Hid Headlights

[djacks42]

I just ordered some of those 5800k HID headlamp bulbs currently on Ebay. Anybody know if they're any good or how long they last? T'was only a few quid so worth a try I think.

[GSMGuy]

Are you talking about just replacement "lookalike" bulbs or the full kit with ballasts and ignitors for the new lamps? I have used several good makes of the former, and whilst they give a whiter brighter light, don't be fooled as they are no comparison to the real thhing for an improvement in visibility - also they do not last nearly as long as regular bulbs...

 

Proper HID kits on the other hand are VERY bright, only use 35w per bulb and should last for the life of your car...

 

 

However - it is LAW in the UK that HID lamps can only be fitted in conjunction with an AUTOMATIC headlamp levelling system to prevent dazzle - A manual adjustment system is not acceptable under the construction and use regs..

 

Mike..

[johnb80]

You're right on all aspects re HID's BUT, I fitted replacement bulbs, ballasts etc to wifeys Ultima estate, the difference was incredible, every bit as good (if not better) than the factory fitted HID's on my Gal. It's had 2 MOT's since I did the conversion and passed without even a mention !

 

Regards - JB

[GSMGuy]

Lol - show's how well up on the regs some MOT inspectors are then!

 

Mike

[djacks42]

I guess these are just the looky-likey bulbs. It says they are Xenon but for the price of a pint I guess they're not the real deal. It's these ones..

 

Item Number: 7933566442

Title: 5800K FORD GALAXY 95- XENON HEADLAMPS BULBS H4

[GSMGuy]

Well, keep us posted on the outcome and poerformance...

 

Mike

[djacks42]

Stuck them in at the weekend and I would say they are an improvement over the std bulbs - certainly brighter but not sure how much extra light they thow on the road. They also have that hi tech blue look which is kind of cool but is very annoying for anyone in front - misted up back window/blue light = cop car chase freak out! Wouldn't pay halfords prices for them mind. A 'nice to have' only.

[Guest blatters]

I still think the Osram bulbs from Powerbulbs make a significant difference. Although they don't have the blue tinge (not a fan of that anyway) they do throw out a whiter light and more intense. The effect on dip is good but on full beam even better.

I would not buy standard bulbs anymore. These are worth the extra

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Have you been to the Jim Clark museum/trophy room in Duns? I went there when nearby on business many years ago now - signed in the same visitors book as Ayrton Senna.

[Guest blatters]

Ivor

 

No, we haven't because, although Scottish Borders Council produce these little tourism guides (and there's alot of things to choose from), the Jim Clark memorial has never featured too highly. But my 12yr old thinks this would be good (your email was seen by him) and so we'll take a look. We're really into WRC, F1 etc so thanks for the suggestion. We get some forest rallies up here and they're quite good too.

 

Regards.........Blatters :)

[GSMGuy]

Johnb..

 

Where did you get the HID kit for the ultima?

 

Mike

[Dally]

Johnb..

 

Where did you get the HID kit for the ultima?

 

Mike

 

VAG parts sell HID kits complete with H1 and H7 bulbs & Ballasts - take a look.

 

http://www.vagparts.com/

 

 

 

johnb - any tips on installation?

[johnb80]

Johnb..

 

Where did you get the HID kit for the ultima?

 

Mike

I got mine from eBay, a genuine Hella kit and paid

[davewill]

Do i need the H4 BULBS OR THE H1?

Ordered the bulbs from forddirect for my 2002 1.9 Diesel, and have been sent the H1 Bulbs

I queried with Ford Direct and their response was

These are the correct bulbs for the H1 12V 55W Bulb application

Now i'm confused

[GSMGuy]

2002 (faceleft) has H7 dipped and H1 main - Earlier ones have H4..

 

Mike

[davewill]

Sorry to sound thick, but does that mean the dipped beam bulb and the full beam bulbs are seperate?

I.e If i have been sent H1 bulbs, i will only see the benefit of brighter lights when they are on FUll Beam, and when driving on dipped beam things will be exactly the same as present. :lol:

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Yes - just so - haven't you noticed before now - if you look through the lens covers you see two separate bulbs in each lamp unit? The inner ones are main beam and the outer ones are dipped.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

...this is why you will see some new cars advertised as having "Bi-xenon" lamps - usually only main beam units are upgradeable to xenons, but "bi-xenon" means both dipped and main beam are xenons.

[johnb80]

Have to disagree, it's the dipped beams that are HID's and the mains that are added in Bi.

 

Regards - JB

[davewill]

Thanks for your advice guys!

Will now not waste time trying to change the wrong bulbs!

Regards

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Have to disagree, it's the dipped beams that are HID's and the mains that are added in Bi.

Ooops :lol: Sorry - my mistake - brain in neutral over lunch-time I fear.

[johnb80]

No problem, unusal for you to be slightly wrong, I suspect you've forgotten more than most of us will ever know!

 

Regards - JB

[Guest fredt]

On the subject of bulbs/lamps I just looking at a few sites for replacement bulbs, the outputs and the supposed light quality seems to be proportianal to the price! I have found a some at

[MrT]

On the subject of HID and regulations concerning auto levelling, can anyone point me to the regulations that state this. I have heard this many times, but would like to see what the regulations actually say as in "must" or "should".

 

As an example, I cannot see why HID main beams would require auto-levelling as they are going to dazzle whatever the adjustment.

[johnb80]

On the subject of HID and regulations concerning auto levelling, can anyone point me to the regulations that state this. I have heard this many times, but would like to see what the regulations actually say as in "must" or "should".

 

As an example, I cannot see why HID main beams would require auto-levelling as they are going to dazzle whatever the adjustment.

I think you'll find it's a MUST be self levelling, the other MUST is they MUST have washers! I suppose it's because they're very bright and if the car had passengers in the back or the boot full oncoming drivers would have their Retina's melted :ph34r: I think the reason for not so many vehicles with them fitted to main beam is that they take a short time to ignite and get to full brightness, not ideal for main beam. In every other respect they're excellent.

 

Regards - JB