Best location for HID bllaster

[dreamym5]

my Hid kit is coming..
not sure where should i mount the ballasters..

i don't want to take off front bumper...

Any recommandation/suggestion from HID owners ???

[jandree22]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120936

Have fun ;)

[dreamym5]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120936

Have fun ;)

yes.. i alreay checked it out by doing search.. (wiggle)

anyone did it without taking the front bumper off(uhm)

[jandree22]

aw... dreamym5 - 1, jandree22 - 0

Glad you searched though! Hopefully you can figure this out... I may consider doing it someday myself.

[bstad1]

I'm not sure how mechanically inclined you are, but the bumper cover is not that hard to take off, as long as you have the service instructions. I think it took me about 20 minutes to get it off. If your total install will be several hours, it may be worth it.

[Sveivo]

my Hid kit is coming..
not sure where should i mount the ballasters..

i don't want to take off front bumper...

Any recommandation/suggestion from HID owners ???

Well, ideally, you'd want to place them where it's the coolest (temperature-wise ;)) under the hood, but you might be limited by how long or, rather, short the wires are.

For what it's worth, mine are surviving fairly close to the engine. Going on 1 year of ownership. I don't think it's any big deal.

[dreamym5]

aw... dreamym5 - 1, jandree22 - 0

Glad you searched though! Hopefully you can figure this out... I may consider doing it someday myself.

Thanks jandree22.. when ther kit arrives.. i will take some pics where i mount blasters...

[dreamym5]

I'm not sure how mechanically inclined you are, but the bumper cover is not that hard to take off, as long as you have the service instructions. I think it took me about 20 minutes to get it off. If your total install will be several hours, it may be worth it.

i guess,,i could take off bumper but it is brand new car with 57 miles on it..

what if i make some scratch on bumper.. ^^ just kidding..

i am just lazy and like to know where others who have installed put thier BLs

Thanks..

[dreamym5]

Well, ideally, you'd want to place them where it's the coolest (temperature-wise ;)) under the hood, but you might be limited by how long or, rather, short the wires are.

For what it's worth, mine are surviving fairly close to the engine. Going on 1 year of ownership. I don't think it's any big deal.

i see.. i think i am going to just put any space that is "cooler" than others..

One more question..

did you guys use "relay harness" or just plug & play way?

there are some different opinions on this issue..

i personally think.. to use relay harness to prolong the car's eletrical parts..

or am i worring tooo much??(boom07)

[Sveivo]

i see.. i think i am going to just put any space that is "cooler" than others..

One more question..

did you guys use "relay harness" or just plug & play way?

there are some different opinions on this issue..

i personally think.. to use relay harness to prolong the car's eletrical parts..

or am i worring tooo much??(boom07)

I think you're worrying too much, because the HIDs actually consume less power than halogen. Crazy, huh? So your car will actually get a break with HIDs!

My kit was totally plug and play. What kit did you order?

[slvrsleeper]

I went with the plug and play for the savings and kinda wish I hadn't. I think the relay gets rid of the delay between turning the switch on and the lights coming on. I mounted my ballasts under the headlight with two sided tape originally. I did remove the bumper and it isn't hard at all. The ballasts kept coming loose mounted up-side down under the headlights (too heavy I guess) So I have moved them to the inside of the bumper cover and they haven't moved at all in four months. The Apexcone kit comes with plenty of wire, about ten inches. HTH

[dreamym5]

I think you're worrying too much, because the HIDs actually consume less power than halogen. Crazy, huh? So your car will actually get a break with HIDs!

My kit was totally plug and play. What kit did you order?

i got a generic kit (which i think probably made in china ^^) from ebay
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z163/autovisionco/IMG_0136.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z163/autovisionco/IMG_0211.jpg
it is plug & play kit but seller also "included" relay harness as well..
the reason i like to go with relay harness route is due to "instant" voltage requiring to ignite the HID bulbs (what i read on web).

some people say relay harnes does not do anything..

i will probaly try both ways and see

Thanks guys .. you guys are great.. ^^

[Sveivo]

OK, cool. Let us know if you realize any benefits from installing the relay.

[Sveivo]

I went with the plug and play for the savings and kinda wish I hadn't. I think the relay gets rid of the delay between turning the switch on and the lights coming on. I mounted my ballasts under the headlight with two sided tape originally. I did remove the bumper and it isn't hard at all. The ballasts kept coming loose mounted up-side down under the headlights (too heavy I guess) So I have moved them to the inside of the bumper cover and they haven't moved at all in four months. The Apexcone kit comes with plenty of wire, about ten inches. HTH

I guess I don't notice any delay. They flicker at start-up and then go through the warm-up, but that is normal even for factory HID.

And BTW, I used 3M double-sided tape and some zip ties. The tape that came with mine was not that strong. But the 3M stuff is solid.

[wmzda5]

How much for the HID kit? if I may ask

[dreamym5]

How much for the HID kit? if I may ask

i got it for $60.50 shipped (first) including "wire harness" which some seller charge up to $20

[dreamym5]

Hey M5 gang.. i just finish installing 6000K HID kit on my new M5

today.. i just used "plug & play" way (in other word, no relay harness way)

and guess what.. "it works fine"..(wow) however, i did notice some flickering on my 3rd try..

it is just past mid night.. and i just exhusted to try out "relay harness way"..

to be continued..(inout)

Oh.. pics..

here are the locations for ballasters
(one next to brake fluid reservior(?) and one "on" fuse box)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3233/img0116if0.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5549/img0117fa3.jpg





Inside Headlight

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5924/img0119sd1.jpg
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4523/img0123no5.jpg

Cut off (sorry for the messy house ^^)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1879/img0122ri7.jpg

[Sveivo]

Looks good! Pretty good price too.

[dreamym5]

wow.. sorry for the huge pics.. (i might get flamed for this (flame2)_

i used "double sided tapes to mount ballasters, on both side so they dont' move around)

i did 5 min test drive out side and my first impression is "okay" not "great"

It is surely better than those hyperwhite bulbs but it was somewhat less bright than i expected..(may be i got 6000K kit.. i should get 4500K)

Yes.. it looks good from outside...(very white beam with bluish tint)..(second)

feedbacks are welcome

[Sveivo]

wow.. sorry for the huge pics.. (i might get flamed for this (flame2)_

i used "double sided tapes to mount ballasters, on both side so they dont' move around)

i did 5 min test drive out side and my first impression is "okay" not "great"

It is surely better than those hyperwhite bulbs but it was somewhat less bright than i expected..(may be i got 6000K kit.. i should get 4500K)

Yes.. it looks good from outside...(very white beam with bluish tint)..(second)

feedbacks are welcome

Given that most kits here on the forums are around $130+, I'm curious how you got such a deal. But if it works, it's all that matters.

[dreamym5]

Given that most kits here on the forums are around $130+, I'm curious how you got such a deal. But if it works, it's all that matters.


Ebay.. Ebay.. Ebay.. did i say Ebay..(shocked)

this seller just started selling HID kits since he has not much feedbacks.. people don't bid on his kits.. (well, i did..).. winning bid was $15.50 and shipping handling was like $45.. came out $60.50. shipped.. (shocked)

Seller was very nice too, he even gave his phone # in case i got into anytrouble..

[Sveivo]

Ebay.. Ebay.. Ebay.. did i say Ebay..(shocked)

this seller just started selling HID kits since no much feedbacks.. people don't bid on his kits.. (well, i did..).. winning bid was $15.50 and shipping handling was like $45.. came out $60.50. shipped.. (shocked)

Seller was very nice too, he even gave his phone # in case i got into anytrouble..

Yeah, I knew it was eBay. I'm just wondering how he's making any money!

[dreamym5]

Yeah, I knew it was eBay. I'm just wondering how he's making any money!


i think,, HID kit should cost around $7 to make in China..(omg)

[Sveivo]

i think,, HID kit should cost around $7 to make in China..(omg)

LOL, no kidding.

[dreamym5]

okay.. today, i used relay harness that came with my hid kit.
it took me about 15 min to install relay harness since it is basically "plug & play" except you have to tap on Battery directly instead of getting the power from headlight plug.

The difference.

Nothing.. Nada. zip.. zero.. (dunno)

there is no delay, and flickering still there when it starts up ..(shady)

brightness looks same color is same..

I now think there is no need of relay harness when you do HID conversion.
Any benefit? let's see ..., relay harness gives you psychological "peace of mind" that your car's eletrical system is protected by setting independant HID circuit ^^





few more pics..

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2887/46689196up4.jpg
http://images6.theimagehosting.com/3.1f3.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=3.1f3.JPG)http://images6.theimagehosting.com/2.366.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=2.366.JPG)

[Esprit]

Hi guys

From what I understand, using relay is much saver for your car. I sell HID kits.
I went to Korea few years ago. The company that make a lot of HID kits for other company ie. PIAx. They show me around how HID work and made. They are one of the few company in the world that who made both bulb and ballast. The information that I got from them is using relay. When you first turn on your HID, the ballast will tranfrom the car 12V to 20,000V to start the Xenon bulb within 1/2 of a sec. The second stage will be warm up stage, that may take up to 15 sec. You will see the bulb colour changing to brighter and more colour temperature ranging will see(4200k, 6000k or 8000k). The third stage will be the operation. on this stage, brightness and colour temperature should stay the same and the consumption should be 35W (Halogen bulb 55W).
The reason why to use relay is because the first stage. You want that 12V from the battery not from your car headlight plug. If the ballast have problem, that powerful volts may send back to your car headlight plug. Think what may happen!!!!. Even our eyes may see no difference between plug&play and using relay, use relay is what the pro. told me.
Sound like $60 is a little too cheap for me. A good set of HID kit (not made in China) will be wholesale around US$150 before shipping and import tax.
I saw a lot of China HID kit have ballast problem and plug problem. Make sure tape up all plug and connector with eletrical tape. You want all the connector waterproof.
I am not trying to sell any one a HID kit or anyone is wrong. I am just telling everyone the what I know. I am a MZ5 owner too, I just want all MZ5 driver are happer driver.

[dreamym5]

Hi guys

From what I understand, using relay is much saver for your car. I sell HID kits.
I went to Korea few years ago. The company that make a lot of HID kits for other company ie. PIAx. They show me around how HID work and made. They are one of the few company in the world that who made both bulb and ballast. The information that I got from them is using relay. When you first turn on your HID, the ballast will tranfrom the car 12V to 20,000V to start the Xenon bulb within 1/2 of a sec. The second stage will be warm up stage, that may take up to 15 sec. You will see the bulb colour changing to brighter and more colour temperature ranging will see(4200k, 6000k or 8000k). The third stage will be the operation. on this stage, brightness and colour temperature should stay the same and the consumption should be 35W (Halogen bulb 55W).
The reason why to use relay is because the first stage. You want that 12V from the battery not from your car headlight plug. If the ballast have problem, that powerful volts may send back to your car headlight plug. Think what may happen!!!!. Even our eyes may see no difference between plug&play and using relay, use relay is what the pro. told me.
Sound like $60 is a little too cheap for me. A good set of HID kit (not made in China) will be wholesale around US$150 before shipping and import tax.
I saw a lot of China HID kit have ballast problem and plug problem. Make sure tape up all plug and connector with eletrical tape. You want all the connector waterproof.
I am not trying to sell any one a HID kit or anyone is wrong. I am just telling everyone the what I know. I am a MZ5 owner too, I just want all MZ5 driver are happer driver.

Thanks Esprit for good explaination.. i needed it.. ^^

i too think there must be a reason to add relay harness in HID conversion. as i stated before, it sets the HID circuit to draw power directly from battery rather than headlight plugs. That is why i chose relay harness option to operate HIDs. I just used ebay to bid on HID kit.. it does not mean, my kit is el cheapo, crappy kit.. it is the nature of "auction" whoever bids highest wins!! it happend to be at very low price. ^^ Kits quality seems "well built" in my opinion.

I too wanted to get Japan/Korea Made HId kits,, but i had to get this kit for its price..^^

[Sveivo]

OK, sounds good, so what does this relay look like?

[Sveivo]

Take a look at what Xenon Expert has to say about relay harnesses:
http://xenonexpert.com/apexcone.html (bottom of the page)

Just FYI.

[Esprit]

you are welcome, Dreamym5

For Sevivo, What Xenon Expert say is the Symptoms if those problem happen when turning on the HID.
Not what we are thinking about the saver for our MZ5 eletrical.

Thank you

[dreamym5]

OK, sounds good, so what does this relay look like?

relay harness looks like this

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/Jay_M05/HID%20Kit/bosch%20kit%20and%20relay%20harness/RelayHarnessH7Labeled.jpg


most difficult part is tapping on battery +/- and hide the wires somewhere...

and it lays out like this

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3599/1smallem4.jpg

[blacktalon13]

i notice the 08 headlight seems pretty bright already... with the 6000k hid kit on it.. is it brighter?

[dreamym5]

i notice the 08 headlight seems pretty bright already... with the 6000k hid kit on it.. is it brighter?


i just came back from short erran for my wife...^^

Wow, world of difference that i did not notice last night..

apprently, HID has warming up time.. once it is fully warmed up..

Behold.. crispy white light that brighten up the road nicely..

[Sveivo]

Nice pics!

And blacktalon13, HID puts out 3 times the light, on average, when compared to halogen.

[dreamym5]

Nice pics!

And blacktalon13, HID puts out 3 times the light, on average, when compared to halogen.


Thanks.. engine bay pic is not my m5.. i googled the images and wrote on it..

6000K hid should havd 2800 Lumen which is about 3 time output of stock halogen..

[Sveivo]

you are welcome, Dreamym5

For Sevivo, What Xenon Expert say is the Symptoms if those problem happen when turning on the HID.
Not what we are thinking about the saver for our MZ5 eletrical.

Thank you

Yes, I see what you mean. I guess those symptoms suggest that you *really* need those extra wires (if you have the symptoms, that is) :D (crazy)

[dreamym5]

Yes, I see what you mean. I guess those symptoms suggest that you *really* need those extra wires (if you have the symptoms, that is) :D (crazy)


Hey Sveivo..


Did you have to adjust headlight? after installing HID kit???

mine looks okay but i am just wondering what others did....

[slvrsleeper]

I haven't had to adjust mine at all. I went with the 4500K 55w kit and it puts out 4500 lumens approximately. Let me tell you, I will never own another car without HID! The improvement in night driving is unreal, and something i didn't realize is that they also improve visibilty in rain and fog, especially at night. I am going to get a relay harness for mine after reading all of your posts I am convinced I should.

[Sveivo]

Hey Sveivo..


Did you have to adjust headlight? after installing HID kit???

mine looks okay but i am just wondering what others did....

Well, I have a Protege, so I don't have projectors. I aimed mine a little lower, but not by much.

Since you have projectors, I think you're fine without aiming them down. Are you being flashed at all?


I haven't had to adjust mine at all. I went with the 4500K 55w kit and it puts out 4500 lumens approximately. Let me tell you, I will never own another car without HID! The improvement in night driving is unreal, and something i didn't realize is that they also improve visibilty in rain and fog, especially at night. I am going to get a relay harness for mine after reading all of your posts I am convinced I should.

Wow, 55w is major. I can only imagine! My kit is 35w and I think it's pretty good.

[dreamym5]

I haven't had to adjust mine at all. I went with the 4500K 55w kit and it puts out 4500 lumens approximately. Let me tell you, I will never own another car without HID! The improvement in night driving is unreal, and something i didn't realize is that they also improve visibilty in rain and fog, especially at night. I am going to get a relay harness for mine after reading all of your posts I am convinced I should.

after driving 2 nights.... i know i don't need adjustment..(thumb)
stock height is just fine and just more light on the road..(thumb)

Now.. tonight, as I was driving back home, i had several cars with stock HID passing me by... and guess what,, their light looked "yellower" compare to mine.

However, i could see more "light" on stock HID as thier lights "covers" mine as they reflect on the road.

I knew stock HID kits are 4300K-4500K kit which has the most lumen output.
my 6000K has the best look "pure white with blue tint".. but less lumen output compare to 4500K.. but in real world, the difference is "there".. i just noticed tonight. (wiggle)

I might get 4500K bulbs and swap it someday.. to have "better" usable light.

and Yes get the relay harness.. i too think it is good & safe investment (wiggle)

[dreamym5]

[QUOTE=Sveivo;3656102]Well, I have a Protege, so I don't have projectors. I aimed mine a little lower, but not by much.

Since you have projectors, I think you're fine without aiming them down. Are you being flashed at all?


I didn't know you have Protege...(thumb)

Yes.. i think stock projector are meant to be used with HIDs..(wiggle) ( I mean that good (wiggle))

I know Grand Touring's Xenon systme uses D2s bulbs (comparing to h7) but i wonder if they use same projectors (wiggle)

after conversion , as you can see on previous pics. it has very nice cuf off..
have not flashed at all so far..(thumb)

[BLACKOUT]

ok i got a question if you get lets say 8000k could you switch out the bulbs down to 6000k? and i also found a website that sells Universal Wire Relay with Fuses for HID Xenon or High Power Lighting System. I have noticed that most of the places don't sell the relay for the HID will it hurt not having the relay?any help would be nice.thanks here is that website www.xtralights.com

[dreamym5]

ok i got a question if you get lets say 8000k could you switch out the bulbs down to 6000k? and i also found a website that sells Universal Wire Relay with Fuses for HID Xenon or High Power Lighting System. I have noticed that most of the places don't sell the relay for the HID will it hurt not having the relay?any help would be nice.thanks here is that website www.xtralights.com


i think HID coversion kits are pretty much universal plug & play kits.
which you can just buy any types of bulb to change the "color" temperature.
i currently have 6000K but planning to get 4300K bulb sometime soon. (they cost around $30-$40.

Relay harness is also universal, as you just have to "tap" on the -/+ of battery and "connect" to heardlight power plug and that's it.

You can purchase relay harness (decent ones) around $20-30 on ebay.
or any online sellers..

accoridng to my "reserch" on web, it is "safer" to have relay harness in HID system, as it helps to "draw" power from battery "directly" instead of getting it from stock headlight plug. Yes HID uses 35W (compare to 55W in halogen) but when it powers up, it needs instant high voltage to ignite bulbs. That is why i think people use "relay harness" in their HID conversion.
As i posted previouly, i did "test" both way, and could not see any difference, However, theoretically speaking, relay harness sets up independant circuit for HID for stable use.


Hope this helps..

[BLACKOUT]

cool thanks dreamym5 hope to get some soon just got my state taxes today(cabpatch)

[dreamym5]

cool thanks dreamym5 hope to get some soon just got my state taxes today(cabpatch)


No problem,, if you are getting new HID conversion kit..
i would say get 5000K kit for best look & usable light (first)

[BLACKOUT]

see thats why i wanted to know if you can switch of the bulbs because i was thinking about 6000k but there is a guy that had 8000k and they seemed really good not to blue. but i would also like to get something less as in the 5000k like your talking about .if it was not going to work beause it was too blue and also it would be a back up also.

[dreamym5]

see thats why i wanted to know if you can switch of the bulbs because i was thinking about 6000k but there is a guy that had 8000k and they seemed really good not to blue. but i would also like to get something less as in the 5000k like your talking about .if it was not going to work beause it was too blue and also it would be a back up also.

it is up to you but i got my HID for better visiblity at night/fog/rain. and i think even though 6000K is "better" than standard halogen, it is too much white for night driving. that is "why" i am going to get 4300K bulbs

And Now, there are people who get HID kit just for the "Looks". 8000K even 10000K kit will do the job but less usable light.. just my 2cents.

[BLACKOUT]

will im looking for useability like visiblity at night/fog/rain because we get a lot of that here and thats when i do most of my driving and i know i dont want to go over 8000k but thanks for all your help

[slvrsleeper]

For maximum return in terms of visibilty 4500K is best. And skip the 35w kit in favor of the 55w you won't be sorry.

[dreamym5]

For maximum return in terms of visibilty 4500K is best. And skip the 35w kit in favor of the 55w you won't be sorry.


i was reading about HID on web AGAIN, and found out 2 new intersting info.

1. In order to increase Lumen(amount of light) in same K (light temperatutre/color), the Wattage needs to be increased (theorically speaking)
I guess, that is why there are 55W HID kits coming out

2. Some conservative HID sellers are claming that 55W Kits are more dangerous than 35W Kit and prone to cause fire :eek:
(but i personally don't buy this since stock halogen is 55W as well)

[jandree22]

dreamym5, I assume you successfully installed your HID ballasts without removing the front bumper? I have my kit ready to go, but while you apparently did it without hassling with the front bumper removal, the_saint clearly went the other route by removing it. I’m just wondering how you made out…

1). If you did it all over again, do you think perhaps you could’ve made a better install by getting the bumper out of your way? I’m not worried about the ballasts, but rather the massive bulbs and the infamous metal clip that keeps them in place.

2.) About how long did it take you? If the front bumper is getting taken off, then obviously it’s a Saturday project… but if I go the plug-n-play route then perhaps I can get them in there this evening. (I’m sure you can understand my eagerness to transfer them from the box to my 5 ;))

3.) Do you have any melting issues with your ballast installed on your fuse box? I understand ballasts in general produce a lot of heat.

For the sake of thoroughness, part of me is leaning towards removing the front bumper and headlights to “do it right”, but the other part of me doesn’t want to waste time if unnecessary, and also the bigger concern would be reaiming the headlights to OEM spec when I reinstall them.

Thanks bud!

[dreamym5]

dreamym5, I assume you successfully installed your HID ballasts without removing the front bumper? I have my kit ready to go, but while you apparently did it without hassling with the front bumper removal, the_saint clearly went the other route by removing it. I’m just wondering how you made out…

1). If you did it all over again, do you think perhaps you could’ve made a better install by getting the bumper out of your way? I’m not worried about the ballasts, but rather the massive bulbs and the infamous metal clip that keeps them in place.

2.) About how long did it take you? If the front bumper is getting taken off, then obviously it’s a Saturday project… but if I go the plug-n-play route then perhaps I can get them in there this evening. (I’m sure you can understand my eagerness to transfer them from the box to my 5 ;))

3.) Do you have any melting issues with your ballast installed on your fuse box? I understand ballasts in general produce a lot of heat.

For the sake of thoroughness, part of me is leaning towards removing the front bumper and headlights to “do it right”, but the other part of me doesn’t want to waste time if unnecessary, and also the bigger concern would be reaiming the headlights to OEM spec when I reinstall them.

Thanks bud!


Hey.. it has has arrived finally..i feeel your excitement friend..(cabpatch)

now.. let's calm down little and take this easy & painless way..

first of all.. removing bumper is *not* required.. IMO.. there is enough space for your hands to work (take out old halogens & put in HID bulbs & and that notorious H7 metal clip).

Sametime,, i am sure. it will be *easier* to do everything with *more than enough *space* and *angle* to accomplish same job.

after all it is up to you i guess.. you should try to do it without removing bumper then if you can't do it.. you can always. remove it later...

now.. if you go by plug & play way...let's see.. if you have done some auto work before.. like changing burnt bulb . air filter etc.. you can do it under 2 hours ( i am putting 2 hours.. due to that * i really hate that metal clip*)
i too almost cried..(confused).. when i got stuck with that metal clip..(uhm)

the key to the success is *work* with some force and you will make it work..
(move it left & right & up & down little and you will know what i mean)
i now can change HID bulbs in less than 10 mins since i know this sucker..

no melting issues so far.. one time, i let the engine ran for about 40min with my HIDs on waing for my parents at Airport... later i checked ballasts in engine bay.. and it was *hot* but not burrning hot*...i've moved my right ballst to different location since i posted this thread.. check pics below..

anyway..good luck with your installation and if any problem aries. let me know.. i will be on/off with this forum... :D

New location for one of my ballst ( you see wire harness /relayaround battery box.)
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3315/img0566ab6.jpg

how i ran Wire harness coming from battery to one of the ballast.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1425/img0567rb1.jpg

You got to remove air box for battery to access right Headlight i took it out so many times.. i lost *pins*.. ^^

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2859/img0569xg8.jpg

For left side.. you should have enough space to work with

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7813/img0571ka0.jpg

[jandree22]

thanks for the response! I decided to just do it without removing the bumper... checking this thread was the last thing on my agenda before getting my hands dirty, so I'm about to take a stab at it.

The spots I think I'm gonna try for the ballasts are *these* spots (see attachment) each side of the engine bay... I swung by Lowes and got some 'industrial strength' velcro tape to mount them there.

We'll see how it goes... thanks again!

[dreamym5]

thanks for the response! I decided to just do it without removing the bumper... checking this thread was the last thing on my agenda before getting my hands dirty, so I'm about to take a stab at it.

The spots I think I'm gonna try for the ballasts are *these* spots (see attachment) each side of the engine bay... I swung by Lowes and got some 'industrial strength' velcro tape to mount them there.

We'll see how it goes... thanks again!

No problemo...buddy!!
Yes.. i thought about that spot as well.. but moved bit backward.. for *cooler* temperature...due to windshield vents...

also.. i had to *cut* rubber covers for each headlights to run HID bulbs and wires...i just recalled that...well.. let me know when you hear very first HID buzzzzzzz sound....(cool)

[jandree22]

okay, so this is a retard question... 100% positive of that, but forgive me because up until last night I've never seen a HID bulb in my life! :)

I was trying to figure out how in the hell to make the bulb fit inside the housing, looks like it was impossible.... until I THINK I realized the huge ass plastic shell the bulb is in, is just to protect it for shipping purposes, d'oh!

But I want to make sure that #2 is the correct way to install the bulb in the housing... like I said, I never touched an HID bulb before and I wasn't sure if the huge ass plastic shell thinger is meant to stay or go.

(oh, and on a different topic, I'm pretty sure the kit came with those adapters I needed, FWIW)

[dreamym5]

(wiggle) haha... all of those *clear* plastic covers/shells need to *go*...

2nd pic you posted is the *ready to go* stage ...(wink)


edit: i can't see the adaptor on your pics..

[dreamym5]

another tip.. when you put HID bulbs in and try to lock in with metal clip..

make sure.. HID bulbs stay in *lock* position before metal clip *click*..
(the biggest plastic tab needs to *lock* in H7 housing)..

what happped to me was.. even though metal clip locked.. HID bulb was not positioned *right* and i had to *redo* the one side again.. lol

[jandree22]

you can't see them in pics because they're not there, haha... there were out in the box at the time, but I got the one adapter put on the bulb now... pretty much looks just like the H7 bulb that came out, and crossing my fingers, looks like should be held in by that metal wire just like OEM.

Thanks again!!!! pics'll come later tonight if nothing else :)

[dreamym5]

you can't see them in pics because they're not there, haha... there were out in the box at the time, but I got the one adapter put on the bulb now... pretty much looks just like the H7 bulb that came out, and crossing my fingers, looks like should be held in by that metal wire just like OEM.

Thanks again!!!! pics'll come later tonight if nothing else :)

alrighty... now i can go to my dinner...(2thumbs)

will check back later just in case..(wrc)

[jandree22]

lol, take your time... I think I'm good for now ;)

[jandree22]

Alright, they're 100% installed and functioning great. Maybe I need to do some fine tuning, or maybe this is just how there are... but on the first test run, my driver's side bulb was casting a beam to shoot straight out to the left, so I investigated and found that the bulb was not sitting 100% flush with the opening... (kind of like you warned me about :p) So anyways, I fixed that and it's gone now, but now I'm getting a lot of concentrated beam immediately in front of the car in a "U" shape.

Do you get this or not? Maybe that's just how they're going to be? I'm too damn tired to make another round of tweaking, so I'll check it out tomorrow. I'm thinking about trying a spacer to bring the bulb back to the original halogen focal point.

For those of you that are tempted to flame me because "You put HID's in a projector not designed for them, how do you expect them to work correctly (blah blah blah)," save your breath because I understand there are differences and I don't need a lecture, mkay?

[dreamym5]

Alright, they're 100% installed and functioning great. Maybe I need to do some fine tuning, or maybe this is just how there are... but on the first test run, my driver's side bulb was casting a beam to shoot straight out to the left, so I investigated and found that the bulb was not sitting 100% flush with the opening... (kind of like you warned me about :p) So anyways, I fixed that and it's gone now, but now I'm getting a lot of concentrated beam immediately in front of the car in a "U" shape.

Do you get this or not? Maybe that's just how they're going to be? I'm too damn tired to make another round of tweaking, so I'll check it out tomorrow. I'm thinking about trying a spacer to bring the bulb back to the original halogen focal point.

For those of you that are tempted to flame me because "You put HID's in a projector not designed for them, how do you expect them to work correctly (blah blah blah)," save your breath because I understand there are differences and I don't need a lecture, mkay?


HOw's the *cut off* line? it is straight ??
I think the HID bulbs are*not* sitting *right* in H7 housing..
you need to check the bulbs fitment *again*...i know it is darn hard... but you just need to be bit more patient...
(remember biggest plastic tap on HID bulbs need to *stay* in H7 housing, as you lock your metal clip.. i could move to right or left bit distortion beam pattern results)..

[jandree22]

that's what happens when the HID bulbs *not* sitting *right* in H7 housing..
you need to check the bulbs fitment *again*...i know it is darn hard... but you just need to be bit more patient...
(remember biggest plastic tap on HID bulbs need to *stay* in H7 housing, as you lock your metal clip.. i could move to right or left bit distortion beam pattern results)..
cut off line seems to be fine... just the concentrated spots of light below the cutoff line that are the problem now... not a smooth consistent amount of light.

so are you saying that you don't have this irregular beam pattern when they're mounted correctly? I'll definately play around with them again this evening... my body was just running on 'E' last night. (coffee)

can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your help with this!

[dreamym5]

cut off line seems to be fine... just the concentrated spots of light below the cutoff line that are the problem now... not a smooth consistent amount of light.

so are you saying that you don't have this irregular beam pattern when they're mounted correctly? I'll definately play around with them again this evening... my body was just running on 'E' last night. (coffee)

can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your help with this!

edited..^^

if you could take some pics that would be helpfull..

[jandree22]

yeah I'll get some pics up later on

[jandree22]

woot woot!!! got everything worked out and it's outstanding now... (cabpatch)

You were telling me all this along, but was too thick to grasp the concept (especially that I was working blind last night around midnight, not to mention in a crazy tight spot). The issue I was having with both failed beam patterns was that the tab on the bulb was not lining up in between the two metal posts on the projector housing. I lined up the tab between the posts, and voila, everything became happy! The beam pattern now, IMO, is virtually flawless... smooth and consistent below the cutoff line (which the cutoff line seems just right, as before) Thanks so much for your help, dreamym5, I owe ya one!

(I'll link to a new thread when I post it)

[dreamym5]

woot woot!!! got everything worked out and it's outstanding now... (cabpatch)

You were telling me all this along, but was too thick to grasp the concept (especially that I was working blind last night around midnight, not to mention in a crazy tight spot). The issue I was having with both failed beam patterns was that the tab on the bulb was not lining up in between the two metal posts on the projector housing. I lined up the tab between the posts, and voila, everything became happy! The beam pattern now, IMO, is virtually flawless... smooth and consistent below the cutoff line (which the cutoff line seems just right, as before) Thanks so much for your help, dreamym5, I owe ya one!

(I'll link to a new thread when I post it)

Alrighty.. glad i could be a help..(usa)

and welcome to HID club..buddy.