OEM HID extremely poor output

Ironsights · 05-16-2021, 10:31 AM

I purchased my 2016 Camaro 1SS a few months ago and haven't driven at night until yesterday, and the light output from the OEM HID lights is absolute garbage. My wife and I both thought my lights were off. I confirmed that they were working when I got home but I won't be driving it until I get this issue fixed. Any ideas?

arpad_m · 05-16-2021, 11:17 AM

The HID bulbs are most likely EOL after 4-5 years, get a new pair. The stock RS/SS/ZL1 headlights are actually very-very good when new.

Ironsights · 05-16-2021, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

The HID bulbs are most likely EOL after 4-5 years, get a new pair. The stock RS/SS/ZL1 headlights are actually very-very good when new.

I wasn't aware they had such a short life. I'll try new bulbs.

arpad_m · 05-16-2021, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironsights

I wasn't aware they had such a short life. I'll try new bulbs.

You won't regret it.

Stock part number is 1358783, see here, or there are plenty of aftermarket options and of course amazon, but watch out for quality and color temperature: stock is 4300 °K, if you buy "super white" 5500-6000 °K bulbs, they may not match the lower DRLs.

Ironsights · 05-16-2021, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

You won't regret it.

Stock part number is 1358783, see here, or there are plenty of aftermarket options and of course amazon, but watch out for quality and color temperature: stock is 4300 °K, if you buy "super white" 5500-6000 °K bulbs, they may not match the lower DRLs.

Thanks!

mrgoodbytes · 05-17-2021, 04:56 AM

It is absolutely crazy that a simple wearable item like a light bulb is $ 120+ each. Well, I guess it could be worse, if they were LEDs that need a complete headlight replacement when they go out.

Vaska · 05-23-2021, 11:02 AM

I noticed the same thing.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586068

Haven't replaced my bulbs yet because I rarely drive at night.

HCI2000SS · 05-23-2021, 11:14 AM

I've had two different vehicles with HID's that I owned for about 7 years, and never had an issue. I wonder if this is more a GM related thing than across the board

ShansGen6 · 05-23-2021, 01:34 PM

Its pretty common for HID bulbs to get dimmer as they age. After 2-3 years of steady use they will be about half as bright as when new. Just google new hid bulb vs old and you will get plenty of visuals.
In my experience Osram makes the best bulbs. The CBI and newer CBB&CBA bulbs are the best. I used to do retrofitting as a side gig but have been out of it for a few years now so there might be better now. You can get a new pair from TRS for the price of one from the dealer and they will be genuine. Getting them from eBay and some other sites they could be fakes.

enzia35 · 05-23-2021, 05:18 PM

Mine have gotten noticeable dimmer over the years.

Thanks for the links to new ones!

Spaceme1117 · 05-23-2021, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

You won't regret it.

Stock part number is 1358783, see here, or there are plenty of aftermarket options and of course amazon, but watch out for quality and color temperature: stock is 4300 °K, if you buy "super white" 5500-6000 °K bulbs, they may not match the lower DRLs.

Noticed the same thing on my 2017 SS.

Are the Diode Dynamics bulbs sold on WildHammer a good option?

arpad_m · 05-23-2021, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

Noticed the same thing on my 2017 SS.

Are the Diode Dynamics bulbs sold on WildHammer a good option?

I don't know Spaceme1117, it was just an example, their reputation is certainly good. As to my car, I have the 5500 °K Morimoto units from the screaming chicken gang, but haven't had to change out the factory ones yet (I personally won't mind the slight color temp difference from the DRLs).

GearheadSS · 05-24-2021, 08:20 AM

The 2014-15 Camaros use the same D3S HID bulbs as the 16-18 models. I replaced the OEM 4100k Philips bulbs with Philips X-tremeVision 4800k bulbs. I got them from powerbulbs.com. I just didn't want to go non-name brand with my headlights so I stuck with Philips.

They are great btw. Very happy with them.

https://www.powerbulbs.com/us/produc...en2-d3s-single

Spaceme1117 · 05-27-2021, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

The 2014-15 Camaros use the same D3S HID bulbs as the 16-18 models. I replaced the OEM 4100k Philips bulbs with Philips X-tremeVision 4800k bulbs. I got them from powerbulbs.com. I just didn't want to go non-name brand with my headlights so I stuck with Philips.

They are great btw. Very happy with them.

https://www.powerbulbs.com/us/produc...en2-d3s-single

I just purchased these bulbs on Amazon. $200 for a two pack.

Amazon also has the stock GM bulbs for around $120 a piece.

Going to see how the Philips bulbs are. If they are good, I'll keep them but if not I'm going to get the OEM ones.

Thanks everyone for the part numbers.

05-16-2021, 10:31 AM	#1
Ironsights Drives: Chevy Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: El Dorado Hills Posts: 27	OEM HID extremely poor output I purchased my 2016 Camaro 1SS a few months ago and haven't driven at night until yesterday, and the light output from the OEM HID lights is absolute garbage. My wife and I both thought my lights were off. I confirmed that they were working when I got home but I won't be driving it until I get this issue fixed. Any ideas?

05-16-2021, 11:17 AM	#2
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 11,598 View My Garage	The HID bulbs are most likely EOL after 4-5 years, get a new pair. The stock RS/SS/ZL1 headlights are actually very-very good when new. __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

05-23-2021, 05:18 PM	#10
enzia35 Drives: '16 Garnet Red 1SS Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 3,450	Mine have gotten noticeable dimmer over the years. Thanks for the links to new ones! __________________ '16 Camaro 1SS '18 Miata GT Gone: '01 Camaro, '14 Camaro, '90 Miata

05-17-2021, 04:56 AM	#6
mrgoodbytes Drives: '18 2SS/EU (+Recaros) M6 Red Hot Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Sweden Posts: 260	It is absolutely crazy that a simple wearable item like a light bulb is $ 120+ each. Well, I guess it could be worse, if they were LEDs that need a complete headlight replacement when they go out.

05-23-2021, 11:02 AM	#7
Vaska Drives: On Hiatus Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Sask Posts: 314	I noticed the same thing. https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586068 Haven't replaced my bulbs yet because I rarely drive at night.

05-23-2021, 11:14 AM	#8
HCI2000SS Drives: 2018 Camaro V6/RS Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: MI Posts: 1,596	I've had two different vehicles with HID's that I owned for about 7 years, and never had an issue. I wonder if this is more a GM related thing than across the board

05-23-2021, 01:34 PM	#9
ShansGen6 Drives: 1ss Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Pa Posts: 19 View My Garage	Its pretty common for HID bulbs to get dimmer as they age. After 2-3 years of steady use they will be about half as bright as when new. Just google new hid bulb vs old and you will get plenty of visuals. In my experience Osram makes the best bulbs. The CBI and newer CBB&CBA bulbs are the best. I used to do retrofitting as a side gig but have been out of it for a few years now so there might be better now. You can get a new pair from TRS for the price of one from the dealer and they will be genuine. Getting them from eBay and some other sites they could be fakes.

05-24-2021, 08:20 AM	#13
GearheadSS Drives: 23 LT1/22 Colorado TB/69 Chevelle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greenville, Tx Posts: 4,968 View My Garage	The 2014-15 Camaros use the same D3S HID bulbs as the 16-18 models. I replaced the OEM 4100k Philips bulbs with Philips X-tremeVision 4800k bulbs. I got them from powerbulbs.com. I just didn't want to go non-name brand with my headlights so I stuck with Philips. They are great btw. Very happy with them. https://www.powerbulbs.com/us/produc...en2-d3s-single

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