So I've had my Retrofits since about April of 2011 and it feels like they aren't as bright as they used to be.

So if it's just the bulbs then I'll get new bulbs, but a part of me feels like it's the BUYHID slim ballasts. Is this a possiblity? If so what Morimoto ballasts do I buy to replace it. I'm assuming the 3Five Ballasts from Morimoto will perform better, but I'm shooting in the dark here.

Is anyone else noticing a decrease in brightness or is it in my head?

My specs;

BuyHID Slim Ballast
Morimoto 3Five Bulbs 6000K
BuyHID Relay Harness


What I'm considering;

H1: MORIMOTO XB35 Bulbs 5000K
MORIMOTO 3FIVE BALLASTS (35W) Amp

If there is some degradation from BuyHIDs equipment I'll just get Morimoto, but if not then well no need.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

Vahdyx

 

why did you get the slim ballasts? the morimoto ballasts are better.

However that's still probably not it. Ballasts usually either work or they don't. How much do you use your headlights a day on average? Non OEM HID bulbs will usually start loosing some brightness after 200 hours or so. The 5000k bulbs would still be a good idea though as they will be brighter. Or even 4300k will be even brighter if you don't mind the slight hint of yellow.

 

Most of my driving is at night or early morning! I wake up at 4:30-4:45am on a daily basis and weekends I usually drive at night. So this makes sense, I didn't know they stay for only 200 hours. I'd say 20 to 30 mins a day is with headlights on. So this makes sense indeed. Thank you for the valuable information.

Knowing I have BuyHID slims, would you recommend I get Morimoto's anyway when I get new bulbs?

 

it wouldn't hurt, the morimotos will most likely have a faster warm up time, and they're a higher quality ballast overall. Not necessary overall, but would certainly work better, plus their designed to work best with the morimoto bulbs.

You could probably stick with what you've got for a while, the bulb still has plenty of light left, replacing the bulbs is just something that should be done every 2-3 years so when using hid bulbs. Hids don't go out like traditional bulbs do, they just loose brightness over time. It's too bad that there are no OEM h1 bulbs, because OEM bulbs have a significantly longer lifespan. The XB35s are about as close as you will get to an OEM bulb, they are a very nice bulb.

Whatever you do though, just don't increase to 55w. 55w setups are more than the mini h1s can handle. The extra heat and UV rays have been known to burn the chrome and ruin the projectors.

 

Okay cool, and I don't mind yellow tinge, so I'll stick with the slim ballasts for now and if it gets too dark for my liking I'll get the XB35s at 5000K

Thanks for the information

 

If you want the upgrade, Morimoto Ballast are the way to go. BUt they shouldnt be losing its brightness as said before either they work or done. PM us if you would like to order anything from TRS. We can get it cheaper and dropship directly from them!