Definitive HID upgrade
- Thread starter dan_b
- Start date
bretti_kivi
Member
Xiter: there's a couple of pics over on the German site with better cutoffs; I'd quite like to get a set of good cutoffs and then send them off for the "Technische Gutachten", i.e. an E seal. The price isn't *that* high, and it would be worth it to have insurance again 
i lie, I've just found them (here: http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showpost.php?p=718719&postcount=39) and they're the same as above. No way would that pass a TG.
The 90s I have do this:
http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showpost.php?p=536377&postcount=58 (the pic is old but you get the feeling). I really, really need to move that forwards.. too many projects, not enough time
Bret
i lie, I've just found them (here: http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showpost.php?p=718719&postcount=39) and they're the same as above. No way would that pass a TG.
The 90s I have do this:
http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showpost.php?p=536377&postcount=58 (the pic is old but you get the feeling). I really, really need to move that forwards.. too many projects, not enough time
Bret
bretti_kivi
Member
sorry, you're right, they're projectors.
DoT compatible, too.
Another alternative: 50mm projectors for low beam...but it wouldn't be cheap.
Bret
DoT compatible, too.
Another alternative: 50mm projectors for low beam...but it wouldn't be cheap.
Bret
Louis
A2OC Donor
Well, I've changed my halogens for Pilot xenon's 6000k.
The ballast are attached under the lightunit with adhesive tape. They are so thin it fitted perfectly there.
I'm quite happy with the whiteness and the beam pattern.
Also replaced the bulbs from the standlight with white leds.
More (larger) photo's in my gallery:
http://www.a2oc.net/pictures/showgallery.php?ppuser=1007&cat=500
Let me know what you think about it.
cu,
Louis
The ballast are attached under the lightunit with adhesive tape. They are so thin it fitted perfectly there.
I'm quite happy with the whiteness and the beam pattern.
Also replaced the bulbs from the standlight with white leds.
More (larger) photo's in my gallery:
http://www.a2oc.net/pictures/showgallery.php?ppuser=1007&cat=500
Let me know what you think about it.
cu,
Louis
Xiter
Member
Last report on my experimental HID conversion kit story.
I've finally changed the HID H7R's for normal HID H7s to find out if the beam pattern would be closer to the H7 halogen bulbs. I have to say it's a slight improvement but nowhere near my standards.
There's no doubt the HID kits put out a massive amount of light, but like power, light is nothing if you can't control it. Massive amounts of glare and distortion makes the light blind oncoming traffic unless you point them towards the ground. And that makes the HID-kit useless on country roads, where you need range, range and more range.
In slow city driving, a HID-kit could be worth installing if you disregard the fact they are illegal, but on country roads, strong H7 halogen bulbs are unbeatable, since you can adjust the beam pattern higher than the HID-kit without blinding other traffic. Needless to say, I've returned the HID kit and reinstalled the Osram Silverstar H7's. Attached is a pdf of different set ups compared to each other at the same locations.
As a bonus, my friends Saab 9-5 with factory fitted D1S projector headlamps has been included in the pdf.
I've finally changed the HID H7R's for normal HID H7s to find out if the beam pattern would be closer to the H7 halogen bulbs. I have to say it's a slight improvement but nowhere near my standards.
There's no doubt the HID kits put out a massive amount of light, but like power, light is nothing if you can't control it. Massive amounts of glare and distortion makes the light blind oncoming traffic unless you point them towards the ground. And that makes the HID-kit useless on country roads, where you need range, range and more range.
In slow city driving, a HID-kit could be worth installing if you disregard the fact they are illegal, but on country roads, strong H7 halogen bulbs are unbeatable, since you can adjust the beam pattern higher than the HID-kit without blinding other traffic. Needless to say, I've returned the HID kit and reinstalled the Osram Silverstar H7's. Attached is a pdf of different set ups compared to each other at the same locations.
As a bonus, my friends Saab 9-5 with factory fitted D1S projector headlamps has been included in the pdf.
Skipton01
Admin Team
Your standards are indeed high - any of those kits would certainly pass a UK MOT and as it is a non-factory kit, I have to correct you - in the UK, these kits are NOT illegal, as the legislation applies to factory fit HIDs only.
The beam patterns, whilst not as sharp as the Saab or Osrams is perfectly adequate and would easily satisfy the Ministry of Transport inspectors, who onlt require that the beams are diverted the correct way and that they are adjusted to the correct height and that there is a definite 'kick-up' visible.
The H7R pattern is very good actually and you simply cannot compare this with the Saab pattern, which is from a projector system.
Cheers,
Mike
The beam patterns, whilst not as sharp as the Saab or Osrams is perfectly adequate and would easily satisfy the Ministry of Transport inspectors, who onlt require that the beams are diverted the correct way and that they are adjusted to the correct height and that there is a definite 'kick-up' visible.
The H7R pattern is very good actually and you simply cannot compare this with the Saab pattern, which is from a projector system.
Cheers,
Mike
Xiter
Member
Your opinions are noted. But the major problem is just that the HID beam patterns can't be adjusted to the normal halogen level because of the unsharp and glary pattern. The beam pattern of the Saab isn't a comparison. Only the patterns of my A2. The Saab beam pattern is interesting though as it seems the projector headlamps are a good choice of controlling the beam pattern quite nicely.
deseli
Member
What are peoples thoughts on this HID kit? ..it is offered with a life time warrenty. Have emailed for shipping costs to UK!
http://www.ddmtuning.com/ap55wwesa.html
Thanks
http://www.ddmtuning.com/ap55wwesa.html
Thanks
dan_b
A2OC Donor
Just to update - installed the replacement ballasts this morning, took about 25mins all in all, much quicker this time round! The better news is, wait for it, no RFI!
So, those ballasts previous were definitely faulty, glad to have got this resolved fairly easily in the end. I will write back to Autobulbs to confirm things are fine - they've given me good customer service in my opinion.
So, those ballasts previous were definitely faulty, glad to have got this resolved fairly easily in the end. I will write back to Autobulbs to confirm things are fine - they've given me good customer service in my opinion.
deseli
Member
headlight leveling adjustment
I checked this morning as I was pretty sure I had this headlight level adjustment in my A2.
Mine is on the light switch by the drivers door (next to the headlight/fog switch ,there are 2 dials, one for the interior lighting level and dashboard the other for the light leveling function. Admitted it only has two settings 0/1!!!
My previous car had 4 height leveling options.
Will my A2 headlight leveling system be sufficient in adjusting with use with a HID conversion kit?
I checked this morning as I was pretty sure I had this headlight level adjustment in my A2.
Mine is on the light switch by the drivers door (next to the headlight/fog switch ,there are 2 dials, one for the interior lighting level and dashboard the other for the light leveling function. Admitted it only has two settings 0/1!!!
My previous car had 4 height leveling options.
Will my A2 headlight leveling system be sufficient in adjusting with use with a HID conversion kit?
Skipton01
Admin Team
The whole subject of aftermarket HID kits is a gray area, as the current legislation only applies to factory fitted systems.
As long as the beam pattern is substantially the same as the halogen bulbs currently installed, washers and automatic self levelling are not required and the car will pass an MOT.
Cheers,
Mike
As long as the beam pattern is substantially the same as the halogen bulbs currently installed, washers and automatic self levelling are not required and the car will pass an MOT.
Cheers,
Mike
maersk
Member
You may find the following from the DfT interesting;
or you mmay have already seen it.....................................
Aftermarket HID headlamps: December 2006
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
or you mmay have already seen it.....................................
Aftermarket HID headlamps: December 2006
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.