MikeNSX

I have an HID bulb on my 07 A8 going bad. Some websites say it's a D1S and other say it's a D2S. Some say the OEM color temp is 4300, and others say it's 6000 on 'later' cars.

Can you tell me:

What it should be to match the factory color?

Should I replace both sides?

Is it a DYI, or should I have the dealer install them?

Thanks

Mister Bally

My originals were D2S in my '04. As far as temperature, I have no idea. I went to Pelican Parts dot com and chose OEM. The true Audi in an Audi box were like what a dealer supplies and very expensive. I chose the next option, OEM bulb by either Osram or Sylvania. The third, much lower cost choice; "Like Osram" Chinese junk I did not choose.

I did go with Chinese no-name HID bulbs in the past. When new, they were fine. They went dim and turned pink way too soon IMO.

The reason I chose Pelican Parts is they have been around for awhile and if I suspected fake name brand parts, I could return them, in person if necessary as I travel their way every so often. I figure fleabay and Amazon scammers might me more difficult to have recourse with.

As for DIY, as long as you are mechanically inclined and are familiar with electrical connectors, you can do the job.

mishar

+1

Just to add, 4300 gives you the most light and is OEM. Higher temperatures gives you that fancy looks, but actually less light.

MP4.2+6.0

+2

My 2006 W12 are also D2S

Albatrossboss

If you ever get bored and want to know way more than necessary about auto lights and colors, etc. Daniel Sterns website is very informative.

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

TSHong

+3 on what everyone has stated, projector lights take a D2S bulbs while reflectors take D2R bulbs. Parts manufacturers invented the D1S to cover both with one bulb. A high quality D2S is the best choice.

Galco

Just updated my HIDs with Osram CBI 5000K lights. Absolutely think they are great, nice crisp white light, nothing blue just looks white. 5000k is actually very close to natural sun light. 4300k is stock and very good for illumination in a varitety of weather condidtions. While you pay for it, Osram's CBI 5000k are getting 3400+ lumes that are usually not achieved by 5000k color temp.

I would do the CBIs again and i did a lot of research between Osram Night Breaker D2S (4300k and uber bright) and the Osram CBI at 5000k. Either scenario will set you back about $170-$180; but worth it, IMO.

EHLO

One of mine is shifting to red and I like Osram, but I'm confused about the versions.
There's a big difference in price between 1 and 3, and they are the same color.
The datasheet at Osram for the Night Breaker is missing, but judging from the same output and decline in rated life between 1 and 2, I'm not sure what the benefit is over the original one.

1. Osram D2S 66240 4300 K, 3200 lm, 2000/3000 hours, ~70$ (2)
2. Osram D2S 66240 CBI 5000 K, 3200 lm, 1800/2800 hours, ~85$ (2)
3. Osram D2S 66240 NBK 4300 K, ?, ?/?, ~100$ (2)

References;
hk-onlinehandel | eBay
Gas discharge headlight lamps for cars | OSRAM

Galco

#1 are most likely factory set up and quite good. #3 Night Breaker claim to be 70% brighter than standard D2S bulbs (Orsam's claim not mine) and as you noted same 4300K color as stock. The difference in price goes to overall brightness or lumes. Here's a good link to info on the 2. I also went back and forth on which ones to get. I went CBI (Cool Blue Intensive) as I live in So California and weather is not an issue to keep the color to 4300k, which is better for rain, snow or fog. I was looking a crisp white light without the juivanial blue/purple light of 6000+k. The 5000k is a very nice compromise and working very well for me. Compared to my 9 yr old factory HIDs not only is there a nice improvement in white light vs the tired off-white/warm-white of the aged factory set up, but also the beam pattern is much wider and consistent. No on coming cars have flashed me in complaint of too bright of lights either.

The Retrofit Source | Innovative Headlight Upgrades

Lastly, those prices you've listed are quite good. Maybe even too good to be true. Be careful as evidently there are lots of fakes out there. Have a look at this link for clues to fake name brand HIDs

How can I tell if my xenon bulbs are real or fake? | PowerBulbs

EHLO

Thanks Galco.
I ordered the Night Breaker from hk-onlinehandel based on this thread which shows that the SVS (previous version) reaches further;
Osram CBI vs SVS Output Comparison Pics
The seller has sold these since right after they were introduced, I assume the person makes up the lower margin in volume, but will check for signs of a fake;
New Osram D2S Bulb Xenarc Cool Blue Intense - Page 47