While my G35 was in for service, the dealership informed me that the passenger-side low-beam headlight was out and needed to be replaced. When I got it home, I noticed a significant difference between the color of the bulb they’d replaced relative to original bulb on the driver’s side – the replacement bulb was more yellow than the pure white look of the original bulb. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the driver side light in order to achieve uniformity between the two.

Although I do now have two new bulbs, they are now both yellow. I explained this to the dealer and they said that the original lights (the original xenon bulbs that had come new on the vehicle) were no longer available due to changes in the laws relating to the maximum allowable brightness….. and said that the replacement bulbs were factory parts and were the only bulbs they have.

My problem is that I very much liked the pure white appearance of the original bulbs and replacement bulbs’ yellowish appearance doesn’t look nearly as good.

Would much appreciate any suggestions as to how I can correct this (e.g. advice on new bulbs I could purchase, etc.) – preferably some that wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg….

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Vehicle: 2003.5 G35 Sedan (sport package, xenon HID lights)
Infiniti Replacement Bulb Part#: BULB-26297-89910

I hate to say this but it sounds like you got screwed over big time by the dealer. They should've replaced your original HID bulbs with the same ones but instead they opted to replace them with halogen (non-HID) bulbs in order to save themselves $$$ for parts. I'd go back to the dealer and point this mistake out, and if that doesn't work out get on the phone with Infiniti customer service and have them get on the dealer's case.

Sounds like they replaced your old colorshifted phillips 85126 d2r bulbs with the updated phillips 85126+ bulbs. The reason your old bulbs appeared more white is because they were colorshifted, which happens with older bulbs over time. This however decreases the output as the bulbs age. The new bulbs they likely replaced them with, the 85126+ are actually better and put out more light than your old bulbs by ~200 lumens when new. Compared to your old colorshifted bulbs, I would expect a difference of close to 1000 lumens or ~25% more output with the new bulbs, so they actually did you a favor with the new "upgrade". So it is up to you if color is more important that actual performance. If you just want color, then go with phillips ultinon 6000k d2r bulbs, ~200/pair and significantly less output than your new OEM setup, ~25-35% less light.

That makes sense - sounds like it's basically a tradeoff between appearance and functionality. Many thanks for the info. Merry Christmas.

I am to purchase a couple of H1 D2R bulbs 6000K 12v/55w, will they fit a 2003 coupe, without changing a hid kit upgrade?

that doesn't make any sense, it can't be both h1 and d2r, unless you mean its a rebased d2r bulb, which in either case, neither will work in the foglights of a coupe which is h4

The dead low beam bulb I pulled out of my 04 sedan has Philips Germany on it. "D2R 35W 8512C +" is on it. The next line has "03U DOT B413" on it. Can somebody tell me what the heck I have? Is this xenon or H1 or what? The more I read the more in doubt and confused I become. I want just what I took out to go back in. Where is this 85126 from? Does the 8512C not exist any more? Where can I find an exact replacement? Besides Infiniti. Heck, is the $190 bulb they say is for my car even an exact replacement? Is this bulb Autozone has just fine? It looks just like it, at least. Can I buy this? Even if it is a different type of gas method of creation of the light or whatever, will it look just like the other light? Thanks!