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As im going for HID lghts, do I.........
- Thread starter *JimmyJ*
- Start date
Astra coupe
won't do anything much? you drive with them on all the time when its dark. i'd say dipped only
But surely you used dipped more often than main beam, or you'd be blinding everyone!
1st postion = sidelights
2nd = dipped
pulled on = main/full
2nd = dipped
pulled on = main/full
Why are you going HID?
They cost an absolute fortune, and don't put out much more light. The reason car manufacturers put projector-type headlamps in is to cut glare and to sell to people wo want to able to say to their mates "I've got xenons".
If you are just putting HID globes in reflector-type headlights you won't get noticeably light and no-one'll know, they'll just think you put blue-color quartz halogen globes in, which cost way way less.
If you are putting in actual reflector-type headlights, well, Clios that have them only have them on low beam. So you're going to have to decide what to do for ther high beams. It's cost you far less and you'd get the same result - you just wouldn't be able to boast you've got HIDs - if you went and got a set of blue quartz halogens. One of the types that say "50% more light".
They cost an absolute fortune, and don't put out much more light. The reason car manufacturers put projector-type headlamps in is to cut glare and to sell to people wo want to able to say to their mates "I've got xenons".
If you are just putting HID globes in reflector-type headlights you won't get noticeably light and no-one'll know, they'll just think you put blue-color quartz halogen globes in, which cost way way less.
If you are putting in actual reflector-type headlights, well, Clios that have them only have them on low beam. So you're going to have to decide what to do for ther high beams. It's cost you far less and you'd get the same result - you just wouldn't be able to boast you've got HIDs - if you went and got a set of blue quartz halogens. One of the types that say "50% more light".
You can, pass MOT fine, but some if theyre fitted at the factory they have to be equipped with these.. allthough you can get HID's as options on various cars that dont have the self levveling and washers ?
You can. many cars do have HID full beams now. hence the bixenon kits for h4 that havehid dipped and main beam.
Agreed on the sidelights thing. a company could make them but would be 10000% pointless as sidelights arent meant to be bright.. just use white LED's to match the hid's
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
You have only got half the story. There are 2 types of OEM HID lights.
Single bulb, dipped only, stay on all the time, supplimented by standard halogen bulb main units. Like my wifes Golf 4Motion, and I think the 182 (correct me if Im wrong)
Single fillament for dipped with a mechanical shutter for main with halogen bulb main units for instant high beam and flash, like my Porsche, Mercs, X5 etc. These are the same as the bixenon kits.
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
HID stands for high-intensity discharge, the technical term for the electric arc that produces the light. Automotive HID lamps are commonly called 'xenon headlamps', because of the xenon gas used in the lamps. The xenon gas allows the lamps to produce minimally adequate amounts of light immediately upon startup and speed the warmup time. If argon were used instead, as is commonly done in street and other stationary HID lamps, it would take several minutes for the lamps to reach their full output. HID headlamps use a small, purpose-designed metal halide lamp which produces more light than ordinary tungsten and tungsten-halogen bulbs. The light from HID headlamps has a distinct bluish tint when compared with tungsten-filament headlamps. The high intensity of the arc comes from metallic salts that are vapourised within the arc chamber.
HID headlamp bulbs produce between 2,800 and 3,000 lumens from 42 watts of electrical power, while halogen filament headlamp bulbs produce between 700 and 2,100 lumens from between 40 and 65 watts. Because of the increased amounts of light available from HID bulbs, HID headlamps producing a given beam pattern can be made smaller than halogen headlamps producing a comparable beam pattern. Alternatively, the larger size can be retained, in which case the Xenon headlamp can produce a more robust beam pattern.
HID headlamp bulbs do not run on low-voltage DC current, so they require a ballast with either an internal or external ignitor. The ballast controls the current to the bulb. When the headlamps are switched on, the ignitor provides rapidly pulsed current at several thousand volts to initiate the arc between the electrodes within the bulb. Once the arc is started, its heat begins to vapourise the metallic salts within the arc chamber, and the ballast gradually transitions from startup operation to arc-maintenance operation. Once the arc is completely stabilised, the ballast provides 85v in conventional D1 and D2 systems, or 42v with Mercury-free D3 and D4 systems.
Despite marketing claims to the contrary, HID headlamps' light output is not similar to daylight. The spectral power distribution (SPD) of an automotive HID headlamp is discontinuous, while the SPD of a filament lamp, like that of the sun, is a continuous curve.
The arc within an HID headlamp bulb generates considerable short-wave ultraviolet (UV) light, but none of it escapes the bulb. A UV-absorbing hard glass shield is incorporated around the bulb's arc tube. This is important to prevent degradation of UV-sensitive components and materials in headlamps, such as polycarbonate lenses and reflector hardcoats. The lamps do emit considerable near-UV light.
European vehicles equipped with HID headlamps are required by ECE regulation 48 also to be equipped with headlamp lens cleaning systems and automatic beam levelling control. Both of these measures are intended to reduce the tendency for high-output headlamps to cause high levels of glare to other road users.HID headlamp bulb types D1R, D1S, D2R, D2S and 9500 contain the toxic heavy metal mercury. The disposal of mercury-containing vehicle parts is increasingly regulated throughout the world, for example under US EPA regulations. Newer HID bulb designs D3R, D3S, D4R, and D4S contain no mercury, but are not electrically or physically compatible with headlamps designed for previous bulb types.
The arc light source in an HID headlamp is fundamentally different from the filament light source used in tungsten/halogen headlamps. For that reason, HID-specific optics are used to collect and distribute the light. Installing HID bulbs in headlamps designed to take filament bulbs results in improperly-focused beam patterns and excessive glare, and is therefore illegal in almost all countries.
HID headlamp bulbs produce between 2,800 and 3,000 lumens from 42 watts of electrical power, while halogen filament headlamp bulbs produce between 700 and 2,100 lumens from between 40 and 65 watts. Because of the increased amounts of light available from HID bulbs, HID headlamps producing a given beam pattern can be made smaller than halogen headlamps producing a comparable beam pattern. Alternatively, the larger size can be retained, in which case the Xenon headlamp can produce a more robust beam pattern.
HID headlamp bulbs do not run on low-voltage DC current, so they require a ballast with either an internal or external ignitor. The ballast controls the current to the bulb. When the headlamps are switched on, the ignitor provides rapidly pulsed current at several thousand volts to initiate the arc between the electrodes within the bulb. Once the arc is started, its heat begins to vapourise the metallic salts within the arc chamber, and the ballast gradually transitions from startup operation to arc-maintenance operation. Once the arc is completely stabilised, the ballast provides 85v in conventional D1 and D2 systems, or 42v with Mercury-free D3 and D4 systems.
Despite marketing claims to the contrary, HID headlamps' light output is not similar to daylight. The spectral power distribution (SPD) of an automotive HID headlamp is discontinuous, while the SPD of a filament lamp, like that of the sun, is a continuous curve.
The arc within an HID headlamp bulb generates considerable short-wave ultraviolet (UV) light, but none of it escapes the bulb. A UV-absorbing hard glass shield is incorporated around the bulb's arc tube. This is important to prevent degradation of UV-sensitive components and materials in headlamps, such as polycarbonate lenses and reflector hardcoats. The lamps do emit considerable near-UV light.
European vehicles equipped with HID headlamps are required by ECE regulation 48 also to be equipped with headlamp lens cleaning systems and automatic beam levelling control. Both of these measures are intended to reduce the tendency for high-output headlamps to cause high levels of glare to other road users.HID headlamp bulb types D1R, D1S, D2R, D2S and 9500 contain the toxic heavy metal mercury. The disposal of mercury-containing vehicle parts is increasingly regulated throughout the world, for example under US EPA regulations. Newer HID bulb designs D3R, D3S, D4R, and D4S contain no mercury, but are not electrically or physically compatible with headlamps designed for previous bulb types.
The arc light source in an HID headlamp is fundamentally different from the filament light source used in tungsten/halogen headlamps. For that reason, HID-specific optics are used to collect and distribute the light. Installing HID bulbs in headlamps designed to take filament bulbs results in improperly-focused beam patterns and excessive glare, and is therefore illegal in almost all countries.
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Martin_172
ClioSport Club Member
thats only for factory fitted cars though its not illegal to fit a set of xeonons to your car without auto level or washers, even although the car they came standard with must have them by law
ph1 172...a red one
Hi BryanR, any chance of a link to the section above on the VOSA website??
cheers
cheers
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
Well seeing as guy isn't online I think you'll have to leave your gloating till later
Plus I belive he was refering to what Martin has mentioned
Its not so much a gloat as trying to make the point, that handing out advice on here to someone else, who may then go on to get caught for breaking the law or have their car failed on an MOT, is clearly dangerous.
I am sure guy wouldnt put his hand in his pocket to pay the fine or the re-test fee, would he.
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
The VOSA website link only goes to the main menu and drilling down will get you there e-v-e-n-t-u-a-l-l-y
I took the quote from a more friendly version,
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
So how do you explain this Martin.
For that reason, HID-specific optics are used to collect and distribute the light. Installing HID bulbs in headlamps designed to take filament bulbs results in improperly-focused beam patterns and excessive glare, and is therefore illegal in almost all countries.
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
I dont think anyone selling them is going to admit they are illegal, lets face it they sell blue LEDs in washer jets and blue so called cruising lights. All illegal but has that ever stopped them.
ph1 172...a red one
With due respect BryanR, without a direct link to VOSA your statement is flawed...
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
I don’t follow your logic, do what I did, drill down the site and find the relevant section, or ring VOSA and ask them.
I didn’t write the rules, I was made aware of them after I fitted HID lights in my Horsebox and I did my own research to check.
I, can’t stop anyone fitting whatever they like to their own car, I just think they need to be aware of the risks if caught.
ph1 172...a red one
Sorry bud I realise that you didn't write the rules etc, just that i've drilled down into this site until I've come across VOSA.au I would like to fit them to my own car thats why I questioning??
HOLY COW...your horses must have been blinded
HOLY COW...your horses must have been blinded
Carrera 4S. Clio 172. M5
no not fitted to the horses....just upgraded the headlights on the lorry...:approve:Sorry bud I realise that you didn't write the rules etc, just that i've drilled down into this site until I've come across VOSA.au I would like to fit them to my own car thats why I questioning??
HOLY COW...your horses must have been blinded
I have just asked VOSA to mail me the relevant rules and I will post the reply when I get it.
lmao. well can hardly reply when im not online can i.
cheers for the speach about what a high intensity discharge bulb is. allthough that was covered in my HNC in electrical and electronic engineering so really was pretty pointless pasting it.
you can spout all the regulations for factory cars all you like.. ive had 2 cars with HID conversion (yes hid with ballasts, not just xenon filament bulbs.. i do know the difference) and theyve pased MOTs with no problems and never been any questions asked about them when being pulled for illegal number plates.
simple. you said you cant fit them without washers and self levelling systems.. you obviously can cos ive had two cars with them and no plenty more.. all of which have never had any problems.
thanks for your time
wrong again. LED bulbs, neons, etc all say on the packaging for off road and show use only when theyre not road legal.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/71899.htm
FTO GP version R, comes with HID's. oh wait.. wheres the washer system on them then must come out from under the wheel arch and squirt on the lens??! LOL
not originally a european car but theres plenty around over here driving round.
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oh btw my current car the HID conversion sits behind a ''projector'' lamp (like the 182's do) and gives a VERY disctinct beam pattern. you can see perfectly the line of the beam, also checked on the machine at the MOT place to be fine
as can be seen here:
allthough my first car that had 'frosted' glass, the beam pattern wasnt as perfect as that. but still never caused any questions from the local very strict law.
btw.. the headlight washers.. theyre next to useless anyway. or were on the 182. should have had mini wipers on like volvos.. :lol:
as can be seen here:
allthough my first car that had 'frosted' glass, the beam pattern wasnt as perfect as that. but still never caused any questions from the local very strict law.
btw.. the headlight washers.. theyre next to useless anyway. or were on the 182. should have had mini wipers on like volvos.. :lol:
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Mégane RS
Just come accross this tread and aftermarket kits are perfectly legal, the only debatable point would be the K rating, Leds are illegal but more manufacturers have started equiping there cars with them like Audi.
here's a few pics of mine, HB3 (9005) dipped beam/main driving lights not full beams
Led sidelights:
here's a few pics of mine, HB3 (9005) dipped beam/main driving lights not full beams
Led sidelights:
Craig
ClioSport Club Member
4 wheels
. not had a problem with mine yet. heres mine in my civic 6000k
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/bradyboy/IMG_0180.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/bradyboy/IMG_0182.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/bradyboy/IMG_0180.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/bradyboy/IMG_0182.jpg
as for LED sidelights.. there isnt any laws on them yet as far as i know, a police officer was telling me that due to the increased usage of LED's in cars there will be some laws coming in soon about them
but MOT's wouldnt be bothered aslong as its just white light and not blue coming from them. (my mates an MOT tester)
but MOT's wouldnt be bothered aslong as its just white light and not blue coming from them. (my mates an MOT tester)
You silly mare.
Sidelights
Dipped Beam
Main beam
Dipped is for normal night driving
main is what you use to flash the silly c***s that drive around with their fog lights on when it isn't foggy.
alot of the higher brand cars only use one bulb and lens for dipped beam and high beam. my dads audi s4 uses this, the lens angles upwards to create the full beam, as does my mums a3. this as most know doesnt apply to the reanult range.
like the guys have said, dont bother with any after market high beam bulbs, its only the dipped beam that counts.
the law states that you are not allowed coloured leds or any other source of light to be shown at the front or rear of the car, as it "causes confusion as to whether the car in question is and emergency vehicle"
you WILL get pulled for leds in number plates, jet washers and interior neons.
you will NOT get pulled or fail MOTs for after market HID setups as long as they stay within certain guide lines (ie height) . . . . . . . . . .
says the law book i borrowed off my uncle
like the guys have said, dont bother with any after market high beam bulbs, its only the dipped beam that counts.
the law states that you are not allowed coloured leds or any other source of light to be shown at the front or rear of the car, as it "causes confusion as to whether the car in question is and emergency vehicle"
you WILL get pulled for leds in number plates, jet washers and interior neons.
you will NOT get pulled or fail MOTs for after market HID setups as long as they stay within certain guide lines (ie height) . . . . . . . . . .
says the law book i borrowed off my uncle
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