HID XENON Conversion Kits

[a11y]

That's been my concerns, but as CJ says above I believe the lens are identical between the halogen and xenon units. I wasn't aware of the difference in the depth of the bulb and is something I'll look into. Ideally I'd like to see the inners of a xenon unit to see where the bulb sits in relation to the lens and compare it with my current halogen unit...

For sure as a cheap fix, not legal for many reasons, but often overlooked by MOT's they are OK.

Just to clarify, what part do you refer to about the legality issue? I'm aware I'll have to reconnect/reinsert the fuse for my headlamp washer jets for MOT (a requirement for xenons), but I was under the impression that if the beam pattern falls within guideline then there won't be a problem with legality? Obviously I guess it could be the resulting beam pattern related to the bumb position discussed about which could scupper it. I could be completely naive here but would rather be corrected than be illegal

 

[g14ash]

I agree about how annoying it is when you see HIDs fitted to cars that dont even have projector lenses. When I was younger i bought an MGZR that had 6000k HIDs fitted and they used to light up road signs a mile down the road with the glare.

Comparing the bulb lengths, The HID bulb appears to be about 8mm longer but this doesnt affect the projection at all, I wish i had taken pics with one fitted to compare.

Also the ballasts are easy to place. There is quite a bit of room under each light unit as you move down towards the fog light. I'll get some pics tonight to post up. I always thought that the lenses in the xenon and the halogen must be the same because why would they produce two different lenses?- no matter what light it it projecting, it projects it in the same pattern/place.

 

[EdButler]

Aftermarket HIDs are usually illegal because the car REQUIRES automatic beam adjusters. This means that when you have a heavily loaded car (and the front end points upwards) or heading up a hill the beam automatically lowers to not dazzle oncomers.

They also need, as said, headlight washers.

Still, they are pretty much mandatory on many projector lamped cars as the beam seems to produce less light than a Tea light Candle! I dont see a problem unless some chav puts them into a standard reflector :x

 

[a11y]

Damn, why did I forget about the auto headlamp adjustment . I shoud know that as I had (standard fitment) xenons in my Clio and remember stories about them failing occasionally.

 

[cj10jeeper]

a11y
I think the points are pretty well covered but to recap:
Xenon has to have washers and the system be active
Need suspension auto adjustment. This is not just load but adjust to pitch and yaw as the car moves.
All retrofits of bulbs and jkits ARE illegal de facto as only those supplied and fitted in OEM units are certified as legal (hence many UK resellers put the show car only caveat and of course overseas don't care.) You'll find a microscopic certification number if you study an OEM lens despite looking identical to halogen.

So does any of this matter - well probably not as most will tell you they pass MOT's, never been stopped etc. convince themselves the beam pattern looks 'OK'

Problem comes if there is a major accident and they were cited as contributory. Unlikely but you asked about being legal.

 

[a11y]

Thanks

I was aware of everything apart from the illegality of ALL aftermarket "xenon" kits. MOTs are luckily never a problem as my father-in-law's a partner in a garage... Still undecided as there's other things to sort out first on the car - I've just taken delivery of a big package from Merlin Abrasives

 

[cj10jeeper]

Thanks

I was aware of everything apart from the illegality of ALL aftermarket "xenon" kits. MOTs are luckily never a problem as my father-in-law's a partner in a garage... Still undecided as there's other things to sort out first on the car - I've just taken delivery of a big package from Merlin Abrasives

This came out where someone researched on a UK gov't site and anothe club site that referenced when an how they were UK approved. Can't recall who or where.

 

[SirSimon]

Hi,

Did you get any pictures of the lights on?