I usually drive a 2005 Saab 9-2x w/HIDs and I have bad night vision. Whenever I drive my wife's 2000 S40 and turn on the headlights, it almost seems likethe headlights aren't even on. Is there really such a drastic difference between HIDs and halogens? What's the best after-market halogen bulb? I'm not concerned w/the "cool" white-effect; I just want one that provides good visibility. I bought the most expensive bulbs I could find at Pepboys (made by Sylvania), but if someone can recommend a cheaper brighter bulb maybe I can return these since I haven't installed them yet.

 

Me too. I'm looking for a brighter bulb that wont give me an error message for my 02 S60 and my sons 96 850.

 

sylvanias has brighter bulbs

 

Yes there is a big difference between HIDs and regular old Halogen lights.

1. I used to have stock OSRAM bulbs.

2. I upgraded to Sylvania SilverStars. Nice improvement.

3. I then upgraded to an HD kit. WOW the difference is amazing.

Honestly if you were willing to pay the money for the so called brighter Halogens your willing to pay $125-$150 for an HID kit. Trust me it is well worth the investment. SharpHID is the place to get them and John will take good care of you. I recommend the kit with the lifetime warranty.

I can show you pictures, but it is more affective in real-life.

35w 5000K low beam reflector housing


35w 6000K vs halogen


Cool Blue halogens vs 50w 6000K reflectors


If you do decide to go the HID route I would recommend 4300k-6000k HID's. Anything higher and your not gaining anymore light. In reality your loosing light output and only gaining color. You get the most light from 4300-5000K and from there on you loose it.