HID Installation?

[dima_rus]

Did anybody here install the HID kit? Is the installation exactly the same as for Mazda3? or is there a fuse that needs to be pulled out to deactivate DRL? I had a Mazda 6 before and all I had to do there is just to cut DRL wire and ground it, everything else was a piece of cake.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Dima

[blacktalon13]

i got HID kit on my 5, but i got someone to do it.. but you are more than welcome to take a look at how the wiring is done when we meet up

[dima_rus]

I'll try to install HIDs on Monday, and if I have a problem there then I'll definitely check how your wiring is done

[blacktalon13]

the way it is with mine is. the DRL is the fog lights now, and when i turn on the fog lights switch.. headlight will come on... i went with 6K hid...

my car is easy to spot, galaxy grey 08 GT with steelies on for winter, tint, hid, hood defector and window visor and cx-7 antenna

[dima_rus]

here is a quick update for everybody who has a problem with HID and DRL coexisting together. I just installed my 8000K HIDs today and have to say that was pretty easy. I have every single function working exactly the way it supposed to be. Here comes the trick: Don't use the OEM plug's ground, just find another ground anywhere on the car and that's it. Don't try to get another constant somewhere else like a lot of people said before, proper ground is the key here.

Oh yeah, and it's totally up to you guys to trust me or not

[blacktalon13]

r u running your HID as DRL?

[dima_rus]

r u running your HID as DRL?

yeah man, I'm running my HId's as DRL as well as low beam

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG00034.jpg

[blacktalon13]

i'm running my fogs as DRL... just like the audi's hahahhaa

[dima_rus]

nice lol, I'm just trying to keep all the original options working

[blacktalon13]

i just don't want to burn out my hid headlights, so i use the fog as DRL

[Katner]

i just don't want to burn out my hid headlights, so i use the fog as DRL

So does that mean your FOG's are constantly on? Even when it's dark out and you've turned on your low beams? Like you can never turn them off?

I'm just curious becuase I'm doing my own HID install tomorrow and am debating about switching my DRL's to fogs first.

[jasma1]

Katner,

Yes, you can rewire your DRLs into your fogs if you want. And yes, they stay on all the time, unless you apply the hand brake.

What I did on my 5, is to let the wiring as it is, and simply install HID on low and fog lights. The only thing I have to do ( and this means alot of thinking at first sight) is to turn on the lights BEFORE starting the vehicle.

So... First thing I do, is to turn on the lights, then put the key in the ignition. Therefore, I have both sets of HID working, without having the HID to fliker all the time. The only downside with this, is when I bring the car to the garage... Cause they don't know. Altough.... I have been running the M-5 like this since a year now and guess how many times I had to go for an oil change and minor fixes... And nothing happened...

So it's up to you! Keep us posted buddy!

Jasma

[blacktalon13]

yah jasma is right.. my fogs r on all the time except when i have my handbrakes up.

i think the flickering problem u can fix with a relay kit? correct me if i'm wrong.

[dima_rus]

why do you people still have that problem. Just install the HID where they supposed to be ( low beams), don't worry about disconnecting your DRL or rewiring it to your fogs. None of this makes sense. I said it before and saying it now, when installing HIDs don't be looking for another constant, start looking for better ground point( in my case I used the frame) and you will not have any problems at all and everything will be working the way it supposed to. I am a living proof. My HIDs work as DRL/low beam. All you have to do is to switch it to Auto mode and never touch it again.

[jasma1]

dima,

What I did when installing the HIDs, is to install a relay (with fuse) and the ground is directly to the frame of the car.... And still, every time I start the vehicle, they start flickering... Are you telling me that I should look for another ground? I just went outside to take 3 pics to show you where it is located. You'll see that even the battery wire is connecting to this section... And the reason why you see an extra 2 wires, is that one is for my low HID and the other one is for my fogs HID.

Dima, if you could help, I would really appreciate... I'm tired to see my wife driving the 5 and forgetting every time to turn them on first... Same thing when I bring it in for service.

Would you mind taking a picture to show me where you've put it?

Thanks,

Jasma.

[Esprit]

Hi Jasma1,
They mean the ground from the car light plug ground wire. Cut the ground wire from the low beam light plug then ground the ground wire from the light plug on the body of the car. Tape up the other side of the wire and don't use it. What it does is your HID will get full ground from the body not from the low beam wire (ground wire only).
When Mazda make our Canadian M5 with DRL, what they do is when DRL is on, they flick the ground wire very fast on low beam to make the low beam deamer on DRL. Because they flick so fast, our eyes can't tell it flick and only see the light is deamer then on full low beam. When you turn on your headlight, they give full ground. Because HID work diff. then filament bulb, thats why we see flicking when you put HID on our Canadian M5 with DRL.
I hope you understand what I mean
I have HID for my 2008 M5. I have no problem at all for a year now.
The only thing is HID on at all time when the car started. HID is getting really cheap now. If HID gone, just get a new set.

[jasma1]

Esprit,

Thank you for the advice... Now I understand what you guys means by wiring to a ground source...

One thing though... Since I will be returning my vehicle next year (end of lease), and wish to remove the HID kit, is it easy to bring it back to the original configuration?

[Esprit]

Hi Jasma1
Yes very easy. Remove all HID parts and put back the H7 filament bulb.
Make sure you connect the light ground wire from the car back to the light plug ground wire and tape it up. Done. If you use black tape, I don't think the dealer can tell the light plug ground wire been cut before.

[jasma1]

Esprit,

I just spoke to a friend of mine (who actually installed the HID for me) and since we installed a relay (instead of Plug & Play), I got him to read your answer and he also thinks you are right. Although, he advised me to simply unplug on of the relay wires (one of the 4 that are presently plugged and to redirect this wire not to the ground of the light, but to the ground of the car and that this should solve my problem. I'll have a look and let you know.

Thanks for your support!

[Esprit]

Hi Jasma1
I do use relay kit for my HID too. Yes you are right. We just don't plug the HID ground wire to the light plug and just ground it to the body. No cutting at all if use relay kit. I am so dumb. Thank you for correct me.

That even easier for you if you return your M5 next year to the dealer. You need only remove all HID parts and put the H7 blub back and plug the ligh plug up. Dond Done.
Thank you very much

[dima_rus]

Espirit is right, but I never used no relay for my HIDs. Basically I plugged everything where it supposed to go (just plug and play config.) except I didn't use low beam ground, I grounded it to the frame of the car.

Going back to original H7 bulbs is really simple, just take all HID components and put the OEM bulbs back in place.

[Katner]

dima, last night I read this thread and installed them precisely the way you did. Worked perfectly! And I really like having them as my DRL's. More people can see them that way! And these kits have come down in price so much that it's no big deal to replace ballasts or bulbs every couple years as a result of running them so much. Although I hope it's not quite that frequent.


Thanks for the help!

[dima_rus]

dima, last night I read this thread and installed them precisely the way you did. Worked perfectly! And I really like having them as my DRL's. More people can see them that way! And these kits have come down in price so much that it's no big deal to replace ballasts or bulbs every couple years as a result of running them so much. Although I hope it's not quite that frequent.


Thanks for the help!

I'm glad I could help. Enjoy your new lights (wiggle)

[jasma1]

Dima and Esprit, thanks for all your help.

I did not do the modification yet... Just waiting for a few days of nice weather. BTW... How much did you pay (Katner) for your HID kits? Its been a while since I ordered a kit...

Thanks,

Jasma.

[Esprit]

I used to sell HID. I use KDG HID kits. They made in Korea. They also made HID for "PIXX", Japan. Very good and safe HID kits. One of my company car use it for test over 8 yrs and no problem at all and still running strong. From +30c to -30c outside, light up no problem.
8 yrs ago I had some HID kits from China for test, no good at Low temp. can't light up or on and off few times before can turn on ok.
THe KDG HID in few years ago cost me US$150 to $200 a set with shipping to Canada and Custom tax. I am talking about cost price not retail price. Is very hard to make business right now with around US$100 set on retail. Most people don't want to pay over US$200 a set. I am sure people can still find some good set for cheap price and even it made in China right now.

[Katner]

Dima and Esprit, thanks for all your help.

I did not do the modification yet... Just waiting for a few days of nice weather. BTW... How much did you pay (Katner) for your HID kits? Its been a while since I ordered a kit...

Thanks,

Jasma.

Jas, I ordered from the site you referred me to a while back (www.vvme.com). I got 4300k and although I'm extremely pleased with them I wish I had picked the 5000k set. Mine are just a slight tint of yellow mixed in with what is otherwise overwhelmingly white. I think the 5000k would have been pure white. The good news...they were like $48USD plus shipping. I saw the price and was like "are you kidding me? I should by 4 sets."

And the truth is I might. As Esprit says Chinese products aren't always the most quality controlled, but if I have to buy 5 more sets during the time I own this car its not bad value! And if I'm honest the quality appears to be up to par. The connection between the ballasts and the wiring is tight, and secure. The wires are sleeved very nicely and the bulbs fit snugly into the housings. Plus the ballast size is perrrrrfect for the engine bay on the 5. Mounting couldn't have been easier.

For those spooked by the low price of the vvme's set, apparently the same kit sold from the exact same vendor was once almost $300. I actually have looked at 4 year old threads where people ordered from vvme for $250. They are selling like hotcakes apparently.

And if my little ballasts burn out two years from now, I'll just order a new set! I think I'm going to take a few pics once we get our next chinook and the snow melts. I'll be sure to post.

-Kat

[jasma1]

Katner,

I posted a while ago, about VVME. Got all my HIDs from this company and only had one minor problem... After a couple of months, a defective Ballast. Other than that, it all works fine. I ordered maybe what.... 6-7 kits for different cars and they are still lighting up as we speak!

As for my 5, I ordered 8000 and 10 000k and my god the blue color is nice... Never been pulled over or nothing. Ok, it might not be as bright as your 5 000k, but then again... It is still 2.5 times better than normal lights!

Note that you can also buy the bulbs separatly and you don't need to modify your Ballast. Simply remove your 5 000 and install whatever else you bought.

[Katner]

Katner,

I posted a while ago, about VVME. Got all my HIDs from this company and only had one minor problem... After a couple of months, a defective Ballast. Other than that, it all works fine. I ordered maybe what.... 6-7 kits for different cars and they are still lighting up as we speak!

As for my 5, I ordered 8000 and 10 000k and my god the blue color is nice... Never been pulled over or nothing. Ok, it might not be as bright as your 5 000k, but then again... It is still 2.5 times better than normal lights!

Note that you can also buy the bulbs separatly and you don't need to modify your Ballast. Simply remove your 5 000 and install whatever else you bought.

Ah that's good to know! So the bulb is what determines color temperature not the ballasts? I like that. When my sister saw these she was like "I'm ordering some for my 3! I'll get her to order some 5 or 6000k and swap her bulbs. :-)

I was trying to go as white as possible but I've seen some blue-tint varieties around here and they do look good. For my personal tastes if I wasn't going white I think I'd move up the temperature spectrum and get something a little more purple perhaps close to 12000k. But then like you say you start losing brightness the higher you go. Thanks for the tip!

-Kat

[jasma1]

That's right. Its not the Ballast that makes the color, but the bulb itself. So regardless what level you choose (4300 or 13 000k), you can still use the same ballast. I also thought at first that the ballast had anything to do, but no.

That's a good one for your sister!! You get her to buy what you'd personally like, then swipe it from one car to another, once the order is in...!! Hahahaha!!

[Bob*5]

I have OEM HID on my new 5. In the manual it says "Dangerous High Voltage - should only be changed by Mazda service department" . How true is this or are they just trying to make more money?

Bob

[wedginator]

I have OEM HID on my new 5. In the manual it says "Dangerous High Voltage - should only be changed by Mazda service department" . How true is this or are they just trying to make more money?

Bob

Yea, it's true about the high voltages. Around 15,000 Volts to get the bulbs started. But if you unplug the battery or ballasts while working on them, you should be alright. Even if you did accidentally touch a live wire, it'll probably give you a nasty shock.

[Bob*5]

Is there a safe way to discharge the voltage???

Bob

[AO928]

Is there a safe way to discharge the voltage???

Bob

Yeah... Invite a friend over with a 6-pack. (hah)

[jasma1]

Good one!!!

[Bob*5]

Thanks, I have a few friends who would do anything for a beer. Just stick your finger in there, OK? (cheers)

Bob

[wedginator]

Is there a safe way to discharge the voltage???

Bob

I don't the voltages are stored on any capacitor in the circuit. So once the ballasts / battery has been unplugged, then the voltage should be zero.

[fs-m5]

My other car also has HID and so easy to access and change, so I think you can change it definitely. Thing is just how to get to the opening that you can change the bulb, that's what stop me from changing those light bulbs on the M5, most of the front bulbs are so hard to get access to replace.

[2ride4life]

I have OEM HID on my new 5. In the manual it says "Dangerous High Voltage - should only be changed by Mazda service department" . How true is this or are they just trying to make more money?

Bob

I was just wondering where the factory ballasts are mounted? Would you mind taking a pic?

Thanks

[jasma1]

2ride4life,

One of the members told us that his 5 has factory ballast. If you are planning to add them aftermarket, I could always take a pic of mine. The place where I installed mine. Let me know.