Discussion
Not sure if this is the best place to ask....but here goes !
I have an Alfa 156 that I had an HID dip headlight conversion fitted by my local Alfa independent.
That was about 18 months ago. Now got a lamp off.
My question is ; the original conversion was for 35W HID bulbs in the car,.
Can I fit 55W HID bulbs or do I need a new ballast to match the bulbs ?
( I am aware about the 'problem ' of fitting HIDS to Reflector units before anyone reacts !)
I have an Alfa 156 that I had an HID dip headlight conversion fitted by my local Alfa independent.
That was about 18 months ago. Now got a lamp off.
My question is ; the original conversion was for 35W HID bulbs in the car,.
Can I fit 55W HID bulbs or do I need a new ballast to match the bulbs ?
( I am aware about the 'problem ' of fitting HIDS to Reflector units before anyone reacts !)
Impossible to answer as nobody knows the specs of your ballasts.
55W lamps will try to draw more power. If that is above the rating of the ballasts then they will get hot, and if they get too hot they will either stop working, trip a fuse (you did check/change the fuse for supply to the unit didn't you?) or set on fire. I think the fire scenario is fairly unlikely.
If the ballast units don't have a rating shown on them then I'd get new ballasts if you want brighter lights.
55W lamps will try to draw more power. If that is above the rating of the ballasts then they will get hot, and if they get too hot they will either stop working, trip a fuse (you did check/change the fuse for supply to the unit didn't you?) or set on fire. I think the fire scenario is fairly unlikely.
If the ballast units don't have a rating shown on them then I'd get new ballasts if you want brighter lights.
To conclude on this; I ordered a new set of 35W ballasts/6000K H7 bulbs (all for £39 delivered ! ) and had the garage fit them in place of the old ones ( ie 18 months old !).
The new slimline ballasts and bulbs give a much better light, and they have been adjusted correctly so they do not glare other drivers ( no one has flashed me so thats good !)
As anyone who has ever driven an Alfa 156 with standard OEM headlights, they will know that they are poor in every way. The HID mod just brings them up to the standards of any new car, indeed they are nowhere near as bright as some of the latest 4x4/SUV Xenons/LED headlights.
The new slimline ballasts and bulbs give a much better light, and they have been adjusted correctly so they do not glare other drivers ( no one has flashed me so thats good !)
As anyone who has ever driven an Alfa 156 with standard OEM headlights, they will know that they are poor in every way. The HID mod just brings them up to the standards of any new car, indeed they are nowhere near as bright as some of the latest 4x4/SUV Xenons/LED headlights.
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