Inexpensive H4 / 9003 / HB2 LED headlights ($32) - trying on the Prius & motorcycle

[Daox]

Old Mechanic had suggested a LED retrofit H4 bulb while I was looking around for a new headlight for my motorcycle last year. I passed on it then as my new headlight bucket came with a bulb. But, the other day I checked the site again and they were on sale for just about half price. At $32 per bulb (basically 2x halogen price), I couldn't resist. They are this low in price because a rev2 bulb came out that is even nicer (more efficient, and cheaper than the rev1 was at full price). So, this is a closeout price. I got a set for the Prius, and a single blub for the motorcycle too for just over $100 shipped. These bulbs use 1.5A lowbeam / 1.5A highbeam and put out 2400/2400 lumens. They use Cree LEDs and the review I read showed they gave a nice beam pattern. They also do not use a fan, just a large heatsink which I really like (one less part to fail). I'll be posting before and after pics to verify it works well in the Prius and motorcycle too.

Here are the specs:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

• Cree XM-L2 Leds
• 12-24 V DC or AC
• Water and Dust proof: IP68
• Low Beam 2400 Lumens, High Beam 2400 Lumens
• 30,000 hour expected life
• 20 watts / 1.5 amps
• 1 year warranty
• 6000K Color Temperature
• Low and High beam
• Includes harness with H4 adapater

I'm anxious to try it out. I am not too worried about the light pattern being horrible as the reviews made it look pretty good. I am worried about the longevity of the bulb. Only time will tell if it'll hold up. The reviews on these bulbs seem to be quite good thus far.

Here is a link to a huge thread on the bulbs:
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=976505



Rev1 bulb:
H4 LED Headlight - ADVmonster

The rev2 bulb is here. Its even more efficient and brighter at 1.2A, 2800 lumen lowbeam / 1.5A 3000 lumen highbeam and still a good deal at $45.
H4 LED Headlight Rev2 - ADVmonster

Also, if you use the coupon code "inmate" you can get a small discount.

Rev1 bulb:




Rev1 bulb (top) next to Rev2 bulb (bottom):

[Vman455]

FWIW, I've been running LED headlights in my Prius for the past 1 1/2 years. No issues, no complaints, and mine have the fans in them. The passenger side was a tight fit, but other than that no problems installing either.

[Daox]

What bulbs did you go with?

[NeilBlanchard]

I tried to put similar LED bulbs in my Scion xA, and the wire retaining clips were impossible to put in place because of the size of the heatsink, and the housing.

[Daox]

These bulbs have a removable mounting piece. The circular piece with the tabs can be removed from the bulb. The bulb then slides inside the circular piece and twists to lock it in place.

[darcane]

I'm going to have to keep an eye on this... These bulbs in an aftermarket lens would be a nice upgrade for my classic pickup. I currently have standard H4 bulbs and the high current draw is a problem with the 50 year old wiring harness and no relays...

[mrbigh]

Is the $40.00 price per lamp or pair?

[Daox]

Its $32 per bulb plus shipping. Shipping for the three bulbs was $10 for me.

[sheepdog 44]

To i have to modify anything? Would it reflect off the interior of the headlight housing in a way that could make it illegal? Or are these plug and play?

[Daox]

Some guys have had to cut the rubber boot that is on the back of the bulb to get a bit more clearance to put the bulb in. That is the only thing I've seen. For the most part its plug and play as long as there is clearance behind the bulb for the heatsink.

I don't think there is anything to it that'll make it illegal.

Here is a pic: