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-   -   HID Xenon light kit for my 400E (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/291286-hid-xenon-light-kit-my-400e.html)

LandYaghtLover 01-08-2011 08:12 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike-81-240d (Post 2630047)
From the applications tab on the second link you posted.
  • "Original equipment suitable for direct replacement"
Pretty sure it says original equipment for direct replacement? And it doesnt say anything about being DOT approved.
And pretty sure it does not say "Hey, these kits are fake even though we have them on out site.".

LandYaghtLover 01-08-2011 08:35 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike-81-240d (Post 2630047)
And it doesnt say anything about being DOT approved.
Hope you did not put Euro lights on any of your cars! ;)

compu_85 01-08-2011 12:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by compu_85 (Post 2624430)

Do the test I suggested. If your lights have proper cutoff and distribution you have nothing to hide. If there truly is a cheap, easy to install HID kit that provides proper lighting I'd love to see it.

-J
You guys have posted images of light on the road. Interesting, but useless for comparison. I know its a bit of work, but I really would like to see the difference in beam pattern in a semi controlled environment.

Or if you have a spare HID kit I'll pay for shipping, and do a review :)

-J

ps2cho 01-08-2011 01:24 PM
That is quite incredible light output, I'll hand it to you.

What are you using for the fog lights?

lsmalley 01-08-2011 04:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2630318)
That is quite incredible light output, I'll hand it to you.

What are you using for the fog lights?
if u are referring to my photos, thanks. as for fog lights, I swapped my halogens out for H3 LED's. when I was having my "cheap kit" installed the guy said I could get one of two sets, with or without highbeams.The high beams were an extra $100, but he assured me I didn't need them and also said that I wouldn't need my fog lights. before I had my hid kit, I removed the yellow dome from my fog lights and I would use them in conjunction with my regular lights because the lighting was terrible and I needed extra light. since that is no longer an issue, I ditched the halogens for a more updated look. The LED's are more for novelty than anything.

And as stated before, I know in previous photos my lights looked bluish, but I am running the 8000k which my be right on the brink of the blue color spectrum for lighting, but it is such a crisp white, I love it. even when I am next to, say a new 750i, my lights hit the ground as an awesome white, while the 750, still has that slightly yellow tint to it.

LandYaghtLover 01-08-2011 04:59 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by lsmalley (Post 2630465)
...while the 750, still has that slightly yellow tint to it.
Well yellow like = more visibility. Hence the color of fog lights. Which is also why I am going 4.3k. Just a hint of yellow. Although Philips comes in 6k also. Maybe I will get a set of each just to test out.

lsmalley 01-08-2011 05:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover (Post 2630497)
Well yellow like = more visibility. Hence the color of fog lights. Which is also why I am going 4.3k. Just a hint of yellow. Although Philips comes in 6k also. Maybe I will get a set of each just to test out.
Are the phillips brand expensive? And do you need to do any modifications with ballasts or anything? Would they have projector retrofits for older cars? It would be interesting to see if you do get both to post side by side pictures of the 6000k and the 4300k. Because even as having the 8000k, I haven't noticed a really big difference in visibilty other than the fact that standing side by side with someone that has the 4300k, I notice the difference in color of mine being white and theirs having a slight yellow tint.

LandYaghtLover 01-08-2011 10:16 PM
All I looked at was Philips H4. I think they come in very, very few bases. They are magnetic. So the light source is singular and a "shade" on a magnetic solenoid (is there any other?) moved out the way to provide the high beam. My concern is the shade. The stock one may have to come out making for a little more work.

raymond~ 01-09-2011 03:26 AM
I have been working with HIDs, performing retrofits using OEM parts for approx
5 years.

any HID lighting not otherwise replacing an OEM part of the same model is not legal in the US.

HID drop in kits have never been made available by Philips or Osram, only direct
OEM replacement

the hot and cold spots on the photos posted by lsmalley approach some of the
worst I've seen outside of HID kits into Depos. rare is it, that you will ever see
OEM HID lighting with this degree of uneveness

OEM Kelvin ranged from 4-5kšK depending on D2R, D2S, or D1S, never higher

the color seen on OEM HIDs are as mike indicated, ie refraction off the top
edge of the cutoff plate. you will not see this effect from D2R reflectors

some folks have had success moderating the glare from HID kits by shimming
the bulb so that the focal point is as close to the halogen bulb's focal point
as possible. but when you view the beam against a wall, invariably you will
see some glare.....definitely more glare than OEM

what I hate is when I come upon an opposing car with poorly assembled HID
kits (most of them are)....on a dark road when I'm on touring on the motor-
cycle. I've been run off the road 2x due to the lack of calibration by such
discourteous drivers who's only thought is THEIR bright light in front of their
car.

here is a good example of proper HID retrofit. I used E55 projector.
http://oi53.tinypic.com/vhbymg.jpg

here is one of the best I've seen. person used Stanley OEM projector
http://i9.tinypic.com/314468h.jpg

lsmalley 01-09-2011 06:43 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymond~ (Post 2631043)
I have been working with HIDs, performing retrofits using OEM parts for approx
5 years.

any HID lighting not otherwise replacing an OEM part of the same model is not legal in the US.

HID drop in kits have never been made available by Philips or Osram, only direct
OEM replacement

the hot and cold spots on the photos posted by lsmalley approach some of the
worst I've seen outside of HID kits into Depos. rare is it, that you will ever see
OEM HID lighting with this degree of uneveness

OEM Kelvin ranged from 4-5kšK depending on D2R, D2S, or D1S, never higher

the color seen on OEM HIDs are as mike indicated, ie refraction off the top
edge of the cutoff plate. you will not see this effect from D2R reflectors

some folks have had success moderating the glare from HID kits by shimming
the bulb so that the focal point is as close to the halogen bulb's focal point
as possible. but when you view the beam against a wall, invariably you will
see some glare.....definitely more glare than OEM

what I hate is when I come upon an opposing car with poorly assembled HID
kits (most of them are)....on a dark road when I'm on touring on the motor-
cycle. I've been run off the road 2x due to the lack of calibration by such
discourteous drivers who's only thought is THEIR bright light in front of their
car.

here is a good example of proper HID retrofit. I used E55 projector.
http://oi53.tinypic.com/vhbymg.jpg

here is one of the best I've seen. person used Stanley OEM projector
http://i9.tinypic.com/314468h.jpg
Raymond, now those are some amazing photos with excellent lighting. Can't deny those thats for sure.

compu_85 01-09-2011 12:17 PM
Is there a way to grind the flues off the inside of the headlamp's lenses?

-J

ps2cho 01-09-2011 03:05 PM
Raymond,

Was the projector retrofit difficult? What housing did you use?

mike-81-240d 01-09-2011 04:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymond~ (Post 2631043)
I have been working with HIDs, performing retrofits using OEM parts for approx
5 years.
I think I saw on the road once. Beautiful cutoff. :eek:

Now that the have already been retro-ed you should throw some FX-r's in there. :cool:

Did you use a relay on the high beam solenoid, or use a diode? I've heard alot of problems caused by just soldering the pig tails to the bulb connector, mainly fried solenoids.

Beautiful.

mike-81-240d 01-09-2011 04:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by compu_85 (Post 2631174)
Is there a way to grind the flues off the inside of the headlamp's lenses?

-J
If there glass lenses it's not worth your time. Just vaccu form your own plastic ones without flutting.

ROGER E. 01-10-2011 12:05 AM
Bad info
 
...Buy some good Euro lights (also illegal in the US BTW)......

Not so. Replaceable bulbs are legal and, Euro beam patterns are legal and OK'd by NHTSA.

Both.

ROGER E. 01-10-2011 12:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike-81-240d (Post 2631353)
I think I saw on the road once. Beautiful cutoff. :eek:

Now that the have already been retro-ed you should throw some FX-r's in there. :cool:

Did you use a relay on the high beam solenoid, or use a diode? I've heard a lot of problems caused by just soldering the pig tails to the bulb connector, mainly fried solenoids.

Beautiful.
Solenoids? What are you talking about?

compu_85 01-10-2011 12:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROGER E. (Post 2631852)
...Buy some good Euro lights (also illegal in the US BTW)......

Not so. Replaceable bulbs are legal and, Euro beam patterns are legal and OK'd by NHTSA.

Both.
While some euro lights may make beam patterns which the DOT approves, and VOL spec US lights are very similar, the US does not recognize ECE lighting standards.

If lighting standards were harmonized across the globe US cars today would not get different lights, but that is still the case.

-J

raymond~ 01-10-2011 02:22 AM
Quote:
ps2cho - Was the projector retrofit difficult? What housing did
you use?
first time was difficult. took me several weeks. thereafter they only took about
2-3 days.

for the 210 retrofits, I used the asian Depo assembly. they are the sturdiest of
the aftermarkets. their inside dimensions coincidentally makes the E55,
Maxima or RS6 bixenon projectors near perfect drop in.

Quote:
mike-81-240d - Did you use a relay on the high beam solenoid, or
use a diode? I've heard alot of problems caused by just soldering the pig tails
to the bulb connector, mainly fried solenoids.
the 210s I've worked on have been pre-face lift models and I simply spliced the
solenoid triggers to the high beam leads. when high is activated on the
stalk control, the H7 high beam is energized...and 12 vdc energizes the
solenoid, thereby swinging down the cutoff shield.

i added the blinking mirrors shortly after, then changed to E55 rims, designo
seats, and lowered 1" after. i'm done sinking $ into this and will just enjoy
riding it. it a 99 model with only 61k on the ticker.

http://oi51.tinypic.com/2zimxjk.jpg

mike-81-240d 01-10-2011 12:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymond~ (Post 2631955)
first time was difficult. took me several weeks. thereafter they only took about
2-3 days.

for the 210 retrofits, I used the asian Depo assembly. they are the sturdiest of
the aftermarkets. their inside dimensions coincidentally makes the E55,
Maxima or RS6 bixenon projectors near perfect drop in.



the 210s I've worked on have been pre-face lift models and I simply spliced the
solenoid triggers to the high beam leads. when high is activated on the
stalk control, the H7 high beam is energized...and 12 vdc energizes the
solenoid, thereby swinging down the cutoff shield.

i added the blinking mirrors shortly after, then changed to E55 rims, designo
seats, and lowered 1" after. i'm done sinking $ into this and will just enjoy
riding it. it a 99 model with only 61k on the ticker.

http://oi51.tinypic.com/2zimxjk.jpg
Your over on MBWorld aren't you?.. Nice looking W210.

Oh and where did you take that pic? Love the Qwest field in the background!

mike-81-240d 01-10-2011 12:49 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROGER E. (Post 2631854)
Solenoids? What are you talking about?
Bixenon projectors use a electronic solenoid to flip down the cutoff shield to achieve high beam mode. ;)

ps2cho 01-29-2011 11:52 PM
Got my HID 55w 6000K kit in my car today.

With my euro lights, no glare at all. In fact, I probably need to raise the level as its pointing down a little far....

http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo.../HID/hid-1.jpg
http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo.../HID/hid-2.jpg

lsmalley 01-30-2011 12:06 AM
nice, but yes you are correct, I think they look a little low. how does the light output compare to your standard halogen?

ps2cho 01-30-2011 04:39 AM
Reaimed them tonight when I found a good solid wall with no other lighting above it.

You can see, distance is about 3-4 car lengths. So about 55-60ft shot.

http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo...ID/aimed-1.jpg
http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo...ID/aimed-2.jpg

Light output is literally 3-4x. No exaggeration. No glare.

You CANNOT do this with US lights for future readers.
You MUST have European headlights.

mbzman 01-31-2011 07:52 PM
Where did you get the kit from and what was the cost?

ps2cho 01-31-2011 08:32 PM
DDMTuning.com

Raptor HID Kit
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/Apexcone-Raptor-HID-Kit

Only things you need to change/add:
Raptor Base kit ($30)
55W (+$10)
6000K Bulb
H4 Hi/Lo (+$20)
=$60 total

You don't need harness or anything else they suggest, kit comes with everything you need for plug'n'play!

BAd124 04-24-2011 05:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2648989)
Reaimed them tonight when I found a good solid wall with no other lighting above it.

You can see, distance is about 3-4 car lengths. So about 55-60ft shot.

http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo...ID/aimed-1.jpg
http://w124-zone.com/downloads/photo...ID/aimed-2.jpg

Light output is literally 3-4x. No exaggeration. No glare.

You CANNOT do this with US lights for future readers.
You MUST have European headlights.
That looks great. Maybe adjust the X-axis a bit but nice defined cut off:) PM sent about a wiring question

JohnM. 04-25-2011 01:50 AM
ps2cho, do you have OEM euro's or DEPO's? Looks like a great upgrade. I am definitely adding it to my "to-do" list.

ps2cho 04-26-2011 03:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM. (Post 2706202)
ps2cho, do you have OEM euro's or DEPO's? Looks like a great upgrade. I am definitely adding it to my "to-do" list.
Depo's! :) You can't beat them for $160/pair. Yeh they are not OE bosch, but I honestly can BARELY tell the difference. You'd be lucky to find a used set in good condition for $400...They sell new upwards of $600+

JohnM. 04-26-2011 04:27 AM
I have DEPO's as well. :)

I was just wondering about any potential light output difference with the HIDs vs OEM. I re-aimed my euro's this evening and they are a million times better. But HID is definitely where its at when done properly.

BAd124 04-26-2011 10:12 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM. (Post 2706848)
I have DEPO's as well. :)

I was just wondering about any potential light output difference with the HIDs vs OEM.
The lighting output is quite significant. 55W Halogen bulbs put out about 900-1200 lumens. A 55W HID kit (from DDM specifically) will put out 5000 lumens. To me this is much safer than trying to increase the bulb wattage to 65w, 85w etc and frying something. No more draw than stock and approx 5x the output. Win Win

Ps2cho - any under hood shots would be helpful for ideas where to put the ballast, tuck in wiring etc.

ps2cho 04-27-2011 01:56 AM
I fastened the ballasts to the rear of the light housing door temporarily....I haven't driven the car much since my fuel system went bad so I haven't got a permanent solution yet.

I did although purchase some of that long plastic wire encasing(?) and routed it above the radiator/fan clutch cover to the other side and it is pretty clean.

iwrock 04-27-2011 03:52 AM
After moving to HIDs in my W124, it is impossible to go back to halogens.


Like ps2cho said, it really is 3-4x the light output, and that only adds to the overall safety. :)

JohnM. 04-27-2011 04:25 AM
I think HIDs will make high speed canyon driving 1000000x safer. Would it be beneficial to upgrade the fog lights too? What are the options for fogs?

BAd124 04-27-2011 10:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM. (Post 2707460)
I think HIDs will make high speed canyon driving 1000000x safer. Would it be beneficial to upgrade the fog lights too? What are the options for fogs?
You can certainly do the fogs as well. Normally for fogs its recommended using the 35W option due to heat concerns in the smaller housing. If you want to keep the yellow color go for the 3000K color range.

JohnM. 04-27-2011 07:25 PM
Will the fogs require a separate ballast,yet, in addition to the ballast for the HID headlights?

ps2cho 04-28-2011 12:02 AM
I just purchased the new DDM "slim" HID kit they now sell (to put in my 300TE). I should receive it soon so I'll take some pics. I can actually test out my theory of simply plugging in a low wattage bulb into the empty socket on the other side. I'm hoping this will fool the system and the bulb out light will not illuminate.

I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!! Turn on the headlights and now you have a light under the hood :)

If it works, that'll be so easy to do and I would be much happier!

JohnM. 04-28-2011 12:17 AM
So the HID kits trigger the bulb out light?

BAd124 04-28-2011 10:00 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM. (Post 2707839)
Will the fogs require a separate ballast,yet, in addition to the ballast for the HID headlights?
Yes, each light has its own ballast and ignitor so with fogs there would be a total of 4 of each. It would just be a matter of finding space to mount all the hardware, although the DDM slim ballasts are pretty small, about the size of a deck of cards

BAd124 04-28-2011 10:03 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2707966)
I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!!
I always thought hood lights were the neon ones under the car? ahah

J/K - thats a good idea. Do post pics when your done

iwrock 04-28-2011 01:52 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2707966)
I just purchased the new DDM "slim" HID kit they now sell (to put in my 300TE). I should receive it soon so I'll take some pics. I can actually test out my theory of simply plugging in a low wattage bulb into the empty socket on the other side. I'm hoping this will fool the system and the bulb out light will not illuminate.

I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!! Turn on the headlights and now you have a light under the hood :)

If it works, that'll be so easy to do and I would be much happier!
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/Error-Code-Eliminator-3-PAIR

speednjay 04-28-2011 03:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by iwrock (Post 2707443)
After moving to HIDs in my W124, it is impossible to go back to halogens.


Like ps2cho said, it really is 3-4x the light output, and that only adds to the overall safety. :)
agreed. you will never never ever go back to halogens again

raymond~ 04-29-2011 06:24 AM
you folks *do* realize that the areas circled represent glare, don't you? posting
these examples, then labeling it as "no glare" doesn't change the fact that it is
quite the contrary.

given the intensity of HID light, the focus needs to be sharp and contained. the
beam cannot be allowed to diverge beyond a maximum critical angle of view.
these photos show the antithesis of a controlled beam.

http://oi52.tinypic.com/n5fx5j.jpg
http://oi54.tinypic.com/24luhjr.jpg

google and compare against OEM HID beam photos

babymog 04-29-2011 12:10 PM
You're correct Raymond, and the blurry cutoffs in these photos bother me also, but nobody is listening.

ps2cho 04-29-2011 06:44 PM
Then maybe the passenger headlight still needs some adjustment?

I had my friend drive head on and he said there was no glare...Also, the most important is the left side unless you are driving on the left hand side of the road.

Either way I'll adjust it lower. Once I get my kit for my 300TE and put it on, I'll take some more photos.

Quote:
Originally Posted by iwrock (Post 2708258)
Saw it...but not sure if it will work with our model or not? Anybody want to guinea pig?

iwrock 04-29-2011 07:32 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2709009)
Saw it...but not sure if it will work with our model or not? Anybody want to guinea pig?
LoL, my fix was to remove the bulb out light!

ps2cho 04-29-2011 08:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by iwrock (Post 2709031)
LoL, my fix was to remove the bulb out light!
that's what I did also, but I mean if there is a "real" fix, that would be cool :cool:

iwrock 04-29-2011 08:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2709055)
that's what I did also, but I mean if there is a "real" fix, that would be cool :cool:
You might be able to get away with measuring the resistance of the standard bulb, and installing a resistor...

ps2cho 04-29-2011 08:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by iwrock (Post 2709056)
You might be able to get away with measuring the resistance of the standard bulb, and installing a resistor...
I was considering somehow fashioning it into a hood/engine light....I'll test it and see if that flags the system or not and go from there.

mike-81-240d 05-09-2011 07:35 PM
Too much glare. More glare than my dads sierra Denali with a ddm kit.

Makes my old retro on my last car look like sex.

JohnM. 05-09-2011 08:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ps2cho (Post 2709058)
I was considering somehow fashioning it into a hood/engine light....I'll test it and see if that flags the system or not and go from there.
I found a thread in DD I think about fixing the BOL issue. Involves disassembling the lighting relay and de-soldering two points that control the headlight bulb circuit. This leaves the BOL warning functional for the rest of your bulbs intact.

Can't find it ATM, but looking.


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