HID "Personal Prefrence" Question. Looking for pics

[tonyroc14]

Yo, please dont tell me to search, if your going to take the time to tell me to search might as well do the following, please:
Im looking into buying HID's, well im going to. I want to get 4600, as 4500RPM suggested they'd be the best. But before i do id like the folowing, 1) a picture of your setup, 2) any diffrent K rating, Followed by a picture, 3) advice on shopping. Im not ordering online.

Thank you.

[Ace_of_Spades]

do what 4500RPM said, 4600 :)

[RVAE34]

I am running Prolumen digital 35W and Philips D2S's. I did the Acura TSX retrofit and got the ballast from Umnitza. It is entirely my opinion but I would highly suggest staying away from Habbie/Bavtoys. Especially stay away from those $100 group buys. He will also try to say 6k's are the tits. They aren't IMO. If you want slightly bluer color with much reduced output, then yes.... 6k's are the way to go. He says that TSX projectors are pretty much garbage too :)

Here are pics before my TSX swap and after.

2 before are the 5k prolumens. After are the TSX with same ballasts only Philips bulbs

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2147639365_272aefde29_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2147639693_5946e8fbb0_b.jpg





After pics with the TSX retrofit




http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2251417183_61231e966b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/2251417479_254829f186_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2251417613_a3a7197bb9_b.jpg

[4500 RPM]

lol

Everything that RVA said is true true true. But the retro will be very tough...I don't think I'll touch it.

[RVAE34]

The TSX retro fit is really not that difficult. If you have any DIY skills it's totally doable. Just buy an set of Depo ellipsoids and go to town. I will give anyone a few key tips once you have everything in front of you. Just PM me and I will provide my contact info

[MaxSteel]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/Maxsteel991/IMG_1352.jpg

Don't have any pics of the output but I have 6000K DDM slim HIDs. Even with the reduced output from 4500-5000K it's still PLENTY brighter than halogens if you want the slight blue color. I'll probably get 5000K when my bulbs burn out though

[tonyroc14]

Ok, well i went over to the parts store to look at conventional lights. Silverstar ultra whites, are they really that much brighter? I kinda want to stay away from HID's if i can, as they are illegal. But if they arent noticably brighter im gonna get hids. Any suggestions on keeping it low key, i.e. some way the cops wont know about it? Thanks

[RVAE34]

The 5k's are a great compromise. And yes.... the 6k HID's will still be brighter than stock candles. But the first time someone pulls up beside you with a TSX, S2000, or TL. You will hate yours :) The first time a TSX passed me on the highway when I had my 5k's with cutoff shield mod even, I knew I had to do it

Edit: The cops wont hassle you with 5k's or under... At least not around here

[tonyroc14]

Well yea that was was bright as the sun. But, seriously, i just want something noticably brighter, and much whiter. im not looking to have the brightest, just something that will make it easier to drive, and not blind anyone. So, im leaning towards the sliverstars...

[MaxSteel]

Ok, well i went over to the parts store to look at conventional lights. Silverstar ultra whites, are they really that much brighter? I kinda want to stay away from HID's if i can, as they are illegal. But if they arent noticably brighter im gonna get hids. Any suggestions on keeping it low key, i.e. some way the cops wont know about it? Thanks

Cops 99% of the time won't bother you with HIDs if you have ellipsoids. If they do... just say they came from factory/PO.

[4500 RPM]

Well yea that was was bright as the sun. But, seriously, i just want something noticably brighter, and much whiter. im not looking to have the brightest, just something that will make it easier to drive, and not blind anyone. So, im leaning towards the sliverstars...

lol

Don't bother with Silverstars, worthless. There are a billion threads about them, check the correct forum.

[tonyroc14]

Yea, that and the guy at kragen said i could get a 10% disscount!

[RVAE34]

Just don't get cheap HID's. So maybe you should try the silverstars. Or read more about them at least and then decide

[tonyroc14]

Hmm, well cheap HID's what are those? Like evay kits? I was gonna buy mine at this local ricer place. They have a real nice selection. Maybe ill come back tomarow and tell you what they have. But i trust 4500, as he knows his lights...But a little more reading wont hurt

[atl530i]

I do not have HIDs on my car but plan on getting HIDs soon. I'm probably going to go with 4300k or 5000k HIDs. I do not really care about the color. The brighter the better.

[4500 RPM]

Hmm, well cheap HID's what are those? Like evay kits? I was gonna buy mine at this local ricer place. They have a real nice selection. Maybe ill come back tomarow and tell you what they have. But i trust 4500, as he knows his lights...But a little more reading wont hurt

RVA, MacR, and many others know more than I do. Follow RVA's advice here...

[r1101r]

id go an buy the cheap ones from flea-bay. they are the same as the expensive ones, just make sure u buy digital HIDs

[MacR]

RVA, MacR, and many others know more than I do. Follow RVA's advice here...

If you'd like my opinion... follow RVA's. Lights aren't tough, just do some research. Personally, I LOVE my 6k

I also have 10k on my bike :D

[MaxSteel]

Yea, that and the guy at kragen said i could get a 10% disscount!

Holy crap batman contact the pentagon.

[4500 RPM]

id go an buy the cheap ones from flea-bay. they are the same as the expensive ones, just make sure u buy digital HIDs

Ehhh...I wouldn't go that far. There have been quite a few with flaky eBay kits, and the customer support is nonexistent.

[SC David]

I've got cheap ricer HID's in mine now. The car came with freeform headlights and 8000k 9006 HID's. It certainly did not look very good on the car, but at least the output was great. I just felt sorry that everyone else had so be blinded by the hideous light. Then I put in the euro ellipsoids, and looked on Craigslist for some cheap H1 HID's. I drove 60 miles to meet up with some dude selling kits, and who told me I could get he bulbs on their own in any color temp. I ended up waiting for him for half an hour, and every time I called he said he was just about to leave. I ended up splitting and hopefully wasting his time too. So it was back to Craigslist, and I found some guy down the street from me selling some 8000k H1 bulbs for cheap, so I jumped on it since it was quick and easy. I don't like how blue they are, but they're certainly better than halogens.

[r1101r]

Ehhh...I wouldn't go that far. There have been quite a few with flaky eBay kits, and the customer support is nonexistent.

i might have went a little too far, but it all comes to the fit and finish, and from the kits i bought($120), and my cousin bought($80) for his e30 they were amazing. better than the $400 kit i bought for my envoy.


all in all it does come to quality, but if u r buying from fleabay, buy a kit with a good quality ballast, but i think it wouldnt make much of a difference.

[MaxSteel]

Ehhh...I wouldn't go that far. There have been quite a few with flaky eBay kits, and the customer support is nonexistent.

Habbie has group buys going for a decent $95 dollar kit.

The same 35w HID kit I have is now for sale on the DDM site for $110.

Just go with HID. Halogen bulbs will always look like halogen bulbs even with stupid blue coating. And HID's are MUCH cheaper and easier to install than they were a couple years ago.

[MMmmmpower]

It doenst really matter what kelvin temp you go with they will be brighter than stock halogens (well maybe not something like 12k lol)

It is pretty much personal preference on what color you want them to be. For my first kit I went with
6000k because I got a good deal with them at my work. When these burn I wll probably move down to
5000k cuz the 6000k are just a little to blue for me. I put the HID's in euro hella smiliies and the output is very very decent.

See my sig for 6000k color

[tonyroc14]

Well i accualy purchased the silverstars. The guy did give me a disccount, 2 dallars cheeaper woot! But the main thing is he said i could take them back if i didnt like them. So far i love them, they are slightly brighter, well from what i can see there about 45% brighter, and the thing i really wanted was, they are white, and thats what i wanted the most. So im gonna try them out later tonight, when it's much darker, and see how i like them then. ANyways, i still plan on getting hid's but my lights were so dim it was dangerous at night. I drove with my brights on most of the time when no one was around.

[525fourthew1n]

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r110/fuzzy_fury/hidfog2.jpg

6000K's in the lows, 3000K's in the fogs, just to give you an idea of color. I reeeeeeeally want to do the TSX mod that RVA did, lot of respect to him for that and the ungodly results.

[4500 RPM]

Take them back.

[tonyroc14]

i dont get what's so great about it tho? Is it just more refined light, it defenetly is wider? Im a noob. Help

[jcraig]

Ehhh...I wouldn't go that far. There have been quite a few with flaky eBay kits, and the customer support is nonexistent.

Oooh, ooh, pick me!

Yeah don't know if I can endorse the 'Bay for hid's. After a LOT of hassle when one of the bulbs went kaput after about a month, them denying it was bad, sending me it back, then finally sending me another bulb, they now work. But they aren't exactly the same color. Close enough for me, though. But when it comes time to replace, I'm goin with a legit kit.

[tonyroc14]

Take them back.

why? Seriosuly this is what i wanted. I think. So far i like them, but we have to wait and see after the "i spent 50 bucks, im sure as hell gonna like these" but, i dont think im thinking like that cuz i can get my money back.

[4500 RPM]

why? Seriosuly this is what i wanted. I think. So far i like them, but we have to wait and see after the "i spent 50 bucks, im sure as hell gonna like these" but, i dont think im thinking like that cuz i can get my money back.

Well, you didn't look into it. There are some okay replacement headlights, Silverstars not being one of them.

I had the euro Philips UltraVision Plus (I think that's what they were). I liked them. I had Silverstars in my Jeep and Xterra, total garbage.

[tonyroc14]

it didnt matter if i did research or not tho, this is all the local place had. Whats garbage about them? Just the light output? Or something im missing, you have had both, so your the expert

[MaxSteel]

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r110/fuzzy_fury/hidfog2.jpg

6000K's in the lows, 3000K's in the fogs, just to give you an idea of color. I reeeeeeeally want to do the TSX mod that RVA did, lot of respect to him for that and the ungodly results.

You should cover the parking light contact with tape so it only blinks when your signal is on. IMO it would look badass with that set-up.

[RVAE34]

The problem with the el cheapo kits is the fact that they have igniters built in. That is the part that normally goes wrong. If you get the better digital kits with external igniter, then you can just replace the $30 part.

The group buys from habbie are the same kits you will get on eBay

I listened to his advice and bought a $35 part from him that only cost me $15 on eBay. The exact same part!!!!

If you like the silverstars or whatever else, that's all that should matter.... F what everyone else thinks

[tonyroc14]

Well it's not a prefrence of me liking them. Im liking them because its brighter, and whiter then my old ones, and will hold me off till i get hid's, but i think there is something wrong, ie with longevity or something

[RVAE34]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just run em until you want to upgrade

[4500 RPM]

it didnt matter if i did research or not tho, this is all the local place had. Whats garbage about them? Just the light output? Or something im missing, you have had both, so your the expert

Just read about it on the Internet.

www.danielsternlighting.com

[tonyroc14]

ok, but ill still see what denton has to say. Anyways, im gonna send you a pm.

[4500 RPM]

ok, but ill still see what denton has to say. Anyways, im gonna send you a pm.

That's it, above you.

I bought my SilverStars when I was 16 and stupid. I mean, REALLY stupid.

The Philips I was happier with but they still died a year later.

[RVAE34]

Your lucky if you get a cheap HID kit to last a year. I mean actually working correctly. No low beam error, or one cuts off, or you have to do a key cycle while turning the key 3 times and repeating the chant from Indiana Jones and the temple of doom

[tonyroc14]

Just read about it on the Internet.

www.danielsternlighting.com (http://www.danielsternlighting.com)

wow, i would have never guessed. I honestly thought they were brighter, and the cutoff line was much clearer. Maybe it is brighter, only because maybe my old bulbs were factory origanals and were about to die. IDK. im gonna go drive in accaul darkness, and see what i think. But i am glad i read that. thank you

[Shane K]

I had Silverstars, then 9012HIR, then a 6000K Ebay HID kit, and now a 5000K Eliminator kit from Bavtoys. The only difference I noticed between standard halogens and Silverstars was that they burnt out alot faster, about 6 months if I remember correctly, no improved lighting. The 9012HIR were a big improvement, alot more light on the road and they seemed to put more light farther down the road than standard halogen. The 9012's were 2 years old so I figured it was time to replace them but, they cost me $60 so I figured I would spend an extra $20 and get an Ebay HID kit. I picked up a 6000K kit that was recommended on here. The light output was too blue and not a huge improvement over the 9012 bulbs. After a few days it started working intermittently. I left it in for a couple weeks but decided to replace it with something better over the winter while the car was parked. I picked up a 5000k Eliminator HID kit for $130 shipped in a group buy mostly because it came with Prolumen bulbs. The light output is way better than the Ebay kit. I think the fact that the bulbs are 5000k and better quality is what makes the difference. If you want the cheapest and easiest upgrade go with 9012s or try this http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/more_light.htm
If you want the best lighting, pick up an HID kit.

[HE53]

Brandon,

How much do the actual projectors cost and where is the best place to buy them? Ebay? I have your cuts offs sitting in front of me, but after your pics I don't want to mess with them. Also what kit would you suggest buying?

If I can get this Audi dumped Im doing the lighting on my car among other things.

Your pics make me want to tear them apart tomorrow for some HID's and new Projectors.

btw.. you have my #.. if you feel like just calling me tomorrow after 5.30 central time, just do that. I'll be fighting traffic for an hour after that anyway.

[MaxSteel]

Your lucky if you get a cheap HID kit to last a year. I mean actually working correctly. No low beam error, or one cuts off, or you have to do a key cycle while turning the key 3 times and repeating the chant from Indiana Jones and the temple of doom

Even prolumens set off low beam errors. It's really dependent on the car.

[4500 RPM]

My Genesis kit was perfect for two months. After two months it throws the LOW BEAM failure every time. I think the light is a little bluer than it used to be, maybe it's not getting as hot/enough power?

No idea.

[RVAE34]

Will do Brady.

I got mine on Craigslist for $70.

I have seen left and rights go in singles on eBay for $40 a piece. I would get them that way. I also got the Prolumen digital 35W slim kit from Umnitza. I would only get those if it were me.

For bulbs, I got the 85122+ or whatever. Philips that are made a lil different and create a slightly whiter output. Used on eBay for around $60-70.

Then IM and I will walk you through it. Once you know a few key things it's easy. Almost like the Euro DEPOS are made for it :)

I am walking Tony through it now

[Lee in Ottawa]

This looks amazing

Well the hunt begins for all this stuff. I asked for depos for the b day so lets pray. Post some links if you find projectors and bulbs for me

[RVAE34]

TSX projectors. Any 35W ballasts, D2S adaptors on eBay for $15. The same exact ones Habbie sells for $35, D2S Philips HID bulbs will be the best hands down. Used on eBay for $60-70, a few small L brackets and some nuts and bolts that fit. I can't remember what size. I just got a few so that I didnt have to run back and forth to the hardware store.

You also need a hack saw and maybe a dremel, a drill and some 2 part epoxy or plastic weld.

Then look through this thread and IM me for further details. My IM is on my profile.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=920947

[bimmerROK]

I've had or put hids on every car I've owned and I will never drive without them. Go register at hidplanet.com so you can soak up all the knowledge before you make a purchase. I currently have 5K hids on my touring right now which is far from what I want. I had a E46 retro previous car which was marvelous but no compare to the tsx. I WILL be doing a tsx retro on my touring as soon as I can get all the parts.

[Lee in Ottawa]

awsome thank buddy, i'm looking for projectors right now but nothing for close to $40

[RVAE34]

Be patient. I looked for a few weeks. They will pop up

BTW, don't get TL. Lens is too big

[4500 RPM]

RVA,

Where did you find the TSX kit? Is there a kit that a store sells?

[tonyroc14]

So, much to my surprise, (not) i took these new lights for a drive. And, they are not brighter at all. I can not see as far down the road as i used to. While they are whiter, and have a much cleaner cutoff, they suck. I must have pulled a placebo on myself. Anyways, im gonna try the 9005 high beam mod from e34.net. If that works good, im gonna keep it, otherwise ill go with the tsx with HIDS. I saw the light haha.

Sorry for doubting you denton, ive learned one thing, that i must trust your wise advice.

Thanks to RVAe34 also.

here we go:http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/more_light.htm

[RVAE34]

No. I did it all myself. I got the projectors from Craigslist and the rest from the hardware store

[tonyroc14]

RVA,

Where did you find the TSX kit? Is there a kit that a store sells?

Oh, and he got it of CL, for 70 bucks.

[MaxSteel]

So, much to my surprise, (not) i took these new lights for a drive. And, they are not brighter at all. I can not see as far down the road as i used to. While they are whiter, and have a much cleaner cutoff, they suck. I must have pulled a placebo on myself. Anyways, im gonna try the 9005 high beam mod from e34.net. If that works good, im gonna keep it, otherwise ill go with the tsx with HIDS. I saw the light haha.

Sorry for doubting you denton, ive learned one thing, that i must trust your wise advice.

Thanks to RVAe34 also.

here we go:http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/more_light.htm

Good luck with the TSX retro.

[tonyroc14]

Good luck with the TSX retro.
Only problem is i need euro elipsoids. So im gonna keep an eye out on CL, for depo's

[4500 RPM]

Only problem is i need euro elipsoids. So im gonna keep an eye out on CL, for depo's

You don't, AFAIK.

Also I'd go the used Hella route like I did. The glass isn't nearly as breakable as the DEPOs, although the DEPO fitment is uncharacteristically spot-on.

[lilxyoshi]

whoring through

6k lows and 8k fogs

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KYWIGV-B9H4

[Lee in Ottawa]

sweet just found the whole headlight assemblies both side local for $100. Can i sell those for anything once the projectors r gone?

[tonyroc14]

You don't, AFAIK.

Also I'd go the used Hella route like I did. The glass isn't nearly as breakable as the DEPOs, although the DEPO fitment is uncharacteristically spot-on.
afaik=as far as i know? RVAE34 said you need the euro elipsoids.

[4500 RPM]

afaik=as far as i know? RVAE34 said you need the euro elipsoids.

Yeah, and I didn't know you needed Euros. They look cool anyways...

[Lee in Ottawa]

sweet just found the whole headlight assemblies both side local for $100. Can i sell those for anything once the projectors r gone?

got too excited turns out the projectors were already taken out

[tonyroc14]

Im gonna do the 9005 mod, take these lights i bought back, and pick up some HELLA OEM 9005 halegons, and do the mod

[Lee in Ottawa]

Im gonna do the 9006 mod, take these lights i bought back, and pick up some HELLA OEM 9006 halegons, and do the mod

take the advice of someone whos done the 9006 mod. Don't waste you $$$ or time. I've had 9006's and $80 hids and the shitty hids even blew the 9006 out of the water. just my 2 cents.

[tonyroc14]

take the advice of someone whos done the 9006 mod. Don't waste you $$$ or time. I've had 9006's and $80 hids and the shitty hids even blew the 9006 out of the water. just my 2 cents.
I meant 9005. Those are what is in the highbeams. And i Think it would be much brighter to put that in the low beams.

[MaxSteel]

I meant 9005. Those are what is in the highbeams. And i Think it would be much brighter to put that in the low beams.

Putting a higher watt bulb in a place with the same voltage isn't going to do anything. Man up and just get HIDs.

[tonyroc14]

the high's and lows both get the same volts. The watts are just more. It will be brighter. I emailed the guy over at e34.net and asked if he wouldnt mind taking a picture. I dont want to buy hid's, not yet anyways. 1. my dad will kill me, 2 i dont like the fact that there illegal, and 3. im really not looking to get that much brighter of a light. Plus sylvanyia 9005's are 10 bucks

[Lost Cosmonaut]

My M5 has Euros with some sort of HID kit. Besides the passenger light going out all the time and them generally just "flickering" all the time, there's really like NO output from the things. It reminds me a lot of when I had Silverstars in one of my previous cars. Silverstars LOOK cool but are utter crap when lighting up the road, particularly when it is wet out. Back then I switched to Xtravisions which are basically Silverstars without the blue coating and they were a billion times better.

Anyway, back to my M5. What about going back to Halogen and using HIR bulbs? Or should I change out my HID bulbs for something cooler? My EVO has stock HIDs and they are MUCH better than the ones in my M5.

A side note for those with Euros, is the pattern supposed to be like this: \___/ ? All the cars I've had with projectors throw like this: __/__/

- Patrick

[lilxyoshi]

yea srsly, just get HID bulbs and stick with them

I did the 9005 mod, various 9006 ricer bulbs...I even put 9005 ricer bulbs on the 9006 socket. those mods didnt really do anything but give me headache and melted headlight internals

just save up your money and buy a set of awesome HIDS. even the cheap0 ones give u way more light compared to the highest end halogen bulb.

and HID bulbs ARENT illegal if you have projectors.

[attack eagle]

Well it's not a prefrence of me liking them. Im liking them because its brighter, and whiter then my old ones, and will hold me off till i get hid's, but i think there is something wrong, ie with longevity or something
OK, I'll chime in...
I bought Silverstars when they first came out on the market about 4-5 years ago. Bought 9006s lows and 9005 highs...

Looked better than stock? yes.
MUCH BETTER OUTPUT? No.

I could have gotten (and did get ) better lowbeam output from a set of modded $5 9005s than the silverstar 9006s... Te 9006s wound up collecting dust for a couple of months until the wife burned out a bulb in her beater... but as soon as I got another set of 9005 out to mod, those went in hers.

Wound up going 9005 silverstars in my old car just so they'd match BTW...
and I got mine for $25-29 a PAIR... I think I spent $50 for all 4.

Pepboys used to (might still) have them in a combo pack for around $30 -$35, and often had them on sale with a coupon. $50 a pair is a blatant ripoff.

THe later silverstars were apparently much shorter lived (mine went into 4 cars and were still working when I gave them away for the second time) and the ULTRAS were absolute crap.

LSOt: _/ _/ is correct

[RVAE34]

I didn't say you have to use euro ellipsoids, but if anyone wants tips on how I did mine.... They were in DEPO's. I don't know if the euro or US Hella's are the same. I like the Depo anyway . I would just recommend lamin-x for the lenses.

[e34 life]

whoa its way to late to read everything going on in this thread...but im pretty sure it has something to do with HIDS, haha so here are mine.

5000k, i got um for like $120 shipped from habbie i think a while ago from a group buy

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/e34life/disneygarage1.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/e34life/murderedited.jpg

[4500 RPM]

and HID bulbs ARENT illegal if you have projectors.

I'm not too sure on that one. Aftermarket HID kits are illegal.

Regardless, we don't have projectors anyways, just ellipsoidal lenses.

[Lost Cosmonaut]

LSOt: _/ _/ is correct

Odd, why would mine be flipped? You know, the lenses on the high-beams are different too... I wonder if the guy who put them in ended up with a right side LHD light and a right side RHD light, since RHD projectors are usually \_ \_ :shifty

- Patrick

[attack eagle]

probably not, it probably jsut has the left one cranked over to the other leg up. loosen the 3 screws and change it back.

[Big J]

Anyway would it be brighter if you have a regular headlight lense or with ellipsoids on the car? I would rather have brighter headlights than looks thanks....

[tonyroc14]

ok well i did the 9005 mod. I like it, but im still gonna get HID's. Then if i feel really good, ill do the tsx mod. Thanks for the pictures guys

[Erick]

Anyone near bay area be able help you get HIDs for around 105-120. Slim ballast I've used it for about 1 yr an so running 6k no error or wiring cutting just plug and play.
Well my 95 e34 used 9006s might be able to source for other ones. The 9006 ones came with materials to make fit H1s too.

O btw tsx retro fit is using regular bulbs?

[skylinergtr]

8000k lows. love them! sorry about the crummy pics. taken on my cell phone.

difference
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/feces101/hid2.jpg?t=1208326981

night shot
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/feces101/hid1.jpg?t=1208327028

day shot
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/feces101/clear.jpg?t=1208327066

[E34Mekanik]

You should cover the parking light contact with tape so it only blinks when your signal is on. IMO it would look badass with that set-up.

Wait, what? That's possible? That would be awesome for my car as well. So I'm guessing since the corner bulbs are 1157, ie dual contact, one contact makes the bulb stay on, the other contact doubles current when signalling? So how do I know which contact to cover up?

[MaxSteel]

Wait, what? That's possible? That would be awesome for my car as well. So I'm guessing since the corner bulbs are 1157, ie dual contact, one contact makes the bulb stay on, the other contact doubles current when signalling? So how do I know which contact to cover up?

100% possible. It'll throw a "parking light code" but I already got "low beam" so it needed a friend. And you're right about the 2 contacts. One is for the parking light that is always on when your lights are, and the other is JUST the blinking signal. Notice how they're not on in my sig.

When you're looking at the 1157 bulb, there are two nubs on each side. One is higher up (towards the bulb) than the other. Cover the contact on the side of the higher one with some electrical tape and you'll be good to go.

[lilxyoshi]

100% possible. It'll throw a "parking light code" but I already got "low beam" so it needed a friend. And you're right about the 2 contacts. One is for the parking light that is always on when your lights are, and the other is JUST the blinking signal. Notice how they're not on in my sig.

When you're looking at the 1157 bulb, there are two nubs on each side. One is higher up (towards the bulb) than the other. Cover the contact on the side of the higher one with some electrical tape and you'll be good to go.

very good information right here which is really true.

only downside is that it throws the "parking light" error code on the cluster.

I dont have anymore codes except that parking light one...Soo I took out the elec tape and just ran it regularly, seeing no codes everytime I start the car feels great.

although I get teh ocassional "brake light" when its cold.

has this code been bypassed before? Teh mod is pretty uber cool if it wasnt for the "PARKING LIGHT" code on the cluster:devillook

[tonyroc14]

Oh, also, do they make 55watt HIDs? I believe they make these in the 9005 bulb, and then i would just modify them? Im gonna do research later today. Thanks for all the tips guys

[attack eagle]

has this code been bypassed before? Teh mod is pretty uber cool if it wasnt for the "PARKING LIGHT" code on the cluster:devillook
not really, BTW by law you have to have either a white or amber forward facing running light, in addition to the headlight.
E codes have the city light in the housing, so powering the city light with the parking lights' wire eliminates the corner marker light... and doesn't throw a code. Plus it is 100% legal.

[E34Mekanik]

Man, cops must have nothing better to do, I didn't realize all this stuff was "illegal". So help me understand this whole smiley ellipsoid business. Do the actual smiley things below the bulb have a function? And city lights: must be another European thing that I don't get. So if your corners are hooked up to the cities, how do you signal? What exactly is the difference in projection shape than my US projectors?

I love my 6KK UDD Slims from Habbie BTW. :D
But I'm getting serious next time. The TSX install that Brandon did is totally worth it (obviously from his pics).

[BorisBLASTovski]

Suprised no one mentioned HIR bulbs (that I noticed - anyway). I think I'm going to try a complete set of those myself.

[4500 RPM]

Man, cops must have nothing better to do, I didn't realize all this stuff was "illegal". So help me understand this whole smiley ellipsoid business. Do the actual smiley things below the bulb have a function? And city lights: must be another European thing that I don't get. So if your corners are hooked up to the cities, how do you signal? What exactly is the difference in projection shape than my US projectors?


The smiley affects the beam pattern, it reflects a marginal amount of light to road signs.

Signal is same as with U.S. lights. All the city light is is a running light that comes on with the parking lights/headlights. It never flashes.

Think of it as a mini-headlight.

[Lost Cosmonaut]

Suprised no one mentioned HIR bulbs (that I noticed - anyway). I think I'm going to try a complete set of those myself.
*raises hand* I did.

- Patrick

[attack eagle]

Man, cops must have nothing better to do, I didn't realize all this stuff was "illegal".

lol, depends on what you look like as to how hard they look for illegality.
I actually Read the legal code and understand it so I can defend myself in front of a judge if needed.




So help me understand this whole smiley ellipsoid business. Do the actual smiley things below the bulb have a function?

yes, throw light down at the ground


And city lights: must be another European thing that I don't get. So if your corners are hooked up to the cities, how do you signal?

I use the lever next to the steering wheel myself, though I have been known to use internationally known American hand signals

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5558/bushfinger20051gx.jpg

and Italian hand signals also...

http://www.cooltiger.net/show/gesti/cosavuoi_s.jpg



seriously? the bulbs have two filaments with two different wires. the turn signal is still connected and still blinks.


What exactly is the difference in projection shape than my US projectors?

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/100_1498.jpg

[E34Mekanik]

Oh, ok. Would I be able to plug and play some Smileys then? I just have an 1157 plug for corners and a 9006 plug for lows, so I'm not sure what the citys would hook up to. The LKM can't send a city signal through the 9006 when lows are off, so the smileys would have to "split" my 1157 current. I've been looking at some clear Hella smileys from Abrahams...
It's good to know you're so close, I'm on 15th street in midtown.

[attack eagle]

great articles in the DIY thread.

[E34Mekanik]

Yeah I know! They have helped me a lot, thanks to you and Ben.