HID Xenon Vs. Sylvania Silverstar Halogens, Lots of Pics!

[jedi7001]

Hello everyone. I have been posting quite a bit on this forum lately about HID lights and trying to decide if I want to spend the dime on a new set ($250-$300) versus just buying some Sylvania Silverstar replacement Halogens. I have read a lot of good reviews on the Silverstars and decided, for $39 at Walmart (where you can take ANYTHING back) I would just try them out. If I did not like them, Walmart would give me a refund unlike most online dealers and light bulbs.

I own a 2004 BMW that has OEM Xenon HID lights on them already. Stock they burn at 4300 kelvin and give off a nice bright yellowish purple. I just recently purchase 6000k replacement HID bulbs that cost $70 ish. These photos show the 6000k color (purplish bulb). I absolutely love the 6000k color versus the 4300k. Remember that it does not matter that it does not mean they are brighter at 6000k, it just burns a different color. I have heard that the higher the K, the less bright they are. I can not tell a difference and actually would argue they are much brighter. Anyway, this is not what the thread is about. I really hope this helps people decided on what they want to do. I will tell you my verdict at the end of this thread. Now for the pics....

Silverstars purchased from Walmart. 9006St for low beam, 9005ST for high beam.


The install was real easy. took 15 mins for all 4 bulbs. This can be done by ANYONE that can change a light bulb in their home.

This is a pic of the OEM light bulbs on my 2006 Titan:


Now here is a pic with the Silverstars in:


I noticed a slight difference in color. It basically took the "piss" yellow out of the cheap stock lights. Here is a pic of them side by side. The drivers side is the new light installed, the passenger side is stock halogen light. As you can tell, it is kinda hard to tell the difference IMO:



Now, for my favorite pics that really made me decide what I wanted. I backed my BMw out of the garage and parked them side by side. This is the titan with BOTH lights as Silverstars. My BMW has 6000k HID Xenons installed:






Ok, since everyone is welcome to their opinion, I am entitled to mine since its my thread. I think the above photos really show me that I HAVE to spend the $250-$300 for HID lights. the Silverstars just didnt cut it and really done have much of an effect, but for $40, they are notable for the price. However, I think I would go as far as saying that I would rather spend the $$ first before I decide to upgrade other parts such as a Cold Air Intake or some other mod. I am going to take the silverstars back and just buy the darn HID's. I hop this thread helps others in their pursuit for better headlights. I just wish Nissan would read this thread and would offer the Xenon option for us willing to pay, or just offer a better halogen lamp. I think everyone agrees that the stock halogens MUST be replaced with some type of upgraded light whichever you choose.

[pi3yeargrad]

with that last pic the Titan actually looks brighter but Im sure in person its a different story...what HIDs are u gonna go with afterall??

[jedi7001]

Pi3....The last thing I am is a photographer and I just took these at automatic settings. It looks that way in the last photo because the titan is so much higher than the beemer. Looking head on while sitting in the ****pits, I have to admit, the HIDs look brighter due to the reflective color they produce. I think the JDM is the name brand of choice and I think we had a god deal originally. I would like to continue.