What K HID are you running?

[IGottaP]

ok so i currently just picked up A4 Avant 6speed and it now time to look into some HIDs i am just curious to what you guys are running? And how happy you are with your choice of "K" I previously was running 6k in my Jetta GLI and 6K in my Passat now that i have gone Audi just curious as if i went with 8k would my visibility go down or is 6k ideal? if you have pictures do share. Thanks in advance

[Charles.waite]

5000K offers the best mix I feel, though I'm running the 4300K stock bulbs right now and am perfectly happy. Anything above 5000K and you start losing large amounts of lumens due to the filtering. I think 8000K would actually be quite a bit dimmer than 5000K or 6000K. In addition to looking ricey IMO.

[doogie891]

i have 55w 6000k and its a beauty let me tell you. i went with 5000k but it was a little to whitish/yellowish loook for me. the 6000k is a crisp white with a tiny hint of blue. well at least the 55w are. i heard the 35w is a bit bluer because light output is less and seems darker. no pics though sorry. will have some this weekend if you are still interested.

[b6onboost]

4300k, because it has the highest light output (lumens). Almost all OEM HIDs are around 4300k. It happens to be a pure white color, however you may notice that many appear purple-ish. What you are seeing is color flicker near the cutoff, which is intensified by the prismatic lense of the projector.

[the sheriff]

OEM 4300K is your best option.....nothing more than 5000k in my opinion.

[rollerton]

The most recent ones I put in our 99' A6 are 4500k and still too blue for my taste. I think they look pretty OEM though. Slim Ballast from DDM tuning and I was able to stuff the whole thing INSIDE the housing on the A6. So no extra holes. I will say, I went with 55w instead of 35w. They are aimed correctly and so far no flashing from oncoming traffic, but holy shit at the wrong angle they will burn your eyes out.
If you live in a large city, do everyone a favor and DON'T get 55w. Next time I'll stick with 35w, I don't perceive a huge visibility increase.

[A42007]

6K, hint of blue and matches perfect with my leds.

[NuVega]

OSRAM CBI 5000K, same brightness as OEM 4300K except it's pure white, no yellow or blue tint.

[a4darkness]

I never run anything above 5k. There's a bit of lumen loss as 4300k is optimal but it's somewhat negligible, especially with a 55w system. I really like the slightly less yellow + more pure white look too. It was the HIDs on my buddy's Land Rover Sport that did me in.

Furthermore, with a 55w system the K scale slides down a bit. It's somewhat hard to speak in specifics depending on ballast wattage, bulb type and type/brand for each. For more details, see this post here. Side note on that post, I now realize that running HID fogs in halogen housing might appear better, as it increases foreground illumination, but in reality this exact thing decreases one's ability to see in the distance. Science FTW.

Here's a pic of Retro Solutions 55w 5k system in halogen housings (old B6). Yeah yeah, it's not the nicest thing for oncoming traffic. However, I did aim them low and coupled with the decent cutoff in our halogen housings... not so bad. That and it was 3x brighter than the halogen setup. I could finally see so much better on the highway. Output was fantastic too.





Current B6 has OEM HID's with standard Single Xenon Housings (more info about OEM DOT + Ecode housings, ballasts etc here).

This is OEM + DDM D1S 4300K bulbs. Wasn't a huge fan of these. They had a slightly green tint to them from day one and started to show signs of decreased light output far sooner than expected.




Current setup, OEM + Sylvania D1S 4300K bulbs (#39663), purchased from Amazon. Significant improvement over the DDM bulbs.




And I currently awaiting the arrival of this...

D2S: Morimoto Elite HID System
Ballasts: 50w: Morimoto 5Five (Standard)
Bulbs: 50w: Morimoto 5Five 5000K D2S
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=242

Pretty stoked to get it all wired up.

[evo_ski]

I run 4300 just because they offer the most output. The only thing to worry about with running 55W bulbs and or non-oem bulbs (DDM, Sonic Tuning, etc.) over oem brands like phillips, osram, etc. is that they will burn hotter and will damage the chrome in your projectors. Once those are burned badly enough you are pretty much SOL since there isn't much you can do to fix them other than buying new projectors.

I bought brand new 4300K osram bulbs on amazon for about $70 shipped for the pair.

[a4darkness]

Guess there's a retrofit in my future then, ehh?

Side note, thanks again for the help with the measurements for those projectors I was looking at.

[westie180]

4300K and 35W here. absolutely loving it.

[diagnosticator]

I'm running a custom OEM setup.

[evo_ski]

Guess there's a retrofit in my future then, ehh?

Side note, thanks again for the help with the measurements for those projectors I was looking at.

Haha yeah no problem man, I am happy to help! In all reality it will take a LONG time, or so I am led to believe to really do significant damage to the chrome, but still something to think about. Definitely keep me in the loop on your retrofit and let me know if there is anything else I can help measure or whatever for you.

[IGottaP]

ok so it seems like 4300k 35w is the way to go. so my next question is i was told that 3000k is yellow like the general yellow people use for there fogs am i mistaken here as well?

[the sheriff]

ok so it seems like 4300k 35w is the way to go. so my next question is i was told that 3000k is yellow like the general yellow people use for there fogs am i mistaken here as well?

yep, much more of a pure yellow.....you can run them as halogen bulbs in your fog lights if you'd like.....just get quality bulbs.

[IGottaP]

Is anybody runny yellow hid Fogs how is it ? reason for asking this question is neither of my previous cars had Fog lights that were not in the head lamp itself so the light output of a Fog really didn't do much for me before

[Operator]

OSRAM CBI 5000K, same brightness as OEM 4300K except it's pure white, no yellow or blue tint.

x2, that's what I'm currently running. Pure crisp white beam, unlike 4300k with the same lumen.

[itsmatt33]

ecodes with 6k bulbs from sonic tuning. perfect color white with a hint of blue

[FourRings4me]

retro solutions 35w 5K

[underground6t9]

6k pure white with a hint of blue

[EBG 18T]

Oem 4300k, the higher temps have less light output and to me look slightly ghetto.

[BlueHiddenSun]

OSRAM CBI 5000K, same brightness as OEM 4300K except it's pure white, no yellow or blue tint.

x2, that's what I'm currently running. Pure crisp white beam, unlike 4300k with the same lumen.

x3... Running this setup as well. Same lumen as 4300k (best output) with the a pure white color. Best of both worlds.

[n7plus1]

nothing above 5k

[bondar1989]

55w 4500k ddm tuning kit

[CrazyCal]

Lows: Sonic Tuning 6000K
Highs: Sylvania Silverstar Ultra
Fogs: DDM 35W 3000K

[StatuS4]

Lows: Sonic Tuning 6000K
Highs: Sylvania Silverstar Ultra
Fogs: DDM 35W 3000K

I just ordered this.. hopefully its right.. 99% sure it is...
DDM HID Kit, 35W, H7, 6000K
Bulb Color: 6000K
Bulb Type: H7
Wattage: 35 Watt

[DownhillA4]

ok so i currently just picked up A4 Avant 6speed and it now time to look into some HIDs i am just curious to what you guys are running? And how happy you are with your choice of "K" I previously was running 6k in my Jetta GLI and 6K in my Passat now that i have gone Audi just curious as if i went with 8k would my visibility go down or is 6k ideal? if you have pictures do share. Thanks in advance

8k is rice and worthless for light output.

I have 5000k 35w's in my High and Low Beams. Along with 3000k 35w's in my fogs... best investment.

[Matt Devo]

I just ordered this.. hopefully its right.. 99% sure it is...
DDM HID Kit, 35W, H7, 6000K
Bulb Color: 6000K
Bulb Type: H7
Wattage: 35 Watt

change the order to 55W and 5000k, you (and other drivers) will thank me

[StatuS4]

change the order to 55W and 5000k, you (and other drivers) will thank me

that wont match my headlights.. lol it wont blind drivers anymore then my headlight..

[juki]

4300K in 35W

4300K because it looks OEM, so you don't get hassled by the cops and you don't stick out like a sore thumb at night + it's the most light output

35W since I didn't want to risk frying the wiring

[UltraSchnell34]

IMO 6000k is the best overall because 5000k is the brightest and once you get to 6000k you start getting the blueish color(since the color blue travels further than other colors) as far as 8000k goes I don't think it looks ricey at all, I had them on my GTI and they looked amazing I never had anyone call them ricey if anything it's more of a high end euro look.

[amkmeco]

I never run anything above 5k. There's a bit of lumen loss as 4300k is optimal but it's somewhat negligible, especially with a 55w system. I really like the slightly less yellow + more pure white look too. It was the HIDs on my buddy's Land Rover Sport that did me in.

Furthermore, with a 55w system the K scale slides down a bit. It's somewhat hard to speak in specifics depending on ballast wattage, bulb type and type/brand for each. For more details, see this post here. Side note on that post, I now realize that running HID fogs in halogen housing might appear better, as it increases foreground illumination, but in reality this exact thing decreases one's ability to see in the distance. Science FTW.

Here's a pic of Retro Solutions 55w 5k system in halogen housings (old B6). Yeah yeah, it's not the nicest thing for oncoming traffic. However, I did aim them low and coupled with the decent cutoff in our halogen housings... not so bad. That and it was 3x brighter than the halogen setup. I could finally see so much better on the highway. Output was fantastic too.





Current B6 has OEM HID's with standard Single Xenon Housings (more info about OEM DOT + Ecode housings, ballasts etc here).

This is OEM + DDM D1S 4300K bulbs. Wasn't a huge fan of these. They had a slightly green tint to them from day one and started to show signs of decreased light output far sooner than expected.




Current setup, OEM + Sylvania D1S 4300K bulbs (#39663), purchased from Amazon. Significant improvement over the DDM bulbs.




And I currently awaiting the arrival of this...

D2S: Morimoto Elite HID System
Ballasts: 50w: Morimoto 5Five (Standard)
Bulbs: 50w: Morimoto 5Five 5000K D2S
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=242

Pretty stoked to get it all wired up.

so you just use the sylvania D1S 4300k with the OEM headlights? and if so won't they harm anything?

[Matt Devo]

that wont match my headlights.. lol it wont blind drivers anymore then my headlight..

oh, so you're putting them in your fogs - you didn't specify. In that case, while 6k may match your headlights, they certainly won't give you the best light in foggy conditions, 3k would.

so you just use the sylvania D1S 4300k with the OEM headlights? and if so won't they harm anything?

OEM HID bulbs are 4300k D1S Sylvania/Osram (or Phillips), so yes they are fine.

[EBG 18T]

IMO 6000k is the best overall because 5000k is the brightest and once you get to 6000k you start getting the blueish color(since the color blue travels further than other colors) as far as 8000k goes I don't think it looks ricey at all, I had them on my GTI and they looked amazing I never had anyone call them ricey if anything it's more of a high end euro look.]

Funny as TUV indicates that 4300k should used... So high-end Euro look is 4300k not 6000k and proper projectors with auto level are nessesities.

[CyberPMG]

I went with what's reliable and designed for our cars.... OEM B6 S4 Bi-Xenons, 5000K bulbs, and OEM 35W ballasts. Love the auto level feature.

Running HIDs at 55W has to be crazy bright, but risky to overheating the wiring harness. To me, it's not worh that risk. I am looking to replacing the lens of the Bi-Xenon projector to something clear for more light output.

[samer1abbas]

I use 5000k in my Audi. I used to run 6000k in my old car but decided to try near OEM color in the Audi. IMO, 5000k looks the best. It's almost pure white and gives much better visibility. It's the most fitting color for an Audi.

[The1nutwonder]

IMO 6000k is the best overall because 5000k is the brightest and once you get to 6000k you start getting the blueish color(since the color blue travels further than other colors) as far as 8000k goes I don't think it looks ricey at all, I had them on my GTI and they looked amazing I never had anyone call them ricey if anything it's more of a high end euro look.

i dont understand where your getting your information from? because engineering for our cars is trickled down from racing, and seeing as how i tend to be a question bug at the petite le mans every year. ive found out that the typical temp range for regular bulbs is 4k to 5k dependand on prefereance and that 3k is used in fogs because it shadows better but doesnt tavel as far so great for noticing things on the ground. so by your logic because u claim that the color blue travles further then other colors it is best. wouldnt we see this in the le mans series where nighttime visibility is essencial to winning the race?and just because a certian color travels further does not always entail that it is visible to the naked eye further.

[evo_ski]

I am looking to replacing the lens of the Bi-Xenon projector to something clear for more light output.

If you haven't already you should check out my DIY thread. I installed STI clear lenses and they have been great. I have been extremely happy with the increased light with that mod.

i dont understand where your getting your information from? because engineering for our cars is trickled down from racing, and seeing as how i tend to be a question bug at the petite le mans every year. ive found out that the typical temp range for regular bulbs is 4k to 5k dependand on prefereance and that 3k is used in fogs because it shadows better but doesnt tavel as far so great for noticing things on the ground. so by your logic because u claim that the color blue travles further then other colors it is best. wouldnt we see this in the le mans series where nighttime visibility is essencial to winning the race?and just because a certian color travels further does not always entail that it is visible to the naked eye further.

X2

This info is copy pasted from HIDPlanet. "The bluer the bulb, the less light you get because the salts which are more efficient are in the red/yellow spectrum. Mercury which is the blue part of HID bulbs is very inefficient. Sodium which burns red on the other hand is very efficient. The Scandium/Sodium (na/sc) is the red part in the picture above. Below you see how each salt has an effect on the ignition of the bulb (blue spark at start is mercury) and once it heats up to a certain temp other salts can ignite as well. "

"Ok, first off, lets start with the bulbs. The common mistake some people here is that all these high kelvin rated bulbs are "the shiz". Well, they couldn't be more wrong. The higher you go in kelvin, the less light and lumens you'll have. Pratically anything over 6k is really a waste if your at all concerned with your safety and brightness of lighting. So what is the best bulb out there then you ask? 4100-4300k. It has the most lumens out of all the HID bulbs produced. Thats why car manifacturers still use them today. Below is a graph showing you the variances of the light spectrum. As you can see, 4100k would be right where the "sweet spot" is on that chart. It produces near to the suns same kelvin thus giving you daylight-like output. Think of it like this, high kelvin bulbs would be like being out in the sun with sunglasses on vs a 4100k being in the sun w/o glasses on."

[NuVega]

OEM Osram/Philips 4100-4300K put out 3400lms, Osram CBI 5000K same 3400lms, 6000K about 2600-2800lms, and 8000K even less than 6000K though I don't know the exact number.