Here's my take...
First, I just can't stand those damn blue headlights. I think it's a psychological/ego thing - but I find they are consistently mis-aimed by whoever has them. Even when they're OEM, I think someone has taken a screwdriver to them, turned them upwards a bit, as if to say "See what I've got!"
Second - how available and how much are the bulbs? Sealed beam or composite, I don't see a whole lot of bulbs about - I see H4's all over the place.
Third - what is the pattern like? I spend a lot of time on mountain roads out here, and I like the pattern I get from my E-codes or my wife's HVP's, and the sub-$10 price point for spare bulbs in whatever power range I like is a big plus. I tend to keep a couple sets for each of us on hand for just that reason.
It's minimal work to install an upgrade harness for the higher-powered E-codes, and only a little more for a DIY job. I haven't any complaints about bulb life, even on my 90/130's. And, it's good to know that I can grab a spare H4 bulb, or even drop in another H6054 in a pinch, without any trouble at all.
Plus, if I take a rock, it's a $40 tag for the new housing. Any idea what a repple HID will set you back?
IMO, overall advantage goes to the E-Code/Hella Vision Plus setup. Besides, it cost me considerably less than $300 to do BOTH XJ's that have them here!
www.rallylights.com - Susquehanna MotorSports. That's where I get my lights, and I've no complaints about their service, either.
5-90