HID, Xenon and Xenon "Like" Bulbs

[saat]

There are basically three ways to go if you want to upgrade your bimmer to that Xenon or HID look.1. Change the bulbs with those that raise the color temperature of the projected light. This is done with a blue filter (tinting) and/or adding Xenon gas to the otherwise standard halogen bulb. The downside to these types of bulbs is that they limit the amount of light produced and add glare to oncoming traffic. The reason for choosing these bulbs is mainly cosmetic. Some of them really do "look" like the real thing. Some have used this to great effect for just their fog and high beams. Improves the look but not much brighter. This is probably the cheapest option.These can vary from RM200-RM500. These bulbs can in no way be considered as HID. I would put Philips Crystal/diamond vision et al under this category.But beware of many brands that claim to be brighter but in truth the light emission is much lower than normal halogens. Also beware of bulbs that claim to be super whites which in effect, are nothing more than poor quality blue color coating over the glass which will either greatly reduce light emission or will fade or even melt after a short period of time. I do not include these types of RM20 bulbs as an option here.Please check out these sites:Autolamps online - http://www.autolamps-online.com/Jimmy's BMW Xenon - http://www.bmwxenon.com/Xenon Charged Headlamp Bulbs - http://www.audiquattroparts.com/xenon.htmI strongly recommend that you check the site below for a comparison and performance review of various blue bulbs:Overboost.com – High Performance Head Lights - http://www.overboost.com/story.asp?id=102h...rmotorsport.com Under Light Bulbs2. Upgrade to xenons with aftermarket xenon upgrade kits which include the bulb and igniter (ballast). The bad part here is the beam adjustment and pattern is not correct, and you don't get the ellipsoid lens found on the stock BMW Xenons (if you don’t already have the projection lamps). Your onboard computer will give off a warning message identifying that the low beam are out, because they were expecting halogens. For these, a special bypass circuit will have to be fabricated in order to “cheat” the Check Control circuit. These may be around RM1.5-2K and you also have to invest in projector type light assemblies.Please check out these sites:EuroLights - http://www.eurocarmotorsport.comhttp://www.eurolights.com/http://www.eurocarmotorsport.com[/URL] Under Light Bulbs - Super vision HID xenon 7000K conversion kit - Universal3. Last and probably most expensive option is to buy OEM headlight assembly. It looks the best but will not self-level the beam when the rear of your car is loaded, this will blind on coming traffic. Plus, your onboard computer will give off a warning message identifying that the low beam are out, because they were expecting halogens.This can be fixed in a similar manner, which is documented here - http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/tips_pages/xenonfix.htm. Complete pair of light assemblies are around RM5-7K whilst true stock Xenon bulbs only are going for RM2,800 a pair.http://www.eurocarmotorsport.com Under Light Bulbs - BMW factory HID xenon conversion kit - UniversalThe above article has been reproduced and adapted from a post by Lefty at www.bmwtips.com. The author does not take any credit for any part or all of this article.

 

[5201]

Hi Saat,

Thnx for the info.

Any idea if i can get any low beam headlight reflector replacements from any potong shops??

 

[paracoche]

Supply H1, H4, H7, 9005, 9006, 9007, D1S, D2R.....HID kit for wholesalers, the best price and service
Contact me for any question
paracoche(at)hotmail(dot)com

 

[jarance]

if I am not mistaken, the alarm for low beam out can be done by putting a resistor at the connector.

Halogen bulb is rated at 55W whereas HID power consumption is rated at 35W. The lack or saving of 20W is causing the alarm. So you can "cheat" the circuit by putting extra load. Have done this for "Angel eye" mod but have not done it for low beam. but in theory it should work.

I think a 150 ohm of 10 watt rating should do the job for each ballast.

 

[astroboy]

Since we talking about HID or Xenon here, I really don't understand what's the fuss about others who complaint about other HID users for blinding them or something..

I only read about people complaining about HID in newspaper but never once HID users stood up and defence..

Are we admitting we are blinding others? Is HID conversion legalised in the first place? I think if below 6000k, its legal right? Its really putih putih when kena summon for using HID especially when its below 6000k. Worse still, u will get a Puspakom inspection order like those who kena for tinting their window beyond the legal spec.

HID, the way I understand it is a "green energy" for emitting halogen brightness or better at almost half the energy consumed and longer life span. Thus engine runs lighter, less strain to battery and alternator, FC improves! It even cut down heat generated compare to halogen, our polar bear friends living up on the ice cap would love to hear this!

We should start lobbying for govt support and subsidise this technology!

 

[LCP]

The problem is not the brightness. Yes, HID is a whole lot more efficient and brighter, and with the correct colour temperature, it is a good thing to have. The problem lies in the focussing of the aftermarket HID lamps. On stock low beams (including factory fitted stock HID), if you face a wall, for a right hand drive car, you will find that the focussing pattern to be very clear and sharp, like this:

\___\___

As the Xenon bulb is longer and shaped differently from halogen bulbs, simply putting in the Xenon bulb without adjusting the distance of the bulb inside the lamp will result in major loss of focus, the light will flare just like high beams, try driving facing a wall and you will notice the distinct pattern low beam is blurred or even missing altogether.

In Singapore and many countries where there is strict enforcement on headlight aiming, the cars tested will need to have a very distinct and accurate low beam aim pattern, else the car will fail inspection.

 

[jarance]

HID if properly installed is benefit to the user. However, if wronly install then it is an abuse of the technology.

Most BMW have projector lens to concentrate the light intensity on a specific spot thus adding the visibility of the road ahead. However, some car do not have this projector lens. I have encountered some cars even from the rear look very glaring. Just imagine how it will look to oncoming traffic.

Technology is good if it is implement properly but bad when it is not. The problem is whether the general public is ready for this kind of technology. Similarly, are we ready for 3G, HSPDA, WimaX etc..

 

[astroboy]

So in a way, using of HID without the projector lens is consider irresponsible because it's impossible to focus the beam without the projector lens and confirm, u are a nuisance to other road users... and I certainly hope all our members and vendors understand what they are doing. We are considerate road user!

Sounds like HID does not only involve HID bulbs and ballast, it must come with the projector lens and a complete headlight assembly!

 

[jarance]

Not only that, even halogen lamp if not align properly is also glaring!!!!

 

[LCP]

And also ignorant drivers who can't tell (or never been taught) the difference between high and low beams... lesen kopi drivers, or maybe the little blue high beam indicator on their dash is not working...