Difference between ebay and legit factory hid bulbs/ballasts?

[brandnew161]

On my previous car and on the 2g i currently own, I have retrofitted projector lenses into the factory housings. Specifically, on my talon I installed Audi A6 projector lenses that are D2S compatible. However, I have always purchased ebay hid kits, 6000k in color. The price was reasonable, $60 and they do work well over stock reflector housings. The thing is it seems like other vehicles equipped with hids from the factory are better. What is the difference between an ebay kit and a factory kit? I understand the bulbs are incredibly different. I've found out on the web that ebay bulbs are simply coated or they have a film which gives them the color. Could I get away with buying just the D2S factory bulbs andusing them with my ebay ballasts? Or am I better off bitting the bullet and buying factory ballasts as well?

Thanks

 

[Blurred Talon]

I have both OEM Bosch AL Gen 2 ballasts and 55W kit ballasts (from RetroSolutions).
OEM tend to be higher quality but the 55W ballasts have a life time warranty (as do all ballasts from RetroSolutions IIRC).

You can use kit bulbs but you need AMP to D2S connectors.

 

[97gst_spyder]

Cost. My ebay kit has lasted me 3 going on 4 years in my sentra. It cost me $65...