XenonDepot Long Term Review

[Mutant138]

I had this same problem with mine. They would bounce on rough roads and it was noticeable if it was dark enough. It drove me crazy enough that I finally sold mine and replaced them with H9 bulbs. Not as bright but I don't notice the shake/vibration now.

I did a retrofit in my old FJ and had the same problem. There's enough flexibility in the plastic housing mounting points that you will see the "aftershocks" from the bounce on rough roads if it's dark enough--this combined with the sharp cutoff and light output from HIDs contributes to the problem I believe.

Damn well thanks for the insight. Think I'll just sell my kit fully functional and try to recoup my losses a bit. Wonder what a good price would be...

 

[tjnptel1]

I haven't had mine long at all but I felt the need to comment. As far as condensation goes, I don't want to be a dick, but I'd chalk that up to poor installation. It's not hard you just need the right tools and I'd imagine not everyone went out and bought a step up bit. Even if you needed silicone it would prevent it from leaking for a little while. I'm hoping they last so far so good.


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Dick!!!






























jk. agreed. The install is simple and if done carefully with a step bit, you won't have any moisture in the headlights. The build quality is excellent and i have had them for 4 months now without any problems.

 

[cb1111]

Damn well thanks for the insight. Think I'll just sell my kit fully functional and try to recoup my losses a bit. Wonder what a good price would be...

And herein lies the problem with many aftermarket lighting units and another reason that they don't meet the regs.

In this thread we've had three issues - condensation, warped bases and vibration. None of those issues are common with the OE lighting (or exact replacements).

Further, if the bulbs don't fit properly, then they also can't be aimed properly.

 

[macscac]

And herein lies the problem with many aftermarket lighting units and another reason that they don't meet the regs.

In this thread we've had three issues - condensation, warped bases and vibration. None of those issues are common with the OE lighting (or exact replacements).

Further, if the bulbs don't fit properly, then they also can't be aimed properly.

possibly correct.
but also 100% correct... the oem lighting is dim, dark and dangerous.
so whatever


and there is zero vibration/shaking on paved road.
im talking about when hauling ass down a fire road

 

[ForRun]

I finally sold mine and replaced them with H9 bulbs. Not as bright but I don't notice the shake/vibration now.

H9? xenon depot calls for H11, did I miss something?
For those with condensation, anyone try silicone as a safety net?

 

[cb1111]

possibly correct.
but also 100% correct... the oem lighting is dim, dark and dangerous.
so whatever


and there is zero vibration/shaking on paved road.
im talking about when hauling ass down a fire road

Actually it is not. The aftermarket industry has programmed us to believe that halogen lighting is bad and that HIDs and LEDs are the cat's meow.

A properly designed halogen system is far better than a non-compliant aftermarket solution.

The reason that we "think" that halogens are bad is because of the color temp (3200k) vs the snazzy new 4000k HIDs and 5000k LEDs, but the colder light only gives the impression of being brighter when in fact it produces less usable (for the brain) light and far more glare.

In addition, HIDs don't deal well with vibration and LEDs don't work in the housings.

I went from a bi-xenon (HID lower and upper beam) to the TSX with HID lowers and halogen high beams. First I thought "WTF" and then I realized why the TSX is considered to have one of the best (if not the best) headlighting units around. It just works.

What is also interesting is that very few LED headlights get high marks on IIHS tests - and that is after manufacturers have thrown millions at research.

Once I get my 4R (or if I can find one in our parking garage), then I'll ask the lab guys to take at it.

 

[macscac]

Actually it is not. The aftermarket industry has programmed us to believe that halogen lighting is bad and that HIDs and LEDs are the cat's meow.

A properly designed halogen system is far better than a non-compliant aftermarket solution.

The reason that we "think" that halogens are bad is because of the color temp (3200k) vs the snazzy new 4000k HIDs and 5000k LEDs, but the colder light only gives the impression of being brighter when in fact it produces less usable (for the brain) light and far more glare.

In addition, HIDs don't deal well with vibration and LEDs don't work in the housings.

I went from a bi-xenon (HID lower and upper beam) to the TSX with HID lowers and halogen high beams. First I thought "WTF" and then I realized why the TSX is considered to have one of the best (if not the best) headlighting units around. It just works.

What is also interesting is that very few LED headlights get high marks on IIHS tests - and that is after manufacturers have thrown millions at research.

Once I get my 4R (or if I can find one in our parking garage), then I'll ask the lab guys to take at it.

Are you genuinely trying to justify that the stock 4rnr halogens are good??
stop.

 

[cb1111]

Are you genuinely trying to justify that the stock 4rnr halogens are good??
stop.

I don't think they are great, but they also aren't as bad as people make them out to be.

In addition, there isn't much choice until Toyota redesigns it as there are no legal upgrades - for good reason.

 

[macscac]

I don't think they are great, but they also aren't as bad as people make them out to be.

In addition, there isn't much choice until Toyota redesigns it as there are no legal upgrades - for good reason.

they are as effective as two flashlights taped to your bumper
:biggrin2:

 

[Axix23]

I don't think they are great, but they also aren't as bad as people make them out to be.

In addition, there isn't much choice until Toyota redesigns it as there are no legal upgrades - for good reason.

I agree with you. With the fogs on as well, its not terribly bad. It doesn't have the cool 4300k-6k coloring but its still bright enough to see down the road (thats if you have decent eye vision). lol

Its actually brighter than some of the crappy aftermarket led kits out there if you ask me.

 

[trey99ek]

I've had the extreme HID kit on my truck since 2009. Same bulbs still going strong. The only issue I've had is with the one plug losing contact. I just cleaned up the contacts and put some dielectric grease in it. So far no problems since. Well worth the price.

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[sbronemann]

Bought these in May of 2016 so over 3 years now. Absolutely no issues at all with the Phillips HID's. Also put in the LED bulbs and haven't had any issues at all. No flickering, still very bright like new. Love them!

 

[Raptor008v2]

H9? xenon depot calls for H11, did I miss something?
For those with condensation, anyone try silicone as a safety net?

With a small modification to the bulb, you can run H9s for brighter output. There's a few threads on this site and the internet in general about it. I've ran Phillips H9s now for over a year with no problem. For $10 a bulb I can't complain.

 

[TheNormsk]

I’ve had XD Hids with 4300k Philips bulbs for four months now. I originally installed without relays but the passenger side would often fail to ignite. So I installed the relay on the passenger side. Since then it’s been reliable.

For bulb installation I couldn’t get them to seat until I replaced the seals on the Philips bulbs with the seals from the OEM. After that no issue and a nice right fit.

I also have the LED Xtrene Pro for the high beam and love those.


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