i have a 2016 touring and want to change the headlights and fog lights. i used to have hids on my old car but with all the new things happening with leds id like to know everyones take on them. which is better? i know from friends experience that leds are but im looking to get them aftermarket from Vleds. and there is a decent enough price difference so i want to know before i spend. and i was also wondering if i change the hi-beam bulb to a led would that effect the output on it if i need to used the hi-beam
led or hid
- Thread starter 16cx-5
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My 2015 GT AWD doesn't have LEDs but the headlights are by far the brightest and best lights I've ever driven. I've never been in a CX-5 with LEDs so I can't compare, but I sometimes wonder why people opt for LEDs unless they're interested in efficiency.
Here is a comparison of HIDs versus LED.
I'm sure I'd like LEDs if I had them... I've had HIDs since 2002 and would never go back to halogen at this point.
I'm sure I'd like LEDs if I had them... I've had HIDs since 2002 and would never go back to halogen at this point.
I contacted one of the highly recommended aftermarket vendors who sells LED conversion and HID conversion. I asked "If all I care about is being able to see better, not about how hhe car it self looks to others, what conversion should I do? I have OEM Halogens There answer was that if I am not going to change the reflector then I should go with HID. Retro fit LEDs just don't preform as well with reflectors made for OEM Halogens
OP should really be asking "aftermarket LED or Aftermaket Xenons". I'd go Aftermarket Xenons because that technology has been around for a long time. There are some quality aftermarket Xenons out there. Something like Morimotos should have good quality.
Aftermarket single LEDs are in their early stages especially for primary headlight usage. They are not close to the level of quality as OEM LEDs that Mazda uses which are really really good in output and in providing a sharp cutoff. Its not even close. A couple of notches actually. In fact, the Morimotos would be brighter, cost cheaper, last longer than the VLEDS.
This is why I always stress anyone getting a new Mazda to get either Touring with Tech or GT models (U.S.) due to the Xenons/Leds.
Aftermarket single LEDs are in their early stages especially for primary headlight usage. They are not close to the level of quality as OEM LEDs that Mazda uses which are really really good in output and in providing a sharp cutoff. Its not even close. A couple of notches actually. In fact, the Morimotos would be brighter, cost cheaper, last longer than the VLEDS.
This is why I always stress anyone getting a new Mazda to get either Touring with Tech or GT models (U.S.) due to the Xenons/Leds.
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- Plano, Texas, USA
I do the same and always suggest people getting new LED lighting with AFS when they plan to purchase a CX-5. Keeping the OEM halogen reflector, aftermarket LED conversion is easier to convert by replacing halogen bulb with equivalent LED directly whereas aftermarket HID conversion you do need additional parts. But xenon bulb has single lighting source which is more resembling to halogen bulb. Many LEDs have multiple led cells to form an array of lighting sources which will degrade the light output and cut-off effect with OEM reflector.
This one got my attention because someone on this forum actually tested how well it lit up the road and posted pictures.
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/hi...ct=HARN-RELAY-9005,XB-BALLAST-55#.Vjwkk7-THKM
I agree. I don't understand all the hoopla about getting the LEDs. I find the stock halogen lights on the Sport and Touring to be really bright and perfectly fine for my nighttime driving needs. Coming previously from a Mazda Tribute and a Jeep Wrangler maybe my eyes aren't spoiled and just don't know any better though? I think a lot of these LED people actually just like the aesthetic look of the LEDs on the front and back. I think I'm in the minority who actually doesn't like the look of the LEDs on the CX5; they make the vehicle look like a weird Angry Bird with eyebrows to me.
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- 2014 QX70 AWD
I haven't driven a vehicle with HIDs, but the difference between the LEDs and Halogens is night and day, literally. And the AFS, which I originally thought was more gimmicky than anything, is actually pretty sweet and works well.
HIDs are way better then the stock halogen lights on the Touring but there is a in-between improvement Pull the stock 9005 and replace them with Philips 9011 The new bulbs cost $19 each and are a LOT brighter. The bulbs need a slight trim of one tab. It took a minute per bulb. This takes you from 1200 lumens to 2100 lumens. I have had them in for over a year. Well worth it.
http://store.candlepower.com/mohirbuba.html
Credit to Suddueth13
http://store.candlepower.com/mohirbuba.html
Credit to Suddueth13
You are NOT alone!
Like you, my personal choice is the H.I.D setup!. We do differ though in so far as halogens...I have always found them to be dull and not bright enough. I purchased my 2015 last APRIL, just as the 16's were taking over the lot. The dealer would not budge, and the time was right to get out of a 2013 Outback. They were all to eager to deal on the 15's GTs so...
As it turned out, the only things on the 16 that I found attractive (strictly my taste) were the newer, larger display on the Nav and the slightly different suspension. Since I did not WANT THE NEW ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE and the H.I.D.s were my choice anyway...my selection was easy, especially considering the discount I got on the outgoing 2015 model+ to a lesser extent, I liked the 2015 GT wheels over the 16s!
Like you, my personal choice is the H.I.D setup!. We do differ though in so far as halogens...I have always found them to be dull and not bright enough. I purchased my 2015 last APRIL, just as the 16's were taking over the lot. The dealer would not budge, and the time was right to get out of a 2013 Outback. They were all to eager to deal on the 15's GTs so...
As it turned out, the only things on the 16 that I found attractive (strictly my taste) were the newer, larger display on the Nav and the slightly different suspension. Since I did not WANT THE NEW ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE and the H.I.D.s were my choice anyway...my selection was easy, especially considering the discount I got on the outgoing 2015 model+ to a lesser extent, I liked the 2015 GT wheels over the 16s!
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/battle-of-the-headlights-halogen-vs-xenon-vs-led-26530.html
Explains the advantages of each.
Explains the advantages of each.
Pretty good read. All forms of headlight tech in a nutshell. It also explains how LED headlights require a constant cooling system. Something the aftermarket cannot yet offer at an affordable price. Best to go with aftermarket HIDs.
In the U.S.:
2013-2015 models the Touring comes with Halogens.
2013-2015 models the Touring/w tech comes with HIDs.
2016+ models the Touring comes with Halogens? Not sure.
2016+ models the Touring/w tech comes with LED headlights.
The CX-5 uses H11 for the low beam so if you want to get a in-between improvement you would go with H9 which I did before I got the TRS HID. The Philips 9011 to replace the 9005 in the high beam which doesn't really do much unless you drive with high-beam on all the time which I hope not.
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