Xenon Headlight conversion

B

BSEZ4

Member
Hi all, ive been considering the first upgrade for my Zed when i pick it up on Saturday and like the idea of Xenons. JUst looking about the internet i came across these

http://www.xenonhidkits.co.uk/bmw-z4-e85-2003-2008-hid-xenon-kit.html

Any had any experience and are they really 'plug and play'?? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I can't comment on that kit above, but I fitted the following kit over 2 years ago and they've been faultless: http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/hid-kits-50w-canbus/bmw-hid-kits/bmw-supervision-50w-hid-kits-p-279.html

Only downside if those ones required drilling a hole in the rear/access covers on the light units (replacement covers are approx £20/pair from BMW) to feed the wires through. I believe some other forum members have since used slimline kits which avoid this, although slimline kits weren't widespread when I bought/fitted mine. Easy to fit - literally plug n play.
 
I've fitted a mid-slim hid kit and it's been working fine for a few months. The mid-slim kit fits within the headlight (just!) so you don't need to drill holes.

But i'd be tempted to avoid hids-direct, I've order from them twice and their customer service is appalling. Received the incorrect order twice, had to pay shipping costs, they don't answer the phone, don't reply to emails. Generally don't give a toss once they have your money :(

re the new MOT regs - they're irrelevant, see my below post:

RichIbizaSport said:
http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/doitonline/bl/mottestingmanualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm

download the pdf for private passenger.

Section 1.7

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system. Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given. Headlamp washers may work in conjunction with the windscreen washers (when the dipped beam headlamps are switched on) or by a separate switch.
Click to expand...
 
Get stuck into this thread (8 pages)

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21696&hilit=xenon+bright+inside
 
Thanks guys, il be buying one of those slimline kits then as its sounds like the OEM Halogens really are pants. Dont pick the car up until tomorrow morning so not had first hand experience of them yet. Looks like il be sorting Xenons, a stubby aerial, aux cable or possibly dension media bridge. I currently have a Sony DSX-S300BTX Digital media reciever with bluetooth and USB connections but i dont really want to remove the OEM head unit for this. So if anyone wants to buy one of these for another car feel free to drop me a PM or an email [email protected]. Failing that il throw it on eBay and use the money for an integrated solution.
 
RichIbizaSport said:
re the new MOT regs - they're irrelevant, see my below post:

RichIbizaSport said:
http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/doitonline/bl/mottestingmanualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm

download the pdf for private passenger.

Section 1.7

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system. Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given. Headlamp washers may work in conjunction with the windscreen washers (when the dipped beam headlamps are switched on) or by a separate switch.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

That's VERY interesting reading. Haven't read the whole thing yet, but from the extract you've quoted that sounds like aftermarket HIDs are going to continue to pass MOTs as long as the beam pattern falls within the guidelines. Not quite sure how that fits with them being deemed (and sold) as for off-road use only though.
 
This is how I understood the rules with aftermarket xenons

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.
 
My buddy who runs a VX220 tells me that hids fitted in conventional headlights are now being failed. Lotus with projector units appear to have passed. I'd say 8 weeks in it still has to settle down.
 
I also thought they would start failing after Jan 2012, but that is the actual MOT document they use for passing or failing!

There's absolutely nothing in there to say after market HID's will fail.
 
They shouldnt be failing you yet, there is a 3 month grace period. Anyone getting tested in this period will get an Advisory about the issue, after April the grace period is over though.
 
richtea78 said:
They shouldnt be failing you yet, there is a 3 month grace period. Anyone getting tested in this period will get an Advisory about the issue, after April the grace period is over though.
Click to expand...


Interesting. I'll try to ask the person who gave me the info to clarify if they were advisory or a straight fail.
 
richtea78 said:
They shouldnt be failing you yet, there is a 3 month grace period. Anyone getting tested in this period will get an Advisory about the issue, after April the grace period is over though.
Click to expand...

Yeah just read an item in this months Straight Six mag about toughter Mot's, states that " The new rules come into play from 1st Jan 2012 but there is an initial grace period of three months. During this time the rules will be treated only as advisories, meaning motorists will have until their first MOT after April 1st 2012 to have any of the new listed problems addressed. from that date onward however, breaking one of the rules will result in an immediate Mot fail.
 
Gone back and checked and it seems the information I received wasn't correct. So far some Lotus with projector beams correctly adjusted have passed straight through with no advisory and so far no fails.

My apologies for confused information :oops:
 
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