DPtune
PIAA

Piaa 1100X

[1/18/2008] Reviewed by: Chris - bowhhhuntr@excite.com

Applicable to: '99-'05

Driving lamps

I purchased and installed these lamps a little over a year ago for a 200+ dollars and loved them. That was until one went out after about 8 months replaced it, 2 months later the other one, 4 months later one is out again. At 40 + dollars a bulb you can understand why I must remove them and go with a more cost friendly lamp.

I wrote piaa about this but they never have responded.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


PIAA GT-X Super Plasma Light Bulbs (Pair)

[12/20/2007] Reviewed by: Paul Crawford - tasmancrawford@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '99-'05 1.8 liter

PIAA Super Plasma GT-X Light Bulbs come in a Japanese package, with no product information other than the designation of the bulb printed in English. They are a Purple(UV)/White High-Temperature bulb which are OEM replacements for hgih performance driving.

As with any lamp, care is required when changing bulbs. It is vital to wear new latex surgical gloves when changing a car's headlamp bulbs. Having done this, I have had fantastic experience with this set of bulbs. I replaced a set of Sylvania lamps with these, and it is like having a little chip of the sun in each housing. Bright enough to elicit a few "high-beamings" from some of the oncoming local drivers, these lamps are impossible to over-run or outdrive, as they cut off far enough in front of the car to allow for slightly faster driving with much better reaction time. They also switch between low and high much more quickly than the last two sets I used (OEM, then Sylvania), possibly due to a better filament design, more easily ignited gas mixture or both.

A well designed bulb set, though they run very hot (high temperatures = hotter filaments/gases = brighter bulbs, in most cases) therefore extreme caution must be taken during installation not to allow oils, moisture, or debris into the headlight housing or onto the bulb itself. Truly excellent lighting for a standard housing.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Replacement headlight globes

[1/2/2005] Reviewed by: Mark Simpson - ws091@ozemail.com.au

Applicable to: '99 +

Platinum H4 100/90w 3950k

I have tried these globes in my previous vehicle and was unimpressed with their lifespan (about 8 months). I thought I would give them a go on my current vehicle anyway. This time I removed my acrylic headlight protectors and had the headlight wiring upgraded to an aftermarket loom. They have since offered almost three years of trouble free operation, cannot fault them.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Extreme White replacement bulbs

[10/10/2002] Reviewed by: Howard Leader - lawleader@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '99 +

PIAA Extreme White's--- replacement for OEM headlight bulbs on '99--'00

This another follow-up review. These bulbs were installed in May for about $85. They were very good until this past Saturday evening, when BOTH died within 30 mins. of each other. Frankly, I expect longer life for that kind of $$. I'm going to try Sylvania SilverStars next-- they are considerably cheaper and have got favorable reviews on the M2 Forum and here.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Extreme White Lights

[3/31/2002] Reviewed by: Howard Leader - lawleader@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Replacement light-bulbs for headlights

I believe this product is quite new (about 1 month). Installed yesterday-- so far, so good.

I have previously submitted favorable reviews of PIAA Super Plasam, but had to retract my endorsement when they failed after just a few months. Those were replaced by PIAA Super Whites which were better than stock, but still yellow by comparison to Super Plasma bulbs. These Extreme Whites are much better than stock, and offer a very white light w/better focus and sharpness. Installed only yesterday, so life expectancy obviously unknown at this point.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Super Plasma's

[2/9/2002] Reviewed by: Howard Leader - voxradio@pipeline.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Replacement head-light bulbs

This is an update. Several months ago, I wrote a "glowing" (pun intended!) review of these bulbs. And they were great. Then they burned out. Twice. On the reccomendation of the store I bought them in, I have since replaced them w/PIAA Super Whites. Verdict? Much better than stock, but not as clean or bright a white as I would like.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA super plasma lights

[8/22/2001] Reviewed by: Howard Leader - voxradio@pipeline.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

replace wimpy OEM lights w/something actually useful

Fabulous. On lo-beam, the difference is immediately noticeable, and they give off a purplish appearance-- way cool, IMHO. But on hi-beam.... unbelievable!!! You won't believe the difference!!! It's as though you have stadium lighting. If you live/drive in a part of the world where night driving and/or lack of street lighting is a serious concern, you can't afford not to do this upgrade. About US$75, but well worth it!

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA H-4 Super Plasma

[4/18/2001] Reviewed by: Gene Yoon - ejy2r@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '99 +

PIAA H-4 Super Plasma HeadLight Bulbs

These bulbs look great. I made sure nothing touched the bulb when I took it out of the package and installed them b/c of the previous reviews on how short the life of these bulbs were. I have yet to see how long they will last. They are extremely white with a slight blue tinge, but not too much to cheapen the look of the Miata. I also put in the PIAA Super Plasma wege bulbs behind clear side markers to match the headlights. It doesn't match though. It looks a bit bluer than the H-4's, but it'll do. I would highly recommend these bulbs.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Super White Bulbs

[8/16/2000] Reviewed by Jesper Bengtsson - jesperbe@hotmail.com

Applicable to '99 +

PIAA SuperWhite, replacement bulbs for stock headlights

Very impressed with the "whiteness" of these ones, white but not overly so. This is what you would put on you car to see better. Not for making riceboy impressions (meaning not blue)

These are expensive, but as long as they work they really improves visabilty. Too bad they only worked for 3months, then one failed.

Value for money No not at all, if they would have lasted longer I would by these again anyday. Now it is just money down the drain. (extremely short lifespan IMHO)

Under 5 minutes to remove


[6/3/2000] Reviewed by Dave Lynch - dlynch@attcanada.net

Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 +

This is a replacement headlight bulb.

One lamp burned out quickly.

Bulbs do improve lighting over the standard headlight.

They are very expensive. (Approx. 130 Cdn $.)

Lifetime is unacceptable. One lamp failed at 5 months. Lamps were returned to the vendor. Vendor said "it's up to the rep." So had to purchase lamps from another manufacturer (Hella in this case) to return home. Expected time for decision? 6 weeks.

Not acceptable.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Super Plasma Bulbs

[2/21/2000] Reviewed by Anonymous

Applicable to '99 + 1.6 liter

PIAA Super Plasma Replacement Bulbs 60/55W H4 type

at first, i tried the solaris brand and i wasnt satisfied with it. then my cousin gave me his new piaa plasma bulbs and they look great with my honda civic. its an eye catcher at night.

just like what the people were saying ...... they are kinda pricey but hey ....... i agree, its worth it.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


PIAA SuperWhite H4 Bulbs

Reviewed by: Brian Walters - brian.walters@amd.com

Replacement headlight bulbs

They installed in less than 10 minutes and work well so far.

I felt that the stock Miata headlights were really weak, particularly in bad weather. After installing these new bulbs, I can see much better and they give off a really nice white light with a slight blue tint which is really cool. I an happy with  my purchace, although, at $60 for the pair, these aren't cheap. I would buy them again, however.

Under 5 minutes to remove

[12/2/99] Update by: Brian Walters - brian.walters@amd.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

I wrote a favorable review of these bulbs when I first purchaced them a few months ago. I am still fond of the bulbs, however, they have now both burned out. Considering what these cost, this is unacceptable and I do not plan on replacing them with another PIAA product.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Plasma Blue

[8/31/99] Reviewed by: Albert Low - Albert_Low@Amway.com

The PIAA Plasma Blue is claimed to be "better" than their SuperWhite as it burns at 5000K which makes it emit an extremely white light with a slight bluish cast. From my personal experience, the Superwhites do not have any bluish cast and this makes the Plasma Blue very distinctive.

The ones I have is rated at 55/60W and the intensity is nothing to shout about. My 80/80W PIAA SuperWhites are slightly brighter. However, it is the appeareance of the light which makes this product so damn stunning! Bloody white with a slight blue tinge!!!!!! Extremely eye cathing and you gotta be blind not to notice it from a km away!!!!

If you want an attention-grabbing light which gives a truly genuine high-end look, pls search no further...this is it! Fantastic product even though it's expensive at Singapore 90 bucks per pair! Damn worth it and totally transformed the appearance of my minicar at night.


PIAA SuperWhite H-4 Bulbs (80/80 Watt)

Reviewed by: Christopher Proescher - caproescher@mindspring.com

Replacements bulbs for H4 headlilghts.

A very positive experience. The PIAA Platinum Series SuperWhite bulbs in 80/80 watt are advertised to perform like a 135/115 watt bulb and don't seem to blind/annoy ohter drivers, (at least not from recent experience driving behind on of the cops in a notorious speed-trap, locally). Took the standard precatuion of wiping down with iso-alchohol before installation.

Not just a blue/white tinted bulb, actually gives a better beam definition that the standard bulbs. A very European beam cut-off that had a nice horizontal upper limit and a 45 degree angle to the right to see the edges of the road.


Reviewed by: Doc Wynne - doc@miata.net

PIAA SuperWhite H-4 Bulbs (80/80 Watt)

I installed these replacing the 55/60 watt H-4 that came with my E-Code Hellas. I had originally wanted to go with some 80/100 H-4 bulbs, but decided to give the PIAA bulbs a try. In a nutshell, I am impressed! Pulling up beside other cars on the highway at night, you can see the beam pattern on the road is a much "whiter" light than standard Halogen lights. On leaving the city streets and heading for the back roads, the lights really come into their realm. Low beam is very good for spread and intensity (supposedly 80 watt SuperWhites give the light output of 135 watt low beams and 115 watt high beams), and on high, it really illuminates far down the road. Highly recommended for late night blitzes down your favorite roads. The only drawbacks that I can see are the price (a bit over $70), and the light is so white that if you encounter a road with a lot of dust on it, the white light tends to backscatter and glare in your eyes.  Aiming them a bit higher may help this a bit. All in all, despite the price, I give them 5 of 5 stars.


PIAA H-4 Super White headlight bulbs

Reviewed by: Nathan Ramsey - nramsey@hevanet.com

This is a replacement for the standard H-4 bulb that comes with the Hella and Cibie H-4 headlight conversion kits. I have heard these will also fit on the M2 Miatas ('99s). You can check this by looking in the owner's manual. If the size is either 9003 or H-4, these bulbs will fit.

These bulbs provide a VERY white light on the road. The color/output is close to the HID lights equiped on upper level BMWs, Mercedes, and so on. These bulbs do NOT put out the very blue color of the cheap imitation HID bulbs that have been so popular with the young, lowered Civic crowd. They are a very refined looking clear, white, purple color that does look almost blue when side by side with standard halogen lights. The way they light up the road though is the reason to get these. They really cut through the rain/fog/snow much better than standard halogens. They are designed to put out 110/115 watts of light while only using 55/60 watts of power.

The cost of these bulbs is about $70 per pair. Pricey, but worth the cost.

Under 5 minutes to remove


PIAA Super White H4 bulbs

Reviewed by: Serge Brodsky - flyski@home.net

PIAA Super White H4 headlight bulb

After about 1k miles on my 99 Miata, I knew for sure the headlights would have to be upgraded for sure. It seemed I was out-driving my stock headlights at 45 mph on dark roads. Fortunately I came across PIAA Super White H4's. While they are not cheap, about $70 for a pair, they are worth every penny as they burn brighter and much whiter in color. It is much easier to see the road with these bulbs as they burn at 3800k in color approximating sunlight. They have Xenon charge in them and give off a bluish tint like the HID headlights on some newer German cars.

I would never go back to driving with stock headlights now. These Super Whites are an excellent product as far as I am concerned.


PIAA 1000X Super White Driving Lights

Reviewed by: Keith Ponnan - keith_ponnan@bmc.com

These are 55W driving lights from PIAA. Available since early 1998. The 55W bulbs perform like the 85W PIAA 1000 bulbs with less emitted heat and just as bright. The 1000X bulbs emit a super white beam colour. The PIAA 1000 bulbs emit a yellowish colour.

I actually had the PIAA 1000 casing and bulbs originally. When the 1000 bulbs burned out I replaced them with the new 1000X bulbs. They are a direct replacement as long as you have the CLEAR lens on the PIAA 1000 lights. The 1000X bulbs will not work with the ION lens. The original PIAA 1000 lights were professionally installed. But anyone can replace the bulbs. Super easy. I highly recommend the PIAA 1000X super white lights. The white light makes it easier to see in the dark and resolution is sharper than the yellow light. Looks very high tech. Like the new Bimmers and Mercedes. If you already own the PIAA 1000 lights you should replace the bulbs with the PIAA 1000X bulbs.

I also like the new casing colour for the 1000X. They are white and would match my 1990 Crystal White Miata colour well. The PIAA 1000 casing is black (goes with any colour).

PIAA 1000 Fog Lights

Reviewed by: Rik Veys - rveys@ix.netcom.com

Fog Lights

They are fantastic! I turn them on at dusk, and leave them on until full daylight. They are extremely bright. (actually brighter than low beams) Which I think is really great, from a saftey standpoint. I don't want to wreck my black 95A "Venom"; so I want all the careless drivers too make sure they see me coming... and get out of my way! As far as actual performance in foggy conditions, when directed at about 15 in front of the car (aimed down) they provide excellent illumination when used with the low beams. And they put out this eery yellow glow from the dichroic reflectors on the bulbs. Very cool!

Mazda Miata Marketing (MMM) - who I ordered them from - again provided practically no usable instructions for mounting and wiring. I had a similar experience when I ordered Kenwood headrest speakers from them. No mounting plate, to avoid unecessary drilling. And no wiring instructions (Miata diagram) what so ever! But thank to my local Mazda dealer, we got them installed and they're great!


PIAA 1200 lights

Reviewed by: Aslan Motahedin - amotahedin@sympatico.ca

"Ion crystal" fog lights.

Fairly simple installation, even though the instructions are vague. Comes with a decent wire harness, and an acceptable switch, however adapting the OEM Miata switch is an easy job, and looks better. The left hand outboard "blank" button on the dash has been pre-wired at the factory for the switch, and all the power sources you'll need (switched power and lights on) are right there. You wont have to tap into any wires under the hood. Don't try to connect directly to the battery for constant power as the instructions say, you'd need about a mile and a half of extra wire ;-), instead used the switched power at the "blank" button. That way you can't accidently leave your fog lights on when you shut your Miata off.

These lights are smaller than the 1000's, and fit better on vehicles with front licence plates and/or a grille. Take off your front tie down hooks for the best placement.


Back to Product Reviews

14 February, 2008



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