headlight mods

[phiggystardust]

hello all
i am at last getting around to my next mod thanks to wilkoturbo!
i will be upgrading the headlights and have a few questions, i am sure the usual suspects will come forward thanks in advance

1 when fitting ballasts where do you fit and how? i guess no rules here but any tips ?
2 is it just the main beam h7 that usually gets upgraded or do we do both
3 which one is the main beam? closer to the grill or the wing ?
4 anyone got any pics of the adapters that hold the hid bulbs in place (bought some on the bay but dont think they fit the standard headlights
5 and last of all whats the difference in projector bulbs and ordinary and can both be fitted to any headlights??

again thanks in anticipation of your replies

phiggy

[X5Sport]

1. Ballasts will probably need to be close by and protected from getting too wet. Specifics will probably depend upon the kit you are using and be in their instructions.
2. Low beam usually as HIDs do not go to full brightenss instantly as they are an arc light and have to warm up, but you can fir an additional main beam set if you wish + ballasts etc for them.
3. Outer pair are low beam, inner pair main beam.
4. No
5. Projector lamps do not require special anti-glare fittings as the beam comes out through a shaped lens. Non-projector lamps must be fitted with 'non-projector' HID suitable bulbs to stop glare. And no they should bnot be fitted to the other type.

Also - bear in mind that technically you also need headlight auto-levelling and headlight cleaning if you have HID lamps in order to be compliant with the law. I say technically because that's what the law requires (under Regulation ECE 87 I think). It is possible that if you don't have the right systems then you can be prosecuted and/or fail your MoT. That's not to say you will be, but it might happen. Judging by the number of cars I see with the after marlet system fitted that in no way comply then the chances are probably pretty slim. However I have seen some quite detailed threads on police type forums discussing what the penatlies are. Some forces are getting hotter on it than others. You probably also need to tell you insurers as it's actually a 'mod' away from factory standard. This is all technicalities so it's one of those 'do I take the risk' type decisions that only you know you're comfortable with.

[B5tew]

Hi this is where I put my ballasts
Don't bother with the bulb holders just cut a slot in your existing ones to pass the cables through
Hope this helps
Stewart

[phiggystardust]

thanks guys for the help , my existing lights look to have a slightly different set up than b5tew's but will have to compare to the new ones when they arrive