HID Headlights

[jeboa]

Forgetting the road-legal implications (self-levelling and spray wash), does anyone think it practical to replace the dip beam bulbs with a HID unit.

The price of these has drastically reduced, and it's possible to pickup a pair of 35W units from (the dreaded) ebay for around £200.

Due to the reduced current draw, the fitment would produce no problems with increased heat in the existing wiring.

Here is a link to H1 kits on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8003793377

This would be for the dipped beam only (but I find main beam okay anyway).

What are peoples thoughts on these?

[david beer]

Would be great but, not road legal. Not sure how dealers are offering a HID upgrade. I looked at buying some but even the UK seller cautioned me against road use. A rewire to the offside only and 50% brighter bulbs will give great gains.

[antonyj]

Exscuse my ignorance , whats the legal matter?

[jeboa]

Legally HID lights should be self-leveling. That being that if you load the car at the rear the front end lifts up and lifts the height of the beam. If they didn't automatically level you'd be dazzling other drivers.

I would say this wouldn't be a problem on a Grif, as you'll never have any passengers in the rear - and there's not a lot you can fit in the boot.

It is also a requirement for the lights to have a spray washer. This is to minimise the ammount of light scatter caused by debris on the lens. I don't know anyone who lets their Grif get dirty enough for this to be a problem either.

If you had HID's in your unwashed-since-new company BMW loaded with sales samples that would be a different matter.

[virgil]

The lights may have to be able to level, but do not have to be 'self' leveling...not sure if this helps the defence, your honour....my Alfa 145 of all things has HID lights...best bit of the car till I got a stone chip...and that has manually (dial on dash board) adjustable Xenon lights.

Have been looking on e-bay since this post started and may be bidding soon. I think I've been spoiled by the Alfa in being able to see where I am going!