Xenon Headlights or Not?

[Cliffedge]

My Tuscan has the xenon main beam headlights fitted as standard, which work really well, but the standard fitting dipped headlights weren't very effective, so I'm thinking about having the HID conversion fitted.

I’ve heard that some people have changed their dipped lights for xenon, but have all sort of problems afterwards, so changed back to standard.

Has anyone changed theirs, and if so, has it been worthwhile or not, and if it is worthwhile, can anyone recommend the best place to go to buy them, as I realise there are several places that supply the conversion kit, but which is the best?

(Looking forward to Chatsworth)

[nrick]

I changed mine, wouldn't be without them. I went for an eBay kit I had in the garage. Absolutely fine.

[G20RG B]

CHANGE them. Makes a big difference, I changed mt Cerb (tuscan style lights) and it was a big improvement.

[nrick]

G20RG B said:

CHANGE them. Makes a big difference, I changed mt Cerb (tuscan style lights) and it was a big improvement.

I agree

[Ken Barlow]

Are you changing the Light or the Bulb

[Defcon5]

It has HID main beam but halogen dipped? Are you sure?

[nrick]

Pw specified only HID Main beam on MK1 's Tuscans. The logic was if you needed more light turn on the main beam.

[Defcon5]

So when you flash someone, is it the dipped bulb that flashes, I assume a dual filament H4?

Madness

[Ian C5ARK]

I bought mine from HIDS4U and changed my sidelight bulbs as well. I haven't seen them yet as they're being changed over by Dorset Jag and Sports cars who are also doing a few other jobs too. Should have the car back for Chatsworth this weekend (fingers crossed)

[Laser Sag]

high beam only fitted by TVR as standard as if they fitted low beam they to have auto beam levelling and headlight wash. Ihave fitted them to the Tuscan and the Sag and does not seem to be a requirement to get through the MOT though if you fit yourself.

[Defcon5]

Laser Sag said:

does not seem to be a requirement to get through the MOT though if you fit yourself.

It will be from next Jan

[nrick]

Laser Sag said:

high beam only fitted by TVR as standard as if they fitted low beam they to have auto beam levelling and headlight wash. I have fitted them to the Tuscan and the Sag and does not seem to be a requirement to get through the MOT though if you fit yourself.

It is a very grey area, I carry a couple of bulbs in case I have a problem. If fitted they should be in lights previously designed for the lamp, however even the Police/MOT aren't sure. Non users tend to state that the beam pattern isn't right, and that they dazzle other users, but they make a night and day difference to driving if you ask me. As you said they should be self leveling and cleaning to ensure the more powerful light doesn't cause a problem. There is a small chance that you could get pulled over, never happened to me (crossed fingers, touching wood.)

I think there are a couple of articles on line about it.

N

[onny]

Have HID kit fitted to daily drive for a few years now, they are great but have to replace them about every 12 months as they don't seam to last. Each replacement requiring a complete new kit including the ballast and not just the bulb.

Just ordered some Osram Nightbreaker Plus xenon bulbs for the Tuscan. They are suppose to be nearly twice as bright as halogen bulbs without the hassle of wiring the ballast as it just replace the original bulbs.

[Basil Brush]

I've got HIDs fitted to my dipped beam, with high output halogens on main, and haven't had a problem in the 3 years or so I've had them in. I went for a cheap kit from ebay and put them in. They make a big difference.

[Cliffedge]

The ones I'm interested in are from TVR Power, which they describe as road legal, see link:

http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/hid-headlamp-...

[nrick]

As I said a grey area, there was a big article in PPC either last month or the month before.

They are great though.....

[G20RG B]

Cliffedge said:

The ones I'm interested in are from TVR Power, which they describe as road legal, see link:

http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/hid-headlamp-...

The TVR Power kit looks EXACTLEY like the kit I bought on e-bay for a £1 + £35 postage from China. Had them in my car 18 months with no issues....

[nrick]

Cliffedge said:

The ones I'm interested in are from TVR Power, which they describe as road legal, see link:

http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/hid-headlamp-...

They are CE marked although I am pretty sure that doesn't mean they are road legal. I have had mine on various cars for 3 years with no problem.

[Ian C5ARK]

Ive just had changed to HID. They look great but now I cant have the radio on with dip beam!! All I get is interference. Anyone else have this problem? I got mine from HID4U.co.uk

[MrChips]

I'm thinking similarly at the moment! I had some good results on the Chim from some Halfords Extreme Brillance bulbs and they are occasionally on 2for1 offer. If that offer comes up soon then i'll probably just get them. 80% as good as xenons but without the hassle and potential mot issues.

If not, then this ebay place has sent a few to some of my friends with no issues. Just don't go for too high a colour temp (no more than 6k) otherwise you'll risk them looking too bright/aftermarket.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/HIDONLINEUK?_trksid=p4340...

Ian C5ARK said:

Ive just had changed to HID. They look great but now I cant have the radio on with dip beam!! All I get is interference. Anyone else have this problem? I got mine from HID4U.co.uk

Has your car got DAB and the aerial on the boot? Normally if these kits cause intereference, it's either because the ballasts are located too close to the aerial, although I have read some people have seen it has dropped the power to the headunit/aerial amp? Not sure if that's just rubbish though as you would expect a lot of the other interior lights etc to dim noticeably too.