4th gen Plug and Play headlight bulbs

[Powder_Hound]

So....I've searched here, there and (almost) everywhere with no clear cut answers. This is NOT a thread (those are already out there) to talk about an upgrade to HID, HIR or retrofiting non 9005 or 9006 bulbs to fit 4th gens. Let's gather opinions/feedback to help find some good recommendations for a direct fit plug and play 9005 and 9006 bulbs for low beam, high beam, and fog.

9006 - Low beam
9005 - High beam and fog

I've narrowed down the choices to 4:
Good - OEM for $10-20
Better - Sylvania Silverstar Ultra $35
Best? - PIAA Superbright White $ 58
Best? - PIAA Night Tech $53

Please offer any personal feedback about the bulbs listed and, perhaps, any other bulbs you have had good luck brightening up the road.

 

[adkfinn]

Edit: I'm a derp and did not read the full post.

If you are sticking with the stock bulb types, don't be taken by 'Superdupertruper white' bulbs that cost 5x+, they aren't worth it. Some good reading on the subject: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/superwhite/superwhite.html

Also, any true additional output/efficiency (+30, +50) is going to be at the expense of bulb life. Your call whether it is worth the small bump in output vs the cost of replacing them more often.

 

[Powder_Hound]

Some general bulb details here: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

You might want to try HIR bulbs, while not entirely plug and play, they are easy to adapt and are safe to run: Third Generation Halogen Infrared (HIR) - HIR1 ( 9011 )

More here: How to Modify HIR bulb bases

Thank you, BUT, you did not read the original post. You have posted was is everywhere already. This thread is not about Mr. Stern, retrofitting, or HIR!

Plug and Play 9005/9006 please.

 

[leftyguns21]

I know you said no HIDs or retrofit but for the prices you listed, I cant justify spending that much on just a bulb that might be slightly brighter. if you want to stay with simple then stay with OEM IMO and save lots of money. $50+ for just a bulb is ridiculous.

 

[Powder_Hound]

I know you said no HIDs or retrofit but for the prices you listed, I cant justify spending that much on just a bulb that might be slightly brighter. if you want to stay with simple then stay with OEM IMO and save lots of money. $50+ for just a bulb is ridiculous.

Thank you! That is exactly the info I was hoping for.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I've found out the hard way that the more expensive/brighter bulbs last about a year, if lucky.
The HIR's have been my best purchase.

 

[Darwalk]

I ended up getting a set of LEDs from Amazon for my high beams. 9005 base, and plug and play to the factory harness. They come with a little ballast for each bulb, but were easily zip tied to the factory wiring on each side.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019QV4S74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are intensely bright and work really well for the high beams.

My low beams I used the Phillips 9006's that say they are Xenon look, but they aren't as white as you would think. Also plug and play, and inexpensive on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-9006...482513938&sr=1-5&keywords=9006+headlight+bulb

 

[NinjaOne]

Before I did the 06-09 upgrade, I ran these SYLVANIA 9006 SilverStar zXe High Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb and was pleased. I ran them in another car as well and was also pleased. Worth the cost over stock bulbs imo.

 

[pipo6007]

I know the OP is trying to save $100 but I would just invest in the HID kit from Xenon Depot. I went with the Philips 4300K and I am very pleased. It's a big difference from the factor bulbs.
The bulb for the kit just goes right into the same factory housing. No cutting, drilling etc. I found out after that you don't have to use the relay and it would have made my install much quicker.

 

[NinjaOne]

I know the OP is trying to save $100 but I would just invest in the HID kit from Xenon Depot. I went with the Philips 4300K and I am very pleased. It's a big difference from the factor bulbs.
The bulb for the kit just goes right into the same factory housing. No cutting, drilling etc. I found out after that you don't have to use the relay and it would have made my install much quicker.

True, it is plug and play. But..
1. OP has an '04 with reflector headlights. Your '06 has projector headlights that are better suited to the increased output.
2. He doesn't want HIDs

 

[Rodtheviking]

OSRAM Nightbreakers
Phillips VisionPlus

These are the two I have been using for a few vehicles now, work great.

 

[ExCabSwap]

Well, since this thread is about all 4th gens, I'll include bulbs for both with and without the projectors.
With the projectors, you want to stay away from LEDs. They have yet to design LED lights that emit an even radiant light which is what you NEED for projectors to work the way they're designed.
For you headlights without projectors, you can run LEDs or incandescents.. both are fine and will put out light evenly...ish
LEDs in the high beams would be fine since they're not projectors.
For the projectors, go to oreillys and grab the bulbs off the top shelf. They're Sylvanias and they're an excellent bulb. They're in a clear, hard plastic case.
For the fogs, you could do the same thing.

This isn't how I'd go about getting lights, but you said no retrofitting HIDs so there ya go.

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

 

[NinjaOne]

Well, since this thread is about all 4th gens, I'll include bulbs for both with and without the projectors.
With the projectors, you want to stay away from LEDs. They have yet to design LED lights that emit an even radiant light which is what you NEED for projectors to work the way they're designed.

I had LEDs from SOCAL LED in my projector fogs (03-05) and they had good, even light output. Unlike post "plug and play LEDS", they have LEDS on three faces that allow them to better replicate a traditional bulb pattern. I've been tempted to pickup a pair for my 06-09 projectors.

 

[ExCabSwap]

I had LEDs from SOCAL LED in my projector fogs (03-05) and they had good, even light output. Unlike post "plug and play LEDS", they have LEDS on three faces that allow them to better replicate a traditional bulb pattern. I've been tempted to pickup a pair for my 06-09 projectors.

Let us know how they look in comparison..

They're still no replacement for HIDs in projectors yet though..

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

 

[kevinpt]

for 06+ im running 9005 65w highbeam bulbs in my fogs vs 9005 55w bulb.
as far as low beam i think from some reading that the white bulbs you see for sale will not put out as much light as a good basic bulb. i think a long life bulb that is more on the yellow side will put out more light then a 3k yellow or 5-6k white/blue

 

[Powder_Hound]

Thanks for the feedback on a very simple topic forum posters!!!

Conclusions:
Standard bulbs will not be as bright, but will have longer life
Brighter bulbs will illuminate the road better and have shorter life

I only drive my 04 about 10,000 miles/year so IMO it's not worth the cost to upgrade to HID, HIR, or LED. I don't 4x4 at night so the brightest light is not a concern. I will be purchasing Sylvania Silverstar Ultras for about $33 bucks a pair on Amazon.

Thanks again

 

[Rodtheviking]

Thanks for the feedback on a very simple topic forum posters!!!

Conclusions:
Standard bulbs will not be as bright, but will have longer life
Brighter bulbs will illuminate the road better and have shorter life

I only drive my 04 about 10,000 miles/year so IMO it's not worth the cost to upgrade to HID, HIR, or LED. I don't 4x4 at night so the brightest light is not a concern. I will be purchasing Sylvania Silverstar Ultras for about $33 bucks a pair on Amazon.

Thanks again

Look on the back of the bulb when you get them, they should say OSRAM on them.

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Before I did the 06-09 upgrade, I ran these SYLVANIA 9006 SilverStar zXe High Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb and was pleased. I ran them in another car as well and was also pleased. Worth the cost over stock bulbs imo.

He [MENTION=119029]NinjaOne[/MENTION] gave you the best possible option in this entire thread..,.
These are hands down the BEST plug n play upgrade stock bulb there is no if and or butts about it.
60 bucks at autozone regular price but right now you get a 15 dollar gift card with purchase.
I have also seen them on Amazon for 36-40 bucks.
Ultras don't even compare and these last twice as long with more output and a cleaner light.

 

[MikeyMike]

I ended up getting a set of LEDs from Amazon for my high beams. 9005 base, and plug and play to the factory harness. They come with a little ballast for each bulb, but were easily zip tied to the factory wiring on each side.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019QV4S74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are intensely bright and work really well for the high beams.

How are they working out for you so far? These are exactly what I am looking at (plus their 9006 3000K version for the fog lights).

 

[Darwalk]

How are they working out for you so far? These are exactly what I am looking at (plus their 9006 3000K version for the fog lights).

They work really well in the high beams. MUCH brighter than the stock bulbs. hair more white than I would have wanted, but nice for the brights. I have only had them for about a month and only have needed to use them a few times.