Gen IV DDE question

[topazbimma]

Are the gen IV rings flexible or not??? I was under the influence that they where flexible???? And also Does the HID have a tint to the ring, or does it tint when lit up???

[snk328is]

No, they are not flexible.

It's tinted light blue.

[///M LIFE©]

no flex

[umnitza]

GEN IV RINGS ARE FLEXIBLE!

in case you need proof:
http://www.umnitza.com/dde/images/gen4/flexwm.jpg

http://www.umnitza.com/dde/images/gen4/ringresizedwm.gif

[snk328is]

Those are NOT the GenIV rings that I got!

[umnitza]

There is ONLY ONE Gen IV.

[snk328is]

Hmm, I don't think they were *that* flexible. But then again I didn't want to break them so I didn't stress test it or anything. They felt like hard plastic. Are the flexible ones the "poly carbonite" rings?

[jsp98m3]

Flex is variable and depends on the cooling cycle in the injection mold machine.

As the factory has gotten better at producing the rings they have sped up the process and I think the rings are less flexible. But they are all more flexible than required to get into any headlight, particularly the E36 where it has to be inserted through the inner lens hole which is smaller than the ring.

Flexibility is a key design parameter but they weren't designed to be twistie toys either :)

[snk328is]

Jim and Matt,

I'm pretty sure the rings I got won't bend as far as the first pic that Matt posted. I had to flex them when getting them into the bezel, but at certain times I was worried that I would crack them. They just "felt" very solid.

I'm very curious about the poly-carbonite rings that I saw mentioned on Matt's web-site (the DDE FAQ page, price sheet). It was listed as an "upgrade". How is it different?

[umnitza]

What you have are Gen IVs - Jim has the exact production cut over - but I'm pretty sure that if you have built-in barrel connectors you have the Gen IVs:) If you have barrel connetors that appear to be an extension to the ring, then you have Gen III.

Here's a side by side comparo.

http://www.umnitza.com/dde/images/gen4/ringdifferencewm.gif

[snk328is]

Ok, I have the built-in barrel connectors. Still curious about the poly-bicarbonite rings.

[umnitza]

built-in = poly carb:D

[snk328is]

Oh ok... Hmmm, ok... I'll shut up now... :D

[topazbimma]

alright cool....that settles it i do have the GEN IV... But matt i was supposed to get HID..but mine are straight up clear. Unless there isnt that noticable of a difference in the color??? Its alright though, because i plan on using the blue filters anyway!!! Thanks again

[RobRob]

Willy broke a ring the other night showing me how "flexible" they are, lolol :stickoutt

[umnitza]

Doh, I figured out why, Willy was installing your kit;)

[RobRob]

Originally posted by umnitza
Doh, I figured out why, Willy was installing your kit;)

No he wasn't..

[umnitza]

but...who was? Aren't you with Ed? or am I presuming too much:)

[Stylin]

RobRob stopped by Eddies to see our work... the rings are amazingly flexible for how they feel but I would still be careful. They bend plenty enough for the E36 install for sure. :)

[CrayzeeM3]

how come the rings dont make a perfect circle (more like a U) or at least less gap between them... i dont know about you guys but i prefer mine to have less of a gap. I dont have it yets so... i just want to know.

[Stylin]

because the OEM rings are the same exact way... looks better. Imagine trying to fit an O in the same spot.. how small will the acutal rings be then?

[umnitza]

This is Willy's Handy Work:)
http://www.umnitza.com/dde/images/e36/e36edfarcon4.jpg

[topazbimma]

Got done installing gen iv today!!! man are they bright....ill have pictures of it tommarow i think!!! But question....i but the blue filters in, and they are still not blue??? Did i do something wrong???

[umnitza]

pictures will definitely help:)

[topazbimma]

ill get the pictures tommarow when i get to a high speed internet access!!! my house only has dial up!!!! no DSL offered in my area!!!!! blaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

[baller26]

in that side by side pic, which was the Gen IV?

[umnitza]

the one on the right

[Cabby]

Originally posted by topazbimma
ill get the pictures tommarow when i get to a high speed internet access!!! my house only has dial up!!!! no DSL offered in my area!!!!! blaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Do your headlights still auto level at the correct height?

[topazbimma]

hmmmm...good question!!! I here the motors go on when i flick the lights on... and see them rais or lower...so im guessing they do!!

[Cabby]

Try driving at night and see where they are pointed.

[umnitza]

It's easy to figure it out:

Drive up to a garage at night (preferably white).

Then turn on your headlights - if they level (and you have that function) then you're all set:)

[Cabby]

Well not exactly, mine will auto level, but pointed straight down, something preventing them from returning to the correct height.

[umnitza]

Here's EXACTLY what happened when I did the installation for Kevin Tang.

We installed them. AutoLevel was not a problem.
As soon as he drives off, we realized that his headlights were pointing out incorrectly.

So we took a closer look, the bottom of the headlight didn't sit properly onto the "alignment" tracks. We pulled out the headlight, made sure it lined up properly and voila, no more issues.

that may be the issue you have:(

[Cabby]

Please details man, details! Alignment track? You mean the whole housing itself? Every ugly detail, tell me! If this solves my problem, you have yourself at least 5 more orders!

:clap:

[umnitza]

I sent you an email:)