HID Bulbs

[AndyCPT]

After a long deliberation about moving over to Xenon and upgrading my lights to Angel Eyes I've decided it's not worth messing with my MotorPlan nor changing the looks of my E90 320D. I am however going to change the standard yellow (yuk) bulbs to the HID H7 and H11 versions (I have already installed the H7 main beams). Finding the H11's has been a challenge, no stock anywhere in CPT (Midas has only one in stock but assures me more is on the way this week).

Questions:

1.) How do I install the H11's (fog lights)? There are no instructions in the BMW manual on the removal and replacement of these bulbs.
2.) How do I install the parking light bulbs (5W)? Again, no info in the BMW manual.
3.) What is the HID equivalent of the standard brights (high beam) bulb?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[@ri]

So you're installing HID into the reflector housing?

Wouldn't recommend that.. It's going to blind other drivers due to the reflector housing of the yuk halogens which it was designed for.

Plus it won't look as nice as projected HID's.

---

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

 

[AndyCPT]

Hi @ri

The HID bulbs are the same wattage as the standard bulbs and therefore give off the same light intensity but just with a clearer (white) display. I cannot change any housing of the bulbs as this is going to mess with my MotorPlan and I don't want to lose it.

Just on a side note, am I correct to call the white bulbs like the H7 and H11's HID? I'm not sure if Xenon and HID are the same thing.

I've managed to Google the fog light install but am still trying to find the park lights. If anyone knows please reply.

 

[@ri]

HID is just basically aftermarket term for Xenons I think. As in the really bright white bulbs which need ballasts.

If you got a direct bulb replacement like H7 Osram nightbreakers with a more whiteish tinge, then that's what I have. They are still halogens, not HID, just with a more whiteish tinge.

Park lights are simple. Just like you installed the headlight bulbs, twist on the park light bulb holder from the back and it will pull out. Then reverse to install.. Really simple.

 

[AndyCPT]

Thank you. I'll give this a try in the morning.

 

[Legacy]

Putting HID's into reflector bowls should be illegal as it is in the USA and Europe:slap::slap:

EDIT:

No wait:
Quote
"In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above."

Awesome stuff!

 

[Sankekur]

Putting HID's into reflector bowls should be illegal as it is in the USA and Europe:slap::slap:

nah, our law enforcement is to busy fighting hardened criminals, like people you run out of petrol.

No wait:
Quote
"In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above."

Awesome stuff!

Where did you get this?

 

[Legacy]

Post #2

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps


Or is that like UK only?? :thinking:

I'm confused... :cursin:

 

[@ri]

UK Law

I posted it to explain what i was talking about.

 

[Legacy]

Oh thanks @ari :thumb:

Thought for a second there that RSA actually had legislation on the matter:mmm:

 

[Sankekur]

But the point remains if you want to fit xenon/HID bulb to normal reflector headlight, do the decent thing and fit the proper shielding so that you don't blind other motorists.