Would like to get some different opinions on what you all think are the best headlight bulbs to put in my '04 Mazda 3. The factory ones totally suck and have very poor output. Was thinking about putting in an HID kit since they are so cheap now but I might wait until spring to do that. For the time being, I'll just put in some regular halogens. I am looking for some great light output and reliability. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Have a great Halloween everyone !

 

I've used the silverstar and silverstar ultra bulbs from sylvania in the past. when they worked they were great but i had many issues with them burning out quickly (weeks-months). I installed them correctly and used latex gloves to ensure none of the dirt/oils from my skin got on the bulbs. I called customer service and they replaced them for free which was nice. I've also heard that Hella makes a decent bulb as well as PIAA but i haven't used them.

 

I used to use sylvannia silverstars ... but NEVER again. They constantly fail. I would get around 2 to 4 months out of them.

Then I switched to Hella. I have had my first pair of Hella headlights for over a year now...and they haven't burned out. I wouldn't buy anything else.

 

If you plan on adding a HID kit then just save the $40 you'd spend on "upgraded" halogens and put it towards your kit. Most high output 35w halogens actually overdrive the filament which is why they burn out really quickly.

I had silverstars once, noticed no discernible improvement in lighting, and one burned out in a week and a half.

 

Yeah - you're right. I should just put in the HID kit now and save the hassle.

 

Yeah, when i got my 3 5dr it has a missing lamp in the low beam also was missing the socket adapter (a black plastic in the bottom of the lamps that you'll find when replacing them) it was easier to replace the lights for HIDs (that we sell and install in my job )than finding the damn adapter, and the light is incredible.
I forgot to mention that you'll need to do a little modification when installing the Direct replacement HIDs, since you cannot use the mentioned adapter, the spring will not press firmly the lamp in the base, so you will need to put some spacer in the back of the bulb. (i used 2 pieces of 3/4 copper pipe)

 

you know, i have read tons of posts complaining about silverstars. honestly, i had them on my jetta and they still shined bright after 3 years

 

"I forgot to mention that you'll need to do a little modification when installing the Direct replacement HIDs, since you cannot use the mentioned adapter, the spring will not press firmly the lamp in the base, so you will need to put some spacer in the back of the bulb. (i used 2 pieces of 3/4 copper pipe)[/QUOTE]"

I'm getting an HID kit for $40 plus another $30 for shipping. Friend I work with has had it for the past year with no problems. It's a plug n play setup. Would I still need to put a spacer in the back of the bulb?

 

hey i just wrecked my car and i still have a set of headlights with stock hids (projectors) for 300 very clean pm me if interested

 

I had silverstar ultras in my 3 and they worked quite well. I'm actually really surprised to see everybody dissing them.

However you should def go with HID kit. you can get a cheap kit for like 60 but if you want a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service you should get this kit:

http://www.dabears2k.com/product_inf...roducts_id=116

I have a 35 watt 6000K kit and love it. They are white with a slight blueish hue. They look really sweet and really light up the road. I can post pics if you like.