Replacement HID bulb — What you need to know
How to buy a replacement HID bulb using the HID bulb numbering system
D1S = Discharge, Series 1 bulb with integral igniter and no shield.
If you need a replacement HID bulb, refer to the number on the old bulb and buy the exact same bulb number. Here’s what the numbers mean. and why you can’t interchange them. The HID bulb numbering system denotes whether the bulb is a 1, 2, 3, or 4-series bulb. In addition, the R and S tells you whether it’s designed for a reflector or projector style headlight assembly.
Which brands are good for replacement HID bulbs?
Osram and Philips are the two leading aftermarket sellers of HID bulbs. Both make various models that claim they’re brighter than the factory bulbs. But if you dig deep, you’ll see that they’re all rated at close to 3,200 lumens and the bulbs that claim they’re brighter often have half the projected lifespan. In my opinion, it’s kind of a scam because the bulb’s brightness is regulated in all countries and many of the manufacturers’ claims have been debunked.
HID bulb replacement cost
Prepare to spend $70 to $150 per bulb for aftermarket bulbs, depending on whether you fall for the marketing gimmicks of brighter light. For OEM bulbs, plan on spending at least $175 to as much as $368 each. Always replace HID bulbs in pairs since the estimate life is about the same.
HID headlight bulb numbering
1st position: HID bulbs are “discharge” bulbs so the first letter is always a D.
2nd position: Designates the series; 1, 2, 3, or 4 (more on that later)
3rd position: “R” or “S” denotes whether the bulb is designed for use in a reflector style housing or a projector style housing. A bulb for a reflector style housing has an opaque shield that masks off a portion of the light to match a reflector style headlight’s optics. The “S” bulb does not have the shield and is used in a projector style headlight. Projector style headlights have their own shield in the headlight assembly.
D1R and D1S bulbs
D1R and D1S HID Bulbs have built in igniters to start the arc. If your vehicle requires a D1 bulb, it only has a ballast and the bulb. All D1 series bulbs contain mercury.
D2R and D2S HID bulb numbering
D2 series bulbs do not contain an integral igniter. These also contain mercury
D3R and D3S bulbs
HID D3 series bulbs do not contain mercury and include an integral igniter. However, they are NOT interchangeable with ballasts designed for D1 style bulbs.
D4R and D4S bulbs
D4 series bulbs require an external igniter like the earlier D2 style bulbs. They will Not fit into a D2 headlight.
©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat