superjoey

iTrader: (1)

The struggle is real folks. I swapped my stock fog bulbs for LED because I wanted to match the stock HIDs (https://www.myg37.com/forums/body-in...n-a-coupe.html).

I was pretty happy with the outcome until I noticed the yellowish parking lights. No biggie. I had some leftover LED wedge bulbs and swapped them out (https://www.myg37.com/forums/d-i-y-i...eds-coupe.html).

Took some photos and saw all was good. Everything matched. Then one night as I was driving around, I caught my reflection off the back of another car’s bumper. It seemed the stock HIDs were yellower than the fogs and parking lights. At first I thought it was because of the other car’s bumper color or angle of reflection. But I noticed the same thing as I pulled up to other cars as well. It turns out that the stock HIDs were in fact yellower. So why did they look all matched up in the photos? It turns out that when the HIDs are freshly turned on, they give off a whiter light. As the bulbs warm up, so does the color of the light coming out of them. They get yellower. I estimate it takes about a minute or so to see that difference. I took those first photos right after turning on the lights. After I took the shots, I turned off the lights, so I never realized the color change. So what to do? Time to upgrade the HIDs!

Being a cheapskate, I tried a pair of 6000K HID bulbs by a brand called Econoled from Amazon for $8.50. However, they didn't fit the ballast, even though they were D2S size. I also found they were shipped to me broken. The green ceramic looking electrode was cracked, probably due to the poor packing design.



Here is the bulb compared to the stock Philips 85122. The aftermarket is missing the metal tabs. I think those tabs are to keep the bulb centered. Also, notice the cracked electrode?


Then I tried another pair from a brand called Kensun, again through Amazon for $29.99. Again, these didn’t fit. For both brands, the fit is too tight on the ballast. You really have to force it on. Then it's really hard to turn the ballast to lock the bulb in place. The OEM Philips bulb clicks in real easy. I'm returning both sets. Good thing Amazon has an easy return policy!

Hmm… these Kensun bulbs look awfully familiar. Virtually the same packaging as the Econoleds!

It says Anti-Tear, but I did cry a little after all the effort of getting the car up on stands, only to find these bulbs didn't fit.

Build-wise, they are a little different. You can see the Kensun has some crimped metal ring where the glass meets the base.


I’m not saying these bulbs are crap. They just were too tight on my 2013 ballasts. Plenty of people gave good reviews on Amazon, but for different cars. Here you can see that they do turn on. I was able to push them on, but it was so tight I couldn’t turn the ballast to lock the bulb in place. I guess I could’ve kept it like that but I wasn’t going to take the chance of them popping off while driving. Again, more tears.


So then I contacted Diode Dynamics and Nick said they don't supply HID bulbs for 2011+ G's because of this issue. I have a 2013. He suggested OSRAM CBI bulbs. Of course they would cost about $150. I dug a little and found lots of users were happy with Morimoto XB. According to TheRetrofitSource, they should fit. So ordered those in 6500K. Amazon, a pair for $50. Free same day shipping! Let's see what happens...

Here’s what they looked with the stock 4300K Philips 85122 HIDs all warmed up. Notice the difference? HIDs are relatively yellow compared to the fogs.


Got the car up on stands instead of just using the jack. Safety first people! If you’re keeping track, this is the third time doing this!


There are 4 clips to remove and then you’ll have to peel back the fender liner. I read somewhere to turn the wheels in, but that doesn’t give you much room to tuck down the fender liner.


Not much room if you turn the wheels in.


I found turning the wheel out works much better. Once the liner gets tucked down, there’s lots more room to work.




I forgot to take pictures of the 4 clips I removed, but there’s a youtube video out there that show you how to change the lights and the guy points them out. So if there’s a video out there already, why am I writing it up? Whatever, I’m almost done.

Turn the cover, take it off, and take note of the little triangle. You want to make sure it points down when you are ready to close it back up again. Line it up with the other little triangle.


Reach for that silver ballast, turn it about a quarter turn, and pull it out.


It’s hard to see what’s going on in that space from this angle, no matter if you’re on the passenger or driver’s side. So I used my phone’s video camera to guide me and take video. You have to push forward those two pins, squeeze them towards each other, then swing them back and up. If you notice my fingers fumbling around a little, it was because I was having trouble gauging depth of field through the video cam! Once the pins are up and out of the way, the bulb will be pretty loose and you can slip it straight out.


Here is the Morimoto XB. It’s got the tabs…


just like the Philips!


I tested the bulbs by plugging them onto the ballast. The Morimotos slipped in nicely. I turned the ballast to lock it in and I got a satisfying click.


Tested it and aw yeah!


Put everything back together and here’s what they look like now. I think they match up pretty well, right? And yes, I remembered to let the bulbs warm up a little first.


The HIDs did start up whiter than the fogs and parking lights. But after about a minute, they settled into their warmer color.


Went for a drive at night and tailgated a bunch of cars to check out my reflection. Just kidding. Only at the stops. There was no obvious difference in the colors! What do you think about that, Kimo?


Now what’s up with those turn signals…

Al Czervik

Great post SJ... Mine are on the way.

Intake

Looks great man! Gotta love these bulbs, gives the car a great look and matches the fogs well.

RainDog

Thanks. Usefull and Funny!

e92ry

ran across the thread while googling, the new city lights look great.

Did you change your front amber turn signals to LED ones yet?

superjoey

iTrader: (1)

I didn't. There's an orange/amber plastic reflector strip thing inside the headlight housing and I'm thinking changing the bulb won't have much of an effect.

e92ry

If I want to change the city lights is it easier to go from the hood or behind the tire?

superjoey

iTrader: (1)

Go from the hood. You'll have to remove the intake boxes though. I have a write up on that. https://www.myg37.com/forums/d-i-y-installations-modifications/269412-changing-the-parking-lights-to-white-leds-coupe.html

Kku808

I know the car come with stock HIDS. Does that mean I just have to change the bulbs to hyper whites? Or do I have to buy a whole new HID kit?
I have a 2013 g37. I'm likening your setup I'm trying to do the same thing.

superjoey

iTrader: (1)

You just need the bulbs. I recommend the Morimotos.

Kku808

Thanks man!

bikezilla

iTrader: (2)

FWIW, I just installed a D2S bulb in my FX35.
I got them from Onyx lights, on ebay for $19 a pair.

Ebay listing here

They have a website too. www.onyxlights.com

They fit in the FX no problem. I just had to make sure they were oriented properly.

Note that the Onyx is the bulb on the left has more notch "options" than the Phillips on the righ. Only one orientation will fit into the receptacle.



On the FX, I used the same orientation that the Phillips had when I pulled it out and pointed the shielded ground bar in the same position and it went right in place. The Ballast connector twist-locked right on.


Note the bulb brace is different but substantial.




The 5000k Onyx matched the color of the OEM Phillips I had in the other side perfectly (at least to my eye).

All in all it went so well that I just ordered a 6000k set for my '13 G.
I'll let you know how that works out. So far my experience with Onyx has been good. They're in Phoenix but the ship quickly, at no additional charge.

$9 bucks is a long way from the $90 Phillips bulb at Advance Auto.
Let's see how long it lasts.

takeapieandrun

iTrader: (2)

I had to go through so much headache to get my lights just right. Amazon automotive lighting products are great when they work but aren't so reliable. I saw everything - from flickering HID's, to pink fog lights, and ballasts that blew fuses. But in the end after a lot of tinkering and returns I am very satisfied.

R3M1NGTON

Great write-up! And thanks for the extra info bikezilla. There are options for the amber corner. Just look up the DIY's for it, or check out 180 customs. Mine are painted body color.