Anyone know much about HID kits?
Discussion
Are they worth it? Do the BiB turn a blind eye to it all.
IIRC you need a jet wash and self levelling fitted to the lamp
Or, would it be better to upgrade the wiring to the headlamp & fit better bulbs? I'm sure I read somewhere that the bulbs weren't getting as much current/voltage as they could handle.
At least that way it would be both cheaper and wouldn't involve hacking my 7 anymore than is necessary.
IIRC you need a jet wash and self levelling fitted to the lamp
Or, would it be better to upgrade the wiring to the headlamp & fit better bulbs? I'm sure I read somewhere that the bulbs weren't getting as much current/voltage as they could handle.
At least that way it would be both cheaper and wouldn't involve hacking my 7 anymore than is necessary.
Been done to death on here a few times: basically, yes, it's viewed as a bit naughty but as yet the Plod aren't bumming us for it... and as the use of them gathers pace it's probably less likely to happen.
The MOT man doesn't seem to care, you can see where you're going, what's the downside?
OK, apart from the cost...
The MOT man doesn't seem to care, you can see where you're going, what's the downside?
OK, apart from the cost...
If HIDs aren't standard fitment, the lenses/reflectors won't be comaptible with them. This means that the beam produced by HIDs through non-HID specific lenses/reflectors will dazzle oncoming motorists. They're only legal in combination with a new lens/reflector specifically designed for them.
Silver993tt said:
If HIDs aren't standard fitment, the lenses/reflectors won't be comaptible with them. This means that the beam produced by HIDs through non-HID specific lenses/reflectors will dazzle oncoming motorists. They're only legal in combination with a new lens/reflector specifically designed for them.
Not entirely true!As the combination of lens, reflector have bulb have not been approved it means that result is not known. That’s not the same as will dazzle oncoming motorists!
The point is that all the individual components are approved so the law is untested with regards to the legality of the combination.
Many people have fitted HIDs and almost all have said that it is a very worth while upgrade. I have not heard of a single person being pulled by plod for them and from personal experience, I would say that mine do not dazzle any more/less than the previous halogen bulbs. Both my bikes and car have passed multiple MoTs with the HIDs fitted.
black-k1 said:
Silver993tt said:
If HIDs aren't standard fitment, the lenses/reflectors won't be comaptible with them. This means that the beam produced by HIDs through non-HID specific lenses/reflectors will dazzle oncoming motorists. They're only legal in combination with a new lens/reflector specifically designed for them.
Not entirely true!As the combination of lens, reflector have bulb have not been approved it means that result is not known. That’s not the same as will dazzle oncoming motorists!
The point is that all the individual components are approved so the law is untested with regards to the legality of the combination.
Many people have fitted HIDs and almost all have said that it is a very worth while upgrade. I have not heard of a single person being pulled by plod for them and from personal experience, I would say that mine do not dazzle any more/less than the previous halogen bulbs. Both my bikes and car have passed multiple MoTs with the HIDs fitted.
This has been done to death here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
and various other threads already.
and various other threads already.
Silver993tt said:
We know. However, as crimes go, it's not a vey big one. Last night I saw a posse of about 15 teenagers riding bicycles in the dark, without lights, on the pavement, PAST A POLICE CAR. The inhabitants of the car sat and watched them go. I make that at least two laws broken each but still not a word. When I was a lad you'd get roasted for riding without lights, let alone on the pavement.HIDs? Be seen, be safe, that's what they keep telling us
Wedg1e said:
Silver993tt said:
We know. However, as crimes go, it's not a vey big one. Last night I saw a posse of about 15 teenagers riding bicycles in the dark, without lights, on the pavement, PAST A POLICE CAR. The inhabitants of the car sat and watched them go. I make that at least two laws broken each but still not a word. When I was a lad you'd get roasted for riding without lights, let alone on the pavement.HIDs? Be seen, be safe, that's what they keep telling us
defblade said:
Vidal Baboon said:
Anyone gone from upgraded Halogens to HID? Was it worth the outlay?
Yes and (very) yes.With regards to MOT, not had a problem in the years I've had it fitted, neither with the law but (as with dark visors) seeing where I'm going is far more important than 'compliance' with petty rules and I'm not dazzling anyone so b
ks to the law...Silver993tt said:
black-k1 said:
Silver993tt said:
If HIDs aren't standard fitment, the lenses/reflectors won't be comaptible with them. This means that the beam produced by HIDs through non-HID specific lenses/reflectors will dazzle oncoming motorists. They're only legal in combination with a new lens/reflector specifically designed for them.
Not entirely true!As the combination of lens, reflector have bulb have not been approved it means that result is not known. That’s not the same as will dazzle oncoming motorists!
The point is that all the individual components are approved so the law is untested with regards to the legality of the combination.
Many people have fitted HIDs and almost all have said that it is a very worth while upgrade. I have not heard of a single person being pulled by plod for them and from personal experience, I would say that mine do not dazzle any more/less than the previous halogen bulbs. Both my bikes and car have passed multiple MoTs with the HIDs fitted.
Given the huge benefit you get from even the cheapest HID systems, it's worth ignoring their opinion until the law is clarified
Silver993tt said:
That doesn't make another wrong become a right though, does it? Why not just stick to the law or the advice given by DVLA? The sooner the UK implements something like the TUV in Germany the better. There's far too much "I know best" by individuals who've invested nothing in finding what they think is "best".
There's far too many REAL things wrong in this land as well. If those in so-called power can't sort out the serious sh!t they should leave the trivial stuff alone.All those of us who have 'invested' in HIDs find that we can see (and be seen) better in the dark. If that stops one of us from coming a cropper due to our own, or someone else's f
k-up then that, as far as I'm concerned, is reason enough to have them. It was the prime reason for the introduction of halogen too.Busa_Rush said:
Silver993tt said:
black-k1 said:
Silver993tt said:
If HIDs aren't standard fitment, the lenses/reflectors won't be comaptible with them. This means that the beam produced by HIDs through non-HID specific lenses/reflectors will dazzle oncoming motorists. They're only legal in combination with a new lens/reflector specifically designed for them.
Not entirely true!As the combination of lens, reflector have bulb have not been approved it means that result is not known. That’s not the same as will dazzle oncoming motorists!
The point is that all the individual components are approved so the law is untested with regards to the legality of the combination.
Many people have fitted HIDs and almost all have said that it is a very worth while upgrade. I have not heard of a single person being pulled by plod for them and from personal experience, I would say that mine do not dazzle any more/less than the previous halogen bulbs. Both my bikes and car have passed multiple MoTs with the HIDs fitted.
Given the huge benefit you get from even the cheapest HID systems, it's worth ignoring their opinion until the law is clarified
inman999 said:
I've done it on 2 cars and a bike and don't regret it. Kits can be had for around 40 quid.
I make sure my lens are kept clean inside and out and that the beam is aligned properly. Doesn't seem to piss anyone off and not had any hassle from the bib or MOT man.
So what would I need?I make sure my lens are kept clean inside and out and that the beam is aligned properly. Doesn't seem to piss anyone off and not had any hassle from the bib or MOT man.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-XENON-SLIM-BALLAST-KIT-H...
Is that it? Just hook it up? Are the bulbs likely to melt any of the headlamp casing?
Edited by Vidal Baboon on Friday 22 October 15:46
Silver993tt said:
Wedg1e said:
Silver993tt said:
We know. However, as crimes go, it's not a vey big one. Last night I saw a posse of about 15 teenagers riding bicycles in the dark, without lights, on the pavement, PAST A POLICE CAR. The inhabitants of the car sat and watched them go. I make that at least two laws broken each but still not a word. When I was a lad you'd get roasted for riding without lights, let alone on the pavement.HIDs? Be seen, be safe, that's what they keep telling us
Did you look at this thread?
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
It's all there dude.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
It's all there dude.
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