Sabre 50w LEDs ($95 on sale for $75). They are almost too bright (and, as you pointed out, I have reservations regarding their longevity - at least DDM has a 2 year warranty). After driving with them for a bit, it has really highlighted how dim our lows are.

I’m a fan of HIDs for lows. I think they have a more robust “throw” and the right kind of bulb in the right lamp is critical in a low beam due to its use with oncoming drivers. Also, LEDs don’t get as hot & can have a problem melting off ice & snow in particularly harsh winter conditions. I can live with this in my highs but not in my lows.

Anyway, I haven’t tackled HID replacement yet but your video has inspired me with its apparent ease. I also appreciate your commentary on bulb selection. I believe the stock color warms to 5000K. I’ve thought mine looked more yellow and, after your comparison, I wonder if that hasn’t occurred due to aging. (I’m comparing against my Diode Dynamics 6000K marker lights & now 6000K DDM Sabres). 5500K sounds fine & your cost pragmatism is reasonable. Thanks for the discussion. I am a little curious if anyone has compared them head to head with Morimoto XB35s which have a great reputation as well (@skirmch).

You know you’re going to get grief about that key ; )

 

Great Video, once again! So nice to have you on MDXers these days.

Thanks a lot!

From various sources I understand the stock is 4300K, so having 4700-5000 would be the closest to stock. This does not affect the light output, though. It's still strong. Some believe 4300-4700 provides best light output, but that's debatable, of course.

 

I guess I have thin hands. I was able to replace my low beam HIDs without removing the battery and without removing the top plastic shield/trim. Yes, mostly a blinded task. Good thing these are not my first D2S HIDs. So, I am used to unclip and clip back the bulb.

I used Philips D2S Xtreme vision Gen 2 4800K part number 85122XV2C1. I replaced one first and drove the car for a few days to see the difference. For me, the new bulb was giving me around 20-25% more brightness compared to original OEM Philips D2S 4300K as projected on the garage door (just my visual judgment). Bottom-line, I was very happy driving at night on my trip from Houston TX to Tampa FL this past Christmas.

 

I guess I have thin hands. I was able to replace my low beam HIDs without removing the battery and without removing the top plastic shield/trim.

Yes, that's totally doable. As I mentioned in the video, the reasons I removed the battery is that it's easier that way and there was no other chance for me to fit the camera to show the process.

 

Totally doable without those removals but easier with them & he points that out.

I couldn’t agree more about driving a week or two with a mismatched pair, it really gives you a chance to see what your real world perception is if you’re on the fence. As a recent example, I couldn’t tell a lot of difference in the DDM Sabre 50 LEDs on our 5th Gen 4Runner, even when pointing at a wall. The difference was obvious however, after driving it mismatched for a week. It even convinced my mom, who was initially dead set against the swap. The MDX high beam reflectors worked so well with those LEDs we just switched them both over. Honestly, it’s almost too bright.

I’m definitely switching over the HID but I just need to settle on a brand. @AcuraAddicted points are well taken & I don’t think I’d be unhappy with his choice, particularly cost wise. Still, I’m interested in other brand input.

 

Yeah you can replace the bulbs without removing anything..

When replacing the driver bulb: Locate yourself in front of the car and put your LEFT HAND inside the space between the battery and the front chassis brace and change the bulb one handed.. Its easy enough.

When replacing the passenger bulb: Do what you did on the driver bulb in reverse now using your RIGHT HAND..

PRESTO! you change the bulbs in 5 min tops..

 

Yeah you can replace the bulbs without removing anything..

Didn’t you go with the Morimoto XB35s? What has been your experience?