Is there a difference in HID Bulbs 35W vs 55W

[semaj4712]

I am trying to buy the morimoto HID Bulbs but can only find one kind...is there not a difference in the bulb between the 35W ballest and the 55W ballest?

[Blackout]

No, 35W bulbs can operate on 55W ballast. No problem.
Consult Ben for detailed explanation. (e30trooper)
He is the HID guru.

[semaj4712]

Lol i no he is, ok cool just wanted to make sure

[Northern]

So the difference is only in the ballast? So a 35w bulb will be the same brightness as a 55w on the same ballast?

[Blackout]

So the difference is only in the ballast? So a 35w bulb will be the same brightness as a 55w on the same ballast?

Majority of HID bulbs run efficiently on a 35W ballast. You can upgrade to 55W and still run 35W bulbs. They make it a little brighter but also reduce the lifespan of the bulbs. Its hard to get 55w specific bulbs since very few of them are being sold out there.

OEM Phillips/osram bulbs are 35w and are bright enough. No need to run 55w. You would have to deal with more power being drawn, high heat etc. Not efficient.

[Cabriolet]

im running DDM 35W bulbs in my 55W ballast. after about 2 years one went blue.

the temperate changes tho.

[bmw325csi]

Isn't the above ur issue too Chris?

[Deathtoll]

Same Bulb. Basically if you have a yellowish color it will come out whiter with the higher ballast. If you have lights higher on the scale closer to blue the brighter ballast will make it look whiter and brighter as well.

I'm running the Morimoto HID kit with 50 watt ballasts. I bought 4300k bulbs and it comes out almost perfect white.

Go for the stronger ballast and get the brighter lights. The warranty says three years either way you go.

Brighter is better. I recommend 4300k it has the highest lumens of the standard bulb kit. (not counting osram etc,)

[semaj4712]

Isn't the above ur issue too Chris?

Yea crept mine are brand new, I order a set or the morimoto bulbs 5k, to run on my dim 55w ballests, will see if it solves the problem...if not ill buy type ballests from them too