Fitted Dipped Beam HID replacements

[nfarmer]

Well I went ahead yesterday and fitted HIDs to replace my dip beams. They were these http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h7-canbus-pro-hid-conversion-35w-kit-1/





Luckily I had a spare headlight unit so I could find the best place for the ballast.



Decided to attach the ballast using the double sided sticky pads supplied to the vertical side closest to the radiator.





New fittiing clips were supplied with the kit



But decided to reuse the originals by filling out the centre of the clips to accommodate the new wiring/connectors



By reusing the originals I will be able to revert to using H7s easily either for the MOT or if I have a bulb out at the side of the road.

Work in progress



First side took about three hours while I figured out where to fit the ballasts and then worked out how but the second side no more than 45 minutes.

Will add some after dark shots later

Later

 

[danmiddle2]

Looks good - I fitted aftermarket HID's to my old Saab 9-3. A welcome addition at night!

Are you going to / have you fitted LED foglights to match?

 

[nfarmer]

Yep foglights already done as are the sidelights, so just main beams left

 

[BrianD]

Nice write up, they look great

 

[nfarmer]

Bump

 

[Leesfarm07]

I've got a set of hid direct supplied xenons to go in. Did you keep the ballasts outside the lamp unit then?

 

[nfarmer]

I've got a set of hid direct supplied xenons to go in. Did you keep the ballasts outside the lamp unit then?

No I put them inside against the side wall on the radiator side, see the 4th picture. So all the wiring is within the the unit no need for big holes.

 

[Leesfarm07]

I've got a set of hid direct supplied xenons to go in. Did you keep the ballasts outside the lamp unit then?

No I put them inside against the side wall on the radiator side, see the 4th picture. So all the wiring is within the the unit no need for big holes.

Ah I see...I was reading post on iphone but now on desktop I can see the pictures clearer now thank you I must get round to fitting mine the standard halogens are like candles at night :thumbsdown:

 

[pauljb1]

Nice work nfarmer

Did the new hid simply fit into the current headlight clip or did u need I mod it.

What lights have u used for the side lights and fog lights? I was looking at gettin the 3w Cree led light to replace the smd led lights I have to get a brighter light u can also get a 7w version but it won't fit. Was also looking to get either 50w Cree led fig light or hid kit.

Oh and did u have to change the lens in the lights? There was a previous post where the guy swapped out a ribbed for a plain lens as the lights didn't project properly or something? Any comments?

 

[nfarmer]

Did the new hid simply fit into the current headlight clip or did u need I mod it.

Almost, looking at the replacement clips (picture 6) didnt quite easily fit the reflector but it has a slot to allow the wires to fit. The existing clip, removed from the plastic wiring connector, dosent have the slot but would obviously be the best fit. All I had to do was to removed a little section with a round file (picture 7) to allow the larger of the two connectors through

What lights have u used for the side lights and fog lights?

For the Fog Lights I used http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOG-LIGHT...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a7960adc5 for the side lights http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-1-3-5...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f24c32bda

Oh and did u have to change the lens in the lights? There was a previous post where the guy swapped out a ribbed for a plain lens as the lights didn't project properly or something? Any comments?

No, I would have preferred to but couldn't find any of the plain lenses, but I think he was the only person to change the lens. Simple job to change if the headlight unit is out of the car but very fiddly if it is still installed

 

[ben g]

Do your bulbs flicker at all? I bought some from ebay and one keeps flickering. It's only noticeable when parked up behind another car or on a garage door.

Also, what temperature are they? Look nice and white.

 

[nfarmer]

Do your bulbs flicker at all? I bought some from ebay and one keeps flickering. It's only noticeable when parked up behind another car or on a garage door.

Not noticed any flickering as yet, i would have thought that if only one flickers theres a problem with bulb or ballast, why not swap the bulbs over and see if the flickers moves. If it does then i think you need to get a bulb replaced if not maybe the ballast is at fault

Also, what temperature are they? Look nice and white.

They are 6000k, I didnt want the blue lights so often seen on lowered Clios!!

I have just ordered these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370878041556?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 to see if they are suitable for main beam replacement, will report back

Norman

 

[Tommy_hf]

If ppl are interested I still have some sets of H7 hid kits which were left over after I quit the business(even the business was just hobby back then) of selling sets. I've been using them in my 5-series, no probs with them in that car. I think I still have some 4100k's and 6000k's left.

 

[scottyladjones]

been toy'ing with this idea just for the dark winter, the hid kits are cheap enough now for me to warrant buying one just for the winter before i probably sell the zed early next year just before the nice weather hits!
maybe interested in a kit, i shall let you know!

 

[Tommy_hf]

Great

 

[pauljb1]

Hey nfarmer

Can I get a pick of your fog lights during the day and at night

Cheers

 

[nfarmer]

Hey nfarmer

Can I get a pick of your fog lights during the day and at night

Cheers

Day



Night

 

[Wildfire]

Does the bumper have to come out for fitting?

I'm planning the conversion next month before it starts getting really dark.

 

[nfarmer]

Does the bumper have to come out for fitting?.

No I did it with the bumper in place but its a PITA. I had the benefit of having a spare, knackered, headlight shell to work out how to get the ballast inside the shell, and even then it was difficult and wait until you have to refit the rear covers. If the bumper was off its very simple to remove the headlight shells and fit the ballasts and finish up with a very neat wiring layout. I havent decided yet whether to upgrade the main beams but if I do the bumper will have to come off.

Good luck its a very good improvement to the car

Norman

 

[Wildfire]

Cheers Norman. I'll get the car up and have a look when I get a kit. I've done it on a TVR and an Elise, and it was ok. I may look at just removing the bumper...