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HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:33 pm
by dandemann8
Just fitted one of these,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280730117632? ... 1439.l2649

to my motorbike and WOW what a difference,

so I think my next project is a kit for the Bongo but which one as there

are so many different kits out there :?:

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:17 pm
by Simon Jones
I seem to recall there are some quite specific rules regarding these. They should only be fitted to projector style lamps, must be electrically height adjustable and should have headlamp washers fitted. Of course, it doesn't prevent HID lamps being fitted, but possibly increases the risk of being pulled over or failing MOT. I've got factory fitted HID lamps and they only have the height adjustment, not the other two. May be worth having a read further on the subject.

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:35 pm
by mikexgough
Simon Jones wrote:I seem to recall there are some quite specific rules regarding these. They should only be fitted to projector style lamps, must be electrically height adjustable and should have headlamp washers fitted. Of course, it doesn't prevent HID lamps being fitted, but possibly increases the risk of being pulled over or failing MOT. I've got factory fitted HID lamps and they only have the height adjustment, not the other two. May be worth having a read further on the subject.
Quite right with the height adjust/Washer set up in the EU.... rules in Japan are indeed different as are other countries out of the EU...

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:16 pm
by dandemann8
Obviously not aware of these said laws but how can something that improves vision and safety be WRONG :!: :!: :!:

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:44 pm
by Simon Jones
I think the issue is that a badly fitted / adjusted HID headlamp will cause more dazzle to oncoming drivers which is more dangerous than a conventional halogen / xenon bulb. You can usually spot the yoofs in their Citroen Saxos by the glare the precedes them.

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:04 pm
by dandemann8
Simon Jones wrote:I think the issue is that a badly fitted / adjusted HID headlamp will cause more dazzle to oncoming drivers which is more dangerous than a conventional halogen / xenon bulb. You can usually spot the yoofs in their Citroen Saxos by the glare the precedes them.
I know what your saying but surely common sense must prevail, I've been out on the road and not ONE car has flashed me so I'm quite happy that I've got a fully functional safe set up :D :D :D

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:54 pm
by scanner
dandemann8 wrote:Obviously not aware of these said laws but how can something that improves vision and safety be WRONG :!: :!: :!:
Yes if they don't auto adjust to avoid blinding drivers coming the other way.

They are bad enough on some cars supposedly fitted with the auto levelling - when fitted to stiffly sprung pimpmobiles they are an absolute menace.

Contact the sellers and ask them to "confirm they are legal for on road use in the UK".

<EDIT>
Added.....
http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/d ... lamps.html

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:54 am
by helen&tony
Hi
If night vision is a problem, I might suggest something I had considered MANY MANY years ago, to contend with idiots who drive up behind at night with headlamps seemingly adjusted to damage your eyes via the rear-view mirror....It seemed the only way to defend was to attack...namely with some device to fry the perpetrators eyeballs...following a discussion with friends, we decided on a Suez Canal Searchlight mounted inside the boot with a boot release cable...now these little suckers are mandatory on the canal, and certainly fit the "Night Vision" bill at 3 kilowatts for the 28 inch version
http://www.francis.co.uk/technical.asp#panel-6
...HID units...HUH...paltry!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Cheers
Helen

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 11:25 am
by Simon Jones
The eBay listing makes no reference to the bulbs being 'type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component'. Playing Devils advocate for a minute, what would happen if a vehicle fitted with non-compliant lights were to be involved in an accident? It sounds like a perfect opportunity for an insurance company to wriggle out of a claim if they decided this was an inappropriate modification.

I've given serious thought to fitting HID bulbs to my Volvo XC70, but have decided that I would rather wait until I can get a pair of newer style headlamp units from scrap yard which already have the projector lenses fitted and are suitable for conversion.

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:15 pm
by mikexgough

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:51 pm
by scanner
Simon Jones wrote: and are suitable for conversion.
If you read the DfT advice there is no such thing - conversion is NOT an option.

You will have to find OEM HiDs if you want to be legal.

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:59 pm
by Simon Jones
Ah, back to the drawing board then.

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 3:27 pm
by scanner
...............................and then fit the self-levelling and washing functions. :wink:

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:20 pm
by mikexgough
It's like Day Light running lights..... they should operate when the engine starts....then when side/parking lamps switch on should dim to around 20% brightness...... even after market ones... to be legal...
Many of the cheapo kits are just the LED lamps, no switching module and most are not ECE compliant either.... :roll:

Re: HID Light Kit

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:34 pm
by bongobum82
soon to be part of the MOT test so aftermarket systems will be illegal :(