Correct HID kit upgrade?

[Jillard]

Hi all I'm looking at upgrading to xenons.

I know this has been covered before but just wanted to check the latest on it.

HID direct recommended this kit...

http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/new-premium-h7-hid-35w-xenon-conversion-kit-smart-canbus-system/

Any reason for 35w over 55w? And is 4300k closet to standard xenon look? I'm guessing the smart canbus will stop warning lights etc?

Many thanks
George

 

[Jillard]

Bump

 

[Yorkie Z]

No idea but it looks good. To replace the OEM ballast is £70 so this looks like a better option if you ever had one go. I've had two die :headbang:

Be interesting to see what the others have to say on this

 

[NeilP]

In theory a 55w kit will produce more light, in reality...some say there is a difference while others say there isn't.

4300 is the closest to the OEM kit, but I myself would be leaning slightly towards the 5000k. Purely out of preference.

Also, post installation (assuming you've currently got halogen bulbs), have your lights aligned properly. So you don't dazzle oncoming traffic.

 

[Number5]

Hi George,

It may be worth considering these from 2Xcite. Not Xenons but good halogens that will also give you Angel Eyes and di-ginger the front at the same time. (£340 pair). Your lights were changed in 2013 by a previous owner and have black backing, but strictly speaking the 3.0model had silver backing. However, I think if going for Angel Eyes, I would stay with Black to give a better contrast ?

See Dans thread:
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=62818&hilit=angel+journey

http://www.2xcite.co.uk/angel-eye-headlights-c-22.html?page=2&sort=2a

Your existing lights are in reasonably good condition so could well achieve a decent price on here or ebay to off-set the upgrade cost too...

Good luck !

 

[Wildfire]

Fair hike £51 to £340!

Yes that is the correct kit. I've used both the 35W and 55W before and not seen very much difference. Personally I would also go with 5000k. I have had 6000K in other car and they've worked for years, but I think as I get older I prefer the OEM look.

One word of caution, I have used HIDs for years in loads of cars with no issues. I put the HID Direct Terminator kit in the Z4 and had one fail on the motorway. When I pulled over to check the connections (luckily I had a torch with me), I could smell electrical burning. I got the unit out and it was smoking from the CANBUS unit, which had bubbled and deformed, and basically cooked itself.

I had a lovely 150 mile journey home in the dark with one light. The other side went in the bin the next morning and a pair of Phillps Xtreme Vision Plus went in.

Rather dim lights than a front end on fire.

I believe nfarmer had some issues with the auto light function too.

Again not damning them as I still have them in the other car and they have been going strong for almost 7 years.

 

[ben g]

I had hid's in mine and they didn't work properly with auto function on. They were fine if you manually turned them on though. I just prefer having auto lights.

 

[NeilP]

Fair hike £51 to £340!

Yes that is the correct kit. I've used both the 35W and 55W before and not seen very much difference. Personally I would also go with 5000k. I have had 6000K in other car and they've worked for years, but I think as I get older I prefer the OEM look.

One word of caution, I have used HIDs for years in loads of cars with no issues. I put the HID Direct Terminator kit in the Z4 and had one fail on the motorway. When I pulled over to check the connections (luckily I had a torch with me), I could smell electrical burning. I got the unit out and it was smoking from the CANBUS unit, which had bubbled and deformed, and basically cooked itself.

I had a lovely 150 mile journey home in the dark with one light. The other side went in the bin the next morning and a pair of Phillps Xtreme Vision Plus went in.

Rather dim lights than a front end on fire.

I believe nfarmer had some issues with the auto light function too.

Again not damning them as I still have them in the other car and they have been going strong for almost 7 years.

That may have been down to voltage/amperage. If you're going to fit a HID kit, it's well worth fitting a relay kit.