Anybody ever used an HID kit?

[Hx Bumble Bee]

I really hate how weak the stock headlights are, and I have seriously been considering buying an HID kit. They run about 300$ for ballasts, bulbs, all the wiring, ect. I'm just wondering if this is going to be a waste. Am I better off buying the 70$ PIAA lights that I know work and are street legal?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Indy8]

Do the high into low mod using Silverstars and spend some time adjusting on a dark road or parking lot. Results are almost HID.

[Hx Bumble Bee]

Could you elaborate a little? I've never heard of such a thing.

[onehunglow]

The 9005 into 9006 simply means taking a 9005 (high beam) bulb and modifying the plastic base slightly so it fits into 9005 (low beam) socket...

There is a link on how to do it
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
(this is for BMWs but it works the same way)

This is a great inexpensive and quick way to get more light (keep in mind that 9005s are not 'capped' like 9006s meaning more light goes forward instead of back into the reflector) so as I said in the other forum about lighting modifications in general - get your headlights AIMED after you change technology.

I used this technique (9005 into 9006) for 2 years successfully until I succumbed to full HID technology and bought the upgrade.

It wasn't cheap (400 bucks) but if you want the pure white headlights that the Audis, BMWs and Mercede sport, this is a way to go.

Some caveats here - do not buy a 'Xenon' or 'HID' like kit on eBay - there are plenty of these being sold. They work at first but the ballasts are made in China so not take the load for long.

Mine are genuine Phillips (Hella also distributes a kit) and they were installed by a professional (read PROFESSIONAL) shop - do not try this yourself. The wiring harness has to be modified since the HIDs do not use just a 12volt source to switch on - there is a relay and ballast that spikes the voltage up to fire up these puppies - and you don't want a shock from that. The pros know what they are doing.

And of course once they are in, make sure they do a headlight AIMING - the new HIDs shoot light in a different pattern and since you are installing them in a halogen housing designed for a 9006 bulb you will get not only whiter light but a larger pattern. You will like the new width for corners on country roads but you must have them re-adjusted DOWN so the new height of the beam does not blind the oncoming drivers.

Once you put them in however, you will love them and driving a car without will seem liek you are in the dark ages.

Also, HIDs run at a higher voltage but lower CURRENT than filament technology bulbs - basically they will draw 30 watts instead of 50 - but what you see is more of the whiter light of the spectrum instead of the yellow-ish tinge of older technoloigy bulbs.

[Hx Bumble Bee]

Thank you very much for your lengthy reply. This helps me out a LOT! I'll probably try some cheaper brighter bulbs until I can afford to do full-blown HID. I definately don't want to attempt doing it myself, so it'll run me a pretty penny I am sure. Thank you for all the info and advice!

[onehunglow]

If you do an HID upgrade (and I have), make sure it is a GERMAN equipment set (not Taiwan) and have it professionally installed

Better still - Go to an auto audio specialist and make sure they not only install the best but afterwards AIM the headlights since the light dispersal is a bit different with an HID 'bulb' in the halogen housing and you will have a higher (as in height) beam.

But once go go HID, you won't want to drive a non-HID car

[vamc]

I agree with the silverstar headlights, i have them in my car, and i will never go back to stock. But as far as HID conversion, i cant see getting that beacuse i thoght it would melt the plastic comve the whole light. I heard of stories of happing, and they start leaking. I heard of 5 complaints on this.