Best D3S bulb
- Thread starter twin1987
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Alaric Darconville
Flashlight Enthusiast
The Osram Night Breaker Laser D3S is a good choice.
It's not necessarily "brighter" (they say "up to 200% brighter" but there is a legal definition for the luminous flux for a D3S and other automotive arc-discharge capsules); it is made with extreme precision to yield higher luminance and better beam focus.
Avoid any offerings such as "cool blue intense" or "cool blue boost" or other gimmicky bulbs.
It's not necessarily "brighter" (they say "up to 200% brighter" but there is a legal definition for the luminous flux for a D3S and other automotive arc-discharge capsules); it is made with extreme precision to yield higher luminance and better beam focus.
Avoid any offerings such as "cool blue intense" or "cool blue boost" or other gimmicky bulbs.
I second Alaric's recommendation. The Osram NB Laser D3S is readily available and will make a big enough improvement to be worthwhile. It is critical to make sure the headlamps are correctly aimed (really check with the correct equipment, don't just guess/assume).
Alaric Darconville
Flashlight Enthusiast
While it is appreciated you consider that, I must remind you that you should be very careful not to accidentally cheat yourself out of seeing distance by adjusting it too aggressively-- and also that you should note very carefully how much you adjust it so you can set it back. Even with appropriate care, you may find that your headlamp aim will still fall out of spec, so get your aim checked regularly.
You might be able to get a shop to aim them for you and set up index marks and then load the trunk and do another set of index marks-- that will at least get you closer to the right aim loaded/unloaded, but the aiming adjuster may have a small amount of play/slop in it.
Yup! I have marks I tape on garage wall from stock settings that I compare to when I adjust. It is not often I adjust, only when going on vacation and trunk is packed to brim. I have marks on garage floor also where I park car to set aim so it's the same distance from wall (about 15 feet) everytime. When I lower for vacation it's only 1/4 turn down so basically nothing, but I feel better knowing it's just that touch lower so it helps with being in people's eyes.
Alaric Darconville
Flashlight Enthusiast
By index marks, I mean on the adjustment wheels and the lamp body.
15 feet is 10 feet too close-- remember your trigonemetry! I tiny bit of adjustment noticeable at 15' is a lot bit of adjustment at 150 feet.
Also, it's important that the floor is such that the plane the wheels are on is level and the wall is plumb.
Yes I understand all this 👍
I use 15' because that's all the room I have.
I should explain more. I mark garage wall with tape at cutoff of low beam with original/correct leveling. I Have tape on garage floor marked where my tires are so car is in exact same spot everytime. Maybe twice a year wife and I go on long road trip with lots of weight in trunk. I turn down headlights about 1/4 turn as I can clearly see they are higher with the weight in the trunk. When I get back from vacation I turn them back that same 1/4 turn, then park on my tape with car and check marks on wall. They are always exactly where they should be. When you turn the adjustment 1/4, then back the same amount, they end up where you started haha!
