Xenon Bulbs – much of a muchness?

I drove my other half’s car yesterday and thought the lights were a bit poor. Turns out the drivers side lamp is out. How long it’s been out, I have no idea.

It’s the low beam that’s out. It’s a Xenon projector job. I’ve never had to replace one so I don’t really know what I’m looking at.

I know it’s a DS1 bulb but much like good old halogen, there’s a multitude of options and I assume, much like halogen a multitude of variations on light output, quality and longevity with the extra complexity of colour temperature thrown in for good measure.

I always used to default to either Osram or Philips when it came to bulbs. They’re still reassuringly expensive compared to some. Are they worth the extra? Has anyone got any pointers on what’s good and what to avoid?

Or,

Am I over thinking things and anything will do?

Does it specify anything in the handbook? I am making a massive assumption that one came with the car.

TBH I don’t know much about different types of headlight bulb but if I was going on educated guesswork I’d consider buying a matching pair for both sides, just to get the light balanced across the beams

I’m on halogens but I’d never buy a cheapo bulb for a headlight and replace in pairs as a general principle.

In case you didn’t know with Xenons be aware that you need to take some extra precautions with them.  Or give it to a garage.

i just replaced a xenon DS1 bulb.

Halfords had  one, £40!! It was simple to change BUT it got stuck in there and took an hour cos I couldnt see what I was doing

I didnt know there are different types of DS1

Matching pair would be fine if they were halogen but looking at possibly £100 each for Xenon, I’ll just stick with one if I can get away with it!

I’d always avoid cheap halogen too. Especially when you can get a really good pair for say, £40. I guess that’s kind of what I’m asking, whether cheap Xenons are as bad as cheap halogen.

I fitted a replacement xenon in my wife’s subaru.
it cost £35, which is definitely cheap for a xenon, and is absolutely indistinguishable from the oem bulb.
was quite fiddly to fit, but due to taking sertraline I managed it without swearing at all.
and, as i come from the west of Scotland, that is a **** major achievement by the way.

Recommend me some car headlamp bulbs please

Buy something reputable from a known reseller.  Copies often look the same but are made from poor glass and break or degrade quickly.  OEM bulbs are usually Philips or Osram.  Buy in pairs.

Ive just bought some D2S Philips Whitevision from Carparts4less for £100 a pair.

Xenon bulbs were £100+ when they were first introduced, be thankful you can get a pair for that.

Be even more thankful that you’re not having to fork out to replace a damaged LED unit! £1000+…

RRP of the matrix lights for my V60 is £1663 – each.