HID Conversion

[peterb]

I'm thinking about fitting some HID lamps to my E46 BMW - they are projector headlights, with wash/wipe, levelling etc.

Two kits look OK

http://www.hids4us.com/index.php?rou...&product_id=70

or

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H7-...rsion-Kit.html

Both claim to be suitable for can-bus post 2002 - only difference I can see (from the website) is the price.

Anyone used either of those kits, or used anything else with success?

[Funkstar]

I was under the impression that installing HID lamps can only (legally) be done by the manufacturer or dealer. I guess they get round the "being able to buy them as a kit" issue by implying you can use them on a track or private road, but you can't use these kits on a public high way.

Correct me if I'm wrong

[TheAnimus]

yeah its a "no".

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafet...headlamps.html

tbh a badly done HID kit is as good as writing "I'M A COCK" in fuzzy pink neons on your bonnet.

[Jasp]

As above really, a proper HID kit has to be self levelling, correctly fitted and if memory serves have jets and washers available.

Most off the shelf kits don't.

[Barakka]

yeah its a "no".

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafet...headlamps.html

tbh a badly done HID kit is as good as writing "I'M A COCK" in fuzzy pink neons on your bonnet.

From reading that if the OP already has self-levelling lights with wash/wipe then he just needs to check the lamp units are ECE 98 approved (marked on the unit I presume) and then it's fine and as good as original fit...

[GoNz0]

had a cock in an M3 blinding me today, his kit was going to fail the MOT.

as far as i know if it does not project the correct way it will fail the MOT.

[peterb]

Thanks for the comments guys, not quite as straightforward as it seemed!

The lights are manually levelled - OEM HID fitted cars have sensors on the suspension that automatically adjust the level (and no manual adjustment from the dashboard).

Think I might shelve that little project (for the time being anyway)

[GoNz0]

yep dads 520 has a plastic arm connected to the front suspension for leveling, you will fail the MOT without that.

[peterb]

yeah its a "no".

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafet...headlamps.html

tbh a badly done HID kit is as good as writing "I'M A COCK" in fuzzy pink neons on your bonnet.

Ah well, not a problem as I would have done it myself!

[Rave]

I was tempted to do one or both of my cars just because the kits are so cheap now. I was going to level them up carefully and then just stick regular bulbs back in come MOT time.

Then I thought about it, and realised that I almost never find my standard headlamps wanting! Maybe a few times when I'm driving down a country road and am forced to use dipped beam because of an oncoming car- but then if my dipped beam was stronger, I'd more than likely be dazzling the oncoming driver. So what's the point? The 2x20w power saving must make a negligible difference to fuel consumption.

[dangel]

Try some better bulbs - no they're not as good but it can make a surprising difference (if you avoid Halfraud's specials) versus the guff manufacturers normally fit.

[peterb]

I was tempted to do one or both of my cars just because the kits are so cheap now. I was going to level them up carefully and then just stick regular bulbs back in come MOT time.

Then I thought about it, and realised that I almost never find my standard headlamps wanting! Maybe a few times when I'm driving down a country road and am forced to use dipped beam because of an oncoming car- but then if my dipped beam was stronger, I'd more than likely be dazzling the oncoming driver. So what's the point? The 2x20w power saving must make a negligible difference to fuel consumption.

Good point, although it wasn't so much about fuel consumption as just getting more light on the road. The standard halogens are good, but the more light (and longer reach) the better.

And that was the original question - what difference between the £75 kit and the £148 kit - apart from £73!

Try some better bulbs - no they're not as good but it can make a surprising difference (if you avoid Halfraud's specials) versus the guff manufacturers normally fit.

It was that which got me thinking - I was looking on a site (auto-bulbs - linked to above) for some replacement lamps for another car, and spotted the HID kits.

Does make me smile at the "100% legal" tags (which seems dubious anyway looking at the link by funkstar) but I'd like to see something that was 50% legal - perhaps if you only convert one side?

[dangel]

It was that which got me thinking - I was looking on a site (auto-bulbs - linked to above) for some replacement lamps for another car, and spotted the HID kits.

Does make me smile at the "100% legal" tags (which seems dubious anyway looking at the link by funkstar) but I'd like to see something that was 50% legal - perhaps if you only convert one side?

Truth is, with most 'kits' you can pop normal bulbs back in for the MOT - they can't fail you if something isn't actively hooked up. I've stuck with the 'better bulb' route - because it's massively cheaper and it made enough of a difference (on four cars) to easily warrant the cost. They seem to last well too - just stay away from one's with funny colours etc (off white blues or rainbow). I'm also a fan of LED sidelights - simply because they're extremely visible (even during the day - i leave mine on) last ages and look nice without screaming 'BAARRRY!'