XSeries-forum

After numerous searches and trawling the internet for information there doesn't seem to be any concise information about changing the E53 OEM D2S bulb and after calling Sytner BMW and asking for the replacement bulb cost (£189 per Bulb) and having a heart attack i thought it would be prudent to add some info to the forum.

The bulb fitted to my 06 Plate E53 was an OEM standard GE XENSATION 35W 53500 at a colour temperature of 4300K

The GE Bulb can be purcured for £25 per bulb, why to BMW charge £189 is beyond me, and after some research and online polls feedback ratings etc, the best bulb i could find at a reasonable price was a PHILIPS D2S X-treme Vision 35W 4800K Xenon HID Bulb which is noticeably whiter and better performing and for a pair at £110 delivered was a bargain.

OEM fit are usually either OSRAM or Philips from memory, and I have no idea how BMW think they can go on charging that price - albeit that is half what they charged even 5 years ago.

You can also fit the OSRAM Xenarc Nightbreaker Plus series which have a slightly higher colour temp and very good write-ups.  And yes they are considerably cheaper the BMW try to fleece you for.

Seems that BMW have a few suppliers depending on version and year, GE Philips & Bosch seem to be the 3 main players.

I looked at OSRAM but the colour temp was a bit high for my liking, too white and after reading about best temp to have between 4700K and 5300K seems to be the best as anything over 6000K can cause headaches after prolonged exposure i.e driving at night.

OSRAM seem to be OK but some people complain that there not as bright as advertised so philips seemed to come out on top all round, cost, life etc

Look up HID's Direct...
0161 793 9236
they sell a 50 watt set thats stand-alone...
2 bulbs + 2 driver modules for approx £60.

as you mention.. the best light colour temperatures are BELOW 6 Kelvin for good White ligjts, nit silly blue or purple colours

Ive got these in my mains/dips/fogs... not needed a spare bulb in 2 years & run with lights on always.
spare bulbs from this company are about £15 each...
I got a spare for each bulb type, but never needed them so far.
hope this helps.