I upgraded one of my OEM HID bulbs yesterday to Osram CBI bulb and really couldn't tell the difference. Since I had some extra headlights laying around the house (painting project), I decided to do some comparisons.

OEM vs Osram CBI



OEM vs Osram w/ STi-r Lens



OEM vs Osram w/ STi-r Lens and one washers



OEM vs Osram w/ STi-r Lens and two washers



Test setup you can see the difference in color



Side note still trying to decide if I show go Matt or gloss?



As for the results the Osrams are much whiter, I was thinking I had got ripped off because I couldn't see a difference. As for the lens upgrade I need to experiment with different size spacers to get some where between 1 and 2 spacers. I want a super sharp cutoff with a nice blue color. Let me know what you think.

 

Nice comparison. I just used 2 cardboard washers for each of my STiRs and found it to be pretty good, I was a bit worried that the lens wouldn't stay put w/ the wire spacers. If I ever crack open the lights again I may go w/ a single wire spacer and just make sure it's plenty secure. My cutoff is well defined but I don't have much of the blue flicker that I would if I brought the lens out a bit further. As far as the shrouds, I think a matte base w/ gloss accents goes well.
Cool that you took the time to compile all that info, should be pretty useful to those that may be on the fence w/ the bulb &/or lens upgrade.

 

I can clearly see more blue in one of them. I assume that's the CBI.

 

Nice!

 

Thanks for the photos

Care to share details on turn signal and sidemarker bulbs? Are they one with the headlights, or just when the turn signal is on? If they're on with the headlights, do they light up white? (Thanks and sorry for all the questions)

 

Thanks for sharing this info. Personally, I say go with one washer. The cut-off is sharp and there is a slight blue.

 

what about OEM with sti lens?

 

I did take some pictures but didnt post them since they are the same as CBI with the exception of the color.

 

I am using the wire spacers that TheRetrofitSource sent with the STI-R lens. With these the cutoff looks about the same as your picture with two washers. Quite a bit of color, but not the sharpest.

Here's an old pic.

https://www.myg37.com/forums/3342055-post18.html

 

what temp are the osram bulbs, are they 5k?

 

I'd go with the matte black....any worries about it fading with time though?