http://autolumination.com/7443_7440.htm

this place has loads of different types of 7440 bulb

I wonder how bright they are compared to the standard bulb though. Is there any kind of laws as to how bright a reverse light can be?

I'd like to make mine as wide a throw and as bright as possible.

 

Don't HID's run cooler?

 

That's what I thought too...?

 

Article: http://www.calgarysun.com/cgi-bin/pu...rticles&s=auto

Excerpt:

To answer Mike’s question, I contacted the lighting gurus at PIAA. Spokesman Ian Mackenzie sheds the following light on the subject:

First, HID bulbs do not have a filament, which is where the light emanates on a traditional halogen bulb.

There is a glass tube with a highly concentrated xenon gas, which, for automotive applications, ignites by a 25,000-volt arc supplied by the ballast and igniter that accompanies each bulb.

The conventional headlight has a reflector-to-bulb-to-glass configuration that focuses light to a predetermined pattern, which has been established by the Department of Transportation.

The filament placement in relation to the reflector and lens is critical to the positioning of a correct beam pattern.

In HID bulbs, the light must emanate from a point identical to the filament placement on the conventional bulb. The positioning of the arc generated by the HID determines the effectiveness of the output of an HID conversion.

If the illumination point is off by a few microns, the light scatters, which is a prime reason people complain about the glare from HID conversion kits.

PIAA HID conversion kits are designed to light up, in position, exactly where the filament is presented on a halogen bulb. The H4 unit is packaged with a bulb cap that is easily installed, if the headlight unit does not have a cap.

On low beam, the PIAA HID bulb lights up the upper portion (roughly 66% of the reflector) of the headlight reflector, which illuminates the road on low beam.

The PIAA H4 has a high/low beam — the high beam is activated by a solenoid-type electromagnet that pulls the bulb downwards, simultaneously opening a rear aperture, which focuses the light on the entire reflector.

This elevates the light as a true high beam.

This electromagnet has been rigorously tested — more than 20,000 shifts to ensure durability and function.

There are several HID manufacturers with products on the market. Some of the H4 units have a high/low beam; some are single output. Others have a 5w wedge bulb to function as a secondary output.

The quality bulbs will arc in position consistent with the halogen bulbs. It’s very difficult to tell which products are credible. Often, the cheaper the product ...

With respect to the projector headlight question, the quality issue is the key.

By definition, a projector light has a built-in shield that helps cut off the light output, which in concert with a well-designed reflector and quality lens, will correctly project light.

A plastic shield, under the heat generated by a halogen bulb, may change position, effectively changing light output.

Consumers need to determine the quality of these projector lamps, which can be done through feedback in online forums or by asking a knowledgeable person behind the parts counter.

Heat is mentioned because there is a dramatic difference in the heat generated by an HID bulb vs. halogen.

The HID unit requires that initial spark to illuminate, but thereafter it consumes 35w, burning coolly and efficiently.

The conventional halogen H4 bulb burns at 55w on low beam and 65w on high beam. The output of the 35w HID bulb is more like a 150-watt bulb.

You should keep in mind none of the HID conversion kit bulbs on the market has a DOT mark.

This effectively makes the unit illegal for highway use, as the first stage inspection an officer performs is to seek the DOT marking on a bulb.

PIAA Conversion Kits are all marked “For Offroad Use Only.”

 

Another good link: http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html
I was considering the kits sold here by a member but the 1 year warranty kinda scared me off. Seems there are kits with 3 year, 5 year and even lifetime warranties available. I'm also a member over at http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?board=8.0 and am considering one of the kits sold by a sponsor over there. For $325 with a lifetime warranty sounds great to me.

 

Another pointless addition to the number of people complaining about the back up light:

The reverse/back up lights need to be FIXED. I don't mean "modified" I mean FIXED as in "redesigned" and installed on xB's at dealerships via RECALL. The lack of back up lights basically guarantees that people will hit your car because they don't realize you're backing up. This is a SERIOUS problem and warrants a RECALL.

Don't get me wrong, I love my new xB ... but Toyota/Scion are putting their customers and other drivers in DANGER by putting this design on the road. I like the fact that the one back up light gives me a clear view of what I'm backing into ... but other people don't realize I'm backing up.

The armrest, position of the iPod jack, and lack of pause button are minor frustrations.

The lack of back up lights in the standard positions on the left and right sides of the vehicle puts LIVES AT RISK!

 

Sounds as though a letter writing campaign is in order to Toyota Scion Headquarters!!!

 

For the pause button, just power the HU off. And for the other stuff, you guys do have a point.

 

ok guys/gals...

the hid bulb is a 35 watt bulb but the oem is a 21 watt. yeah the hid bulb runs cooler but that's compared to the 55 watt halogen.

i thought about offering a projector in the same place but if there was a cutoff shield in it, the light wouldn't shine out very well.

if there is someone local with an 08 xB who is interested in testing out a projector in the back up light, lemme know.

 

There was a guy already on here that changed his reverse light to a LED bulb. He did it a few days ago, and it looks badA55. Heres the link:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=178778

 

Does anyone have complaints about the blindspot issues?
or is that just me?

 

I only had trouble with blind spots until I adjusted my mirrors. Once I did that I really didn't have true "blind spots."

 

You guys could try, um...looking behind you.

 

I bought 2 of the little stick ons that match the BlackBerry Color and added them to my side mirrors. I like it that way, and its a cheap and easy fix. See from thr door straight back.

 

You guys could try, um...looking behind you. [/quote]

That's like saying, instead of having smoke detectors in your home you could just try, um ... not starting a fire.

I can look and even stop when I see a person driving by, but if other drivers are looking for standard backup lights they might accelerate too quickly for me to see and still hit me.

Even with standard backup lights rear end collisions are common in mid-to-large size cities.

 

pics please.. and where dd you get them? I want to add Blindspot mirrors and I also have Blackberry paint job.

 

Although i think some of the complaints are valid .. i would like to point out to those who are new to Scion that this is indeed a Scion ... not a Toyota or Lexus. These little cars are considered starter cars for the Toyota market.

Yes the paint is thin. Yes the interior is plastic. Yes the car only has one 12V plug in. Yes the rear has only one interior light. Yes the car even has one arm rest. Scion is built to introduce you to quality that Toyota can provide. Some post are carrying on like you wanted Lexus quality for a Scion price. Sorry, but it aint gonna happen.

The blind spot issue ... regardless how may mirrors you install ( stock and the little stick on bug eyes you get from PepBoys ) you are still going to have blind spots. Cause you dont have eyes on the sides of your head, and as long as there are A .. B .. C ... and D pillars you will have blind spots.

The back up lighting issue ... DOT had to inspect and pass these cars before they ever hit the assembly lines in Japan. The same DOT that stopped the Open Deck from coming here for safty issues. 1 .. i think to post here about the DANGERS and the SAFETY ISSUES suggesting RECALLS and CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS and lets not forget DEATH is just absurd. 2, to post it here im sure only makes the people at Scion Corp chuckle. You bought the car .. you should have looked over the car, test drove it and made your final decision under no duress. Unless the dealer put a gun to your head you could have just walked away from the sale. Even if it was over the single back up light on the drivers side ( see above about passing DOT ).

 

You can get the stick on bug eyes anywhere now. I have even seen them at Walmart and a local dollar store. You just peel off the back of the 3M tape and press it to the stock mirror.

 

just traded in my lexus for a 08 xb blackberry 5 speed great car but storage is weak in the car and arm rest could use some help but besides that what a fun car to drive!!!!!!!

 

I was backing up in my Blazer a few years ago, in a car with backup lights bigger than my xB's mirrors, and some idiot woman in a Monte Carlo with a cellphone still plowed right into me. If people are stupid enough to drive into a stationary object, the number of illuminated surfaces on the back won't make a difference. ;) As long as you don't back up at 45 MPH and want to warn people so they can dive out of the way, you should be fine.

If you're really worried about it, mod it! THAT'S THAT POINT OF SCION! Add another light, or better yet, you can be the first xB with one of those high-pitched beeping noises dumptrucks make Come on, Gen 2 - quit your whining and show us whatcha got! :D