'12 Portfolio to restate. HID headlights.

Assuming that age had started to creep in...checked the aiming, it's on. But, as compared to my Jetta (also HID headlights), it seems a bit dimmer than it should be. Auto main/dip works fine, just the amount of light (I know, a personal observation, haven't put a light meter on it, or measured it, just observation of admittedly aged eyeballs...) seems a bit down.

So...question(s)...do these bulbs age (ie like the halogens/sealed beams) and decrease in intensity as they age or is it a binary state (either full brilliance or suddenly dark)? I see replacement is somewhat involved (loosen up the front bumper trim, etc); if I'm going in there because age has taken some of the spunk out of the bulbs, should I stay with the OEM bulbs or update to LED replacements?

Interested in the collective's thoughts from those with insight or have gone down this road. (and, no, a set of Super Oscars on the front aren't the answer...LOL)

TIA.

 

With the HID bulbs the electrodes ware out through constant arcing when on, the brightness can can be reduced more than 50% if they are original
halogen lights normally just blow
hope that helps

 

That's what I was wondering, just wanted to confirm. IIRC, the HIDs in my brand new '17 XE were spectacular, as were the ones in my former '13 XF (which I bought as a 2-year lease turn-in), but I'm finding that the (14 year old) main beams light up with the proper pattern but just aren't blazing bright (which, when driving down dark B roads, can be a bit disconcerting especially when they sense oncoming lights and auto dip.).

I believe they're type D3S. Will spring for a pair. Sheesh, by the time I finish refreshing POs neglect, I'm going to have one sorted ride. Rear brakes and track arms this week...

 

I can recommend these bulbs!

 

John: are the plug and play? Don't throw CAN bus errors?
Looked online...and they seem to be getting the mindshare going forward.
TIA..