The question came to mind as, although still perfectly useable im sure mine are showing signs of wear and not as bright as they once were.

They are the oem bulbs from 2006 with 104k on the clock

one of mine went a bit funny after 9 years 150k - replacement was much brighter

2008 / 55,000 miles, still impressed with how bright they are.

2008 \ 141.5k miles and the only external bulb I've had an issue with was a 501 sidelight.

2006/98k miles here.

 

They are still very bright compared to halogen, but I know the light output from HID bulbs does gradually fall as the years go by and I'm sure mine are no exception. 

 

They say a HID bulb will loose 70% of its lumen output after 10,000 hrs of use. I doubt if a car HID would ever get close to 10,000 hrs.....but it does illustrate the point. 

I got 6 years on scandy mode.  Changed both bulbs for cheap ebay jobbies and they aren't as good as my original kit

Id never fit those ebay ones if i can help it. £60-£100+ is the price for a single bulb really.

Curently looking at whats about, people rave about philips ultinon but they are not available in the uk

Id never fit those ebay ones if i can help it. £60-£100+ is the price for a single bulb really.

Curently looking at whats about, people rave about philips ultinon but they are not available in the uk

 

Yep, live & learn.

 

The car rarely gets used at night & only around the suburbs so i'll worry about it when winter draws near next year.