HiD Headlamp Conversion

[JonnyT]

Don't know the spec but the conversion kit for an old style mini should do the job as they are the same lamps / units.

[dingocooke]

Just one query, was followed the other night by a car with a conversion; absolutely dazzling in the rear view mirror (in a bad way), we pulled into the same carpark and I asked him (nicely) if he could dip his headlights; his answer 'sorry theyre dipped; Ive got an HID kit in and the headlights are adjusted properly, but I get lots of complaints, people flashing lights etc; I dont think the HID bulbs match the H4 type reflectors and theres probably a lot of unfocused glare' You could say that again; Im pretty sure a decent trafficplod would have pulled him over it was that bad.
He was in a mini (old style BL mini).

[AC427]

I have purchased and fitted the 35 Watt Pro Kit from HIDS4U.

I tested them without the engine running (short of an exhaust manifold at the mo) and they flickered for a while and then came on ok. I don't get this with my M3 lights. Perhaps the voltage from the battery is just not enough for the ballasts to generate the required HT

Can you guys please help with a couple of questions i have:

1. Will this flickering always be present at initial switch on or do i have to warm them up before use?

2. They seem to drain the battery quickly although rated at 35w, which is less then normal H4 Halogen 55w bulbs. I hope the 35w is not calculated from the 23kV these bulbs need. I am somewhat worried for my wiring loom current rating.

Has anyone had any problems or upgraded their wiring to suit?

[wilf]

35W is 3 Amps at 12V, forget the 23kV thing. If your battery drained fast with 3 Amps being taken from it, your battery is u/s.

Mine don't flicker. They take a second or two to build to full brightness, but they don't flicker.

[JonnyT]

Wilf - went for a spin last night and first real time in the country with the HIDs fitted. Dipped beam is really good but main beam is a little disappointing. Peripherally there seems to be a marked difference in the amount of light but there is a definite 'hole' in the middle of the light - pretty much in front of the car (i.e. not much light where ur going!). Is this something you get or is it adjustment?

[AC427]

Originally Posted by wilf

35W is 3 Amps at 12V, forget the 23kV thing. If your battery drained fast with 3 Amps being taken from it, your battery is u/s.

Mine don't flicker. They take a second or two to build to full brightness, but they don't flicker.

Cheers Wilf, it wasn't my battery i used to test but i have a nice new Optima Red Top ready to substitute. And thanks for confirming 3 amps bit, nice to know i am drawing a little less current than with previous halogen lamps

[tallyho]

Originally Posted by JonnyT

Wilf - went for a spin last night and first real time in the country with the HIDs fitted. Dipped beam is really good but main beam is a little disappointing. Peripherally there seems to be a marked difference in the amount of light but there is a definite 'hole' in the middle of the light - pretty much in front of the car (i.e. not much light where ur going!). Is this something you get or is it adjustment?

Yep, this is exactly what I found. It seems that to make these bulbs sing you need the proper lenses - on modern cars these look like very magnified glass, they are called projector lenses. So basically you won't be getting maximum effect from the xenon bulbs because the standard fitted lens and glass is not designed to give the correct reflection pattern with these bulbs hence you get a lot of diffused light. The parabolic pattern and glass prisms of the standard light lenses does not give the correct focus point for these bulbs. I have seen something called eagle eye kits - these have the projector lens but you have to custom fit these in your existing light fittings. Sounds like a lot of hassle.

Steve

[wilf]

You won't catch me going out in the cobra at night - that's just gay.

But if I ever did, the lights will be bright enough...............

[rocketmut]

Whats wrong with p1ss yellow lights? our streets have been lit with them since the 70s.

[Purple AK]

Whats wrong with H4's?? Mine are more than adequate after I went to Spec Savers Theres a hint there somewhere