Discussion
A few of us have Steve
You might like to read this
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
You might like to read this
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
,The reason the original lights are dim is due to the thin wire TVR used, its been proven that if you beef up the wiring to the dipped beam it will double the light output,, david beer does a mod for this on his site Modwise.co.uk
A few griffers have fitted the HID bulbs but they are technically illegal , as stated in the link.
I looked at different methods as it is dangerous driving at night down country lanes with candles for lights,, i decided to fit heavier wiring using a relay connected to the light feed to operate it , for safety fit an inline fuse on the new wire . You can connect to the starter motor or alternator,, Using a lightmeter i measured before and after and the light output doubled..
A few griffers have fitted the HID bulbs but they are technically illegal , as stated in the link.
I looked at different methods as it is dangerous driving at night down country lanes with candles for lights,, i decided to fit heavier wiring using a relay connected to the light feed to operate it , for safety fit an inline fuse on the new wire . You can connect to the starter motor or alternator,, Using a lightmeter i measured before and after and the light output doubled..
I have had HIDs for around 6 years, and never been stopped or had any problems with the police. You will, however, have MOT issues now. In the last few years it is not just the headlight level that is checked, but the beam pattern. HIDs in standard light casings cannot provide a standard beam pattern.
to make things short: "legal" hid lamps need a self levelling and washing device:
vosa:
Headlamp washing and levelling systems are a legal requirement for high intensity discharge (HID) lamps with a luminous intensity exceeding 2,000 lumens. But unless the luminous intensity is marked on the lamp, a tester won’t be able to tell if these systems are needed.
From the DfT in December 2006:
Aftermarket HID headlamps-->
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street Telephone: 020 7944 2078
London Fax: 020 7944 2196
SW1P 4DR Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk
vosa:
Headlamp washing and levelling systems are a legal requirement for high intensity discharge (HID) lamps with a luminous intensity exceeding 2,000 lumens. But unless the luminous intensity is marked on the lamp, a tester won’t be able to tell if these systems are needed.
From the DfT in December 2006:
Aftermarket HID headlamps-->
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street Telephone: 020 7944 2078
London Fax: 020 7944 2196
SW1P 4DR Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Edited by GinG15 on Wednesday 8th May 23:18
Thanks for the comments guys,
I think I will go for the sportmotive upgrade (when funds allow). The HIDs seem too much of a risk.
If they are 3x brighter and legally have to be self levelling then the risk must be of dazzling other drivers when you are approaching from an angle.
Its interesting that the people who have fitted the HIDs have passed MOTs without any issues.
I think I will go for the sportmotive upgrade (when funds allow). The HIDs seem too much of a risk.
If they are 3x brighter and legally have to be self levelling then the risk must be of dazzling other drivers when you are approaching from an angle.
Its interesting that the people who have fitted the HIDs have passed MOTs without any issues.
Without resurrecting the massive thread years ago about HIDs. It is becoming more and more difficult to pass these sort of modifications off come MOT time, so even if you do have them fitted, you will probably have to go back to factory standard (ie. bulbs) for the test.
Be it at the owners risk to fit them. I would definitely reccomend the Sportmotive kit. All their work is top notch. If funds allowed I would fit them to mine. That being said it will be a long way off as my car isn't even taxed any more, let alone on the road!
Be it at the owners risk to fit them. I would definitely reccomend the Sportmotive kit. All their work is top notch. If funds allowed I would fit them to mine. That being said it will be a long way off as my car isn't even taxed any more, let alone on the road!
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