I have been working with HIDs, performing retrofits using OEM parts for approx
5 years.
any HID lighting not otherwise replacing an OEM part of the same model is not legal in the US.
HID drop in kits have never been made available by Philips or Osram, only direct
OEM replacement
the hot and cold spots on the photos posted by lsmalley approach some of the
worst I've seen outside of HID kits into Depos. rare is it, that you will ever see
OEM HID lighting with this degree of uneveness
OEM Kelvin ranged from 4-5kšK depending on D2R, D2S, or D1S, never higher
the color seen on OEM HIDs are as mike indicated, ie refraction off the top
edge of the cutoff plate. you will not see this effect from D2R reflectors
some folks have had success moderating the glare from HID kits by shimming
the bulb so that the focal point is as close to the halogen bulb's focal point
as possible. but when you view the beam against a wall, invariably you will
see some glare.....definitely more glare than OEM
what I hate is when I come upon an opposing car with poorly assembled HID
kits (most of them are)....on a dark road when I'm on touring on the motor-
cycle. I've been run off the road 2x due to the lack of calibration by such
discourteous drivers who's only thought is THEIR bright light in front of their
car.
here is a good example of proper HID retrofit. I used E55 projector.
here is one of the best I've seen. person used Stanley OEM projector
