Osram Xenarc Next Generation Laser D3S

[Roger and Belinda]

Like many before me am exploring upgrading my HID headlights as the OEM are pretty inadequate. (Trying to avoid the auxiliary lighting route).
While OSRAM has had their Xenarc range out for some time, which has pretty favorable reviews, in recent times Osram have released a updated version which is tagged "next generation" and includes the word "laser".

Osram claim an up to 200% performance improvement, a hefty step-up from the original Xenarc of +70%.

Surprise, surprise the price has also jumped upwards of $400 depending on where you buy from. Yep, Ebay is cheaper but still serious coin.

Being skeptical about the authenticity of reviews, was wondering if anyone has got these new Next Generation Laser versions and can provide some genuine feedback?

[LeCheese]

Don't have personal experience (yet - they're on the list), but people are consistently happy with the OSRAM nightbreaker from what I've seen. A couple of points though:

They won't give you additional range or spread, due to how the projectors work, but the area that is illuminated will be brighter.

The "200%" is marketing at its finest - this figure is based off the absolute minimum legally required output (in the US I believe).

[FARWEST]

Personally, and from experience with other brands/vehicles...most aftermarket upgrades will get you 'flashed' 'birded' 'hated' 'gestured at' and even a 'please explain' from the boyz in blue.....minor to middle of the road upgrades go ok...but....ask yourself how many times you've 'flashed the highs' at oncoming only to be met by 95x 130W Driving lights...cos the low beams are 85 or 100w inserts ????....just fitting decent driving lights, or a decent light bar, and leaving the standard set up untouched will fix everything, and avoid an unfortunate accident when the oncoming passes and disposes of a coke bottle thats been annoying them as they inadvertantly pass you...bad timing...sometimes

[SouthernComfort]

As LeCheese says, Osram Nightbreakers are a good upgrade and imho they're all you need. I ran them for about 4 years before passing my Jeep on to another lucky owner. I had no aux lighting fitted, never felt it was necessary even on dark country roads.

[LeCheese]

Originally Posted by FARWEST

Personally, and from experience with other brands/vehicles...most aftermarket upgrades will get you 'flashed' 'birded' 'hated' 'gestured at' and even a 'please explain' from the boyz in blue.....minor to middle of the road upgrades go ok...but....ask yourself how many times you've 'flashed the highs' at oncoming only to be met by 95x 130W Driving lights...cos the low beams are 85 or 100w inserts ????....just fitting decent driving lights, or a decent light bar, and leaving the standard set up untouched will fix everything, and avoid an unfortunate accident when the oncoming passes and disposes of a coke bottle thats been annoying them as they inadvertantly pass you...bad timing...sometimes

Mostly agree, but it's less of an issue in these due to the projector characteristics and self-levelling. Definitely been flash a couple of times in the early days though, I think everyone's used to brighter low beams now.

It's the dickheads putting LEDs / Xenon globes in standard reflector housings that are the biggest issue - particularly those who decide they like the look of their ute sitting arse down....

[FARWEST]

Originally Posted by LeCheese

Mostly agree, but it's less of an issue in these due to the projector characteristics and self-levelling. Definitely been flash a couple of times in the early days though, I think everyone's used to brighter low beams now.

It's the dickheads putting LEDs / Xenon globes in standard reflector housings that are the biggest issue - particularly those who decide they like the look of their ute sitting arse down....

100% on the money....and as Southerncomfort and yourself have stated, and I mentioned...middle of the road upgrades are fine....going for hi beam outcomes in low beam function, or not doing level checks n light adjustments(as you mention..we are lucky with the self levelling function) when loaded or hooked up is a pita for all oncoming traffic, or the vehicle being followed...again, we are lucky with the anti glare functions in our mirrors.%

[Jeeper6]

We just love our Jeeps...warts and all...