HID aftermarket kits
26 September 2008, 07:32 PM
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HID aftermarket kits
something to read if your thinking of fitting a aftermarket HID kit in you car, like i was thinking of doing
Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps
Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps
26 September 2008, 07:33 PM
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Alcazar will be pleased, but I don't think BOB will be.
This is one of the main reasons why I went back to halogen bulbs from installing a HID kit because I got so much light scatter and not enough light on the road where it is needed.
This is one of the main reasons why I went back to halogen bulbs from installing a HID kit because I got so much light scatter and not enough light on the road where it is needed.
Last edited by SC008Y_MAD; 26 September 2008 at 07:36 PM.
26 September 2008, 11:56 PM
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That's fine except the light units are identical on new-age cars, UK vs JDM, it's only self-leveling and washers that are missing...
So what ?
I can drop mine IF I think I may be a problem to other road users, and in all this wet weather who has clean headlights ?
DunxC
So what ?
I can drop mine IF I think I may be a problem to other road users, and in all this wet weather who has clean headlights ?
DunxC
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27 September 2008, 04:27 AM
#8
There is a lot of misunderstanding with regards to this documentation.
They are "listed guidelines" and only legally apply to "Type Approved" New vehicles. The rules were introduced to stop manufacturers from cutting corners in producing xenon lights.
It acts as a "guideline" for used cars, and although it states it is" Illegal" to retrofit Xenon's without the usual projectors etc, it actually is not "Illegal" as it is not enforced by the law, nor by the DVLA.
This is why MOT testers will and can ONLY test the beam/spray pattern of headlights, and why so many people pass with aftermarket xenon kits.
So many people read the guidelines and take it for the law because of the "clever" wording and marketing by the DVLA, then get scared off of changing their lights to HID.
They give it away with the first sentence:
This is not the law, just their Advice.
There has not been a single person, (nor will there be according to current UK Law) that has been prosecuted solely for the purpose of retrofitting a Xenon HID conversion to a reflector headlight.
As for scatter and results, I have had a set fitted to my morettes for a long time now, and the results were excellent. The car has sailed through MOT's without issue, and never have I had any complaints of "Glare" from anyone...
Most aftermarket kits nowadays have been E Marked and therefore cannot be classed as Illegal units in this country.
The above just outlines the fact that they cannot make a "law" or regulation for used cars, however advise that aftermarket kits "should" adhere to the same criteria that manufacturers use, as in the DVLA's view:
The above underlines the fact that the only criterion that the legality of a HID kit is based upon is the beam and spray pattern.
Therefore, if a HID kit retrofitted into a reflector headlight, passes the beam and spray pattern tests within the MOT, it IS road safe AND perfectly legal to drive with.
This is also why to this day there hasn't been anyone prosecuted for using, selling, or fitting these kits.
Projector's are ideal, but not the be all and end all of Xenon lighting.
They are "listed guidelines" and only legally apply to "Type Approved" New vehicles. The rules were introduced to stop manufacturers from cutting corners in producing xenon lights.
It acts as a "guideline" for used cars, and although it states it is" Illegal" to retrofit Xenon's without the usual projectors etc, it actually is not "Illegal" as it is not enforced by the law, nor by the DVLA.
This is why MOT testers will and can ONLY test the beam/spray pattern of headlights, and why so many people pass with aftermarket xenon kits.
So many people read the guidelines and take it for the law because of the "clever" wording and marketing by the DVLA, then get scared off of changing their lights to HID.
They give it away with the first sentence:
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits
There has not been a single person, (nor will there be according to current UK Law) that has been prosecuted solely for the purpose of retrofitting a Xenon HID conversion to a reflector headlight.
As for scatter and results, I have had a set fitted to my morettes for a long time now, and the results were excellent. The car has sailed through MOT's without issue, and never have I had any complaints of "Glare" from anyone...
Most aftermarket kits nowadays have been E Marked and therefore cannot be classed as Illegal units in this country.
However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
Therefore, if a HID kit retrofitted into a reflector headlight, passes the beam and spray pattern tests within the MOT, it IS road safe AND perfectly legal to drive with.
This is also why to this day there hasn't been anyone prosecuted for using, selling, or fitting these kits.
Projector's are ideal, but not the be all and end all of Xenon lighting.
Last edited by R4LLY; 27 September 2008 at 04:31 AM.
27 September 2008, 10:36 AM
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I've fitted them to mine and I feel like every time I turn them on I am annoying people to the point whereby I am considering taking them off. They passed the MOT and give loads more quality light rather than the yellow but if over the winter I keep getting flashed by oncoming cars mistaking them for full beams then they will have to go. Plus a police car flashed me the other day about them! :-\
27 September 2008, 11:45 AM
#12
I've fitted them to mine and I feel like every time I turn them on I am annoying people to the point whereby I am considering taking them off. They passed the MOT and give loads more quality light rather than the yellow but if over the winter I keep getting flashed by oncoming cars mistaking them for full beams then they will have to go. Plus a police car flashed me the other day about them! :-\
27 September 2008, 01:30 PM
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got them fitted to mine been flashed few times sat being police many times no problems went through mot no problems even the vosa mot teaster had them fitted on his micra.great upgrade oh yea thats on a classic too
27 September 2008, 01:43 PM
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something to read if your thinking of fitting a aftermarket HID kit in you car, like i was thinking of doing
Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps
Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps
28 September 2008, 02:48 PM
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28 September 2008, 05:28 PM
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I've a set of bob's HID's on my Classic and they are simply awesome. Dipped is at a comfortable level to see much more than the halogen bulbs but not to much to dassel other road users. I've never been flashed for using them.
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need.
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need.
28 September 2008, 05:35 PM
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Iv got the gas lights or whatever theyre called on my clio 172, and even though they don't particulary look that bright from my side of the viewing from the drivers seat....people still flash me!! which to their suprise i reply by putting my full beam on to prove a point...lol
Will see how I get on. 
29 September 2008, 10:12 PM
#25
I've a set of bob's HID's on my Classic and they are simply awesome. Dipped is at a comfortable level to see much more than the halogen bulbs but not to much to dassel other road users. I've never been flashed for using them.
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need.
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need.
Same setup on mine and same experience
30 September 2008, 08:16 AM
#26
I've a set of bob's HID's on my Classic and they are simply awesome. Dipped is at a comfortable level to see much more than the halogen bulbs but too much to dazzle other road users. I'm constantly being flashed for using them.
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need. Unfortunately, it also lights up the tops of trees, and the farmer's house somewhere off to my right. I was flashed from Venus too
Turn on High Beam and the whole road for some distance is lit which is what you need. Unfortunately, it also lights up the tops of trees, and the farmer's house somewhere off to my right. I was flashed from Venus too
Always amazes me how changing a bulb makes crap lights perfect
Alcazar
03 October 2008, 12:36 PM
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I have just watched this video that was posted on DW forum re HID
YouTube - Illegal HID Convesion Kits Explained
Not to put you of mind you....
YouTube - Illegal HID Convesion Kits Explained
Not to put you of mind you....
03 October 2008, 12:49 PM
#30
It's been posted before...
It's a shame that Auto Express didn't research things properly.
First off, they start off stating they are illegal, based on the DOT press release, which is NOT law and is not enforceable.
The rest is just to back up their case, which is flawed from the outset.
No issues of glare from our HID kits or any other issues. Everyone that has one of our kits seems delighted with the improvement over normal/uprated halogens
It's a shame that Auto Express didn't research things properly.
First off, they start off stating they are illegal, based on the DOT press release, which is NOT law and is not enforceable.
The rest is just to back up their case, which is flawed from the outset.
No issues of glare from our HID kits or any other issues. Everyone that has one of our kits seems delighted with the improvement over normal/uprated halogens