Lighting upgrades

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:17 am

Hi Guys,
Having been looking at and reading all the threads about lighting upgrades I am still a bit baffled as to which would be the right replacements. I would really like to get some orders out today so hopefully someone could clarify the following for me pls. I have factory xenons so am would like to know if I can upgrade the 35w factory bulbs to 55w on same ballast.
Which is the best and brightest replacements to change angel eyes to white?
Replacements for number plate bulbs to white and the full beam bulb so its a little brighter and also has. Xenonish look and last of all the fog light bulbs so they are brighter and good for all weather conditions.

A few links would be great pls

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:58 pm

Kkodal has (and I'm going to try) 55w ballasts in replacement I the OE 35w ballasts as just changing the bulbs to 55w ones won't really make any difference. It the ballast supplying the power as opposed to the bulb drawing power like conventional halogens.

As for AE bulb replacement, I'd hold off to see the results of dark_strangers test of 25w Cree led bulbs.

Number plate bulbs can be replaced with led versions and will be plenty bright enough.

I've replaced my fog light bulbs with an HID kit which due to the nature of the fog light reflectors is plenty bright but not downward focused but then I don't use them really.

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:13 pm

Thanks Raj.

Was thinkin same thing today about waiting for dark_strangers outcome.
Any particular number plate suggestions ie wattage or make? Im not even sure what fitments they are.

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:17 pm

A bmw tech told me the factory ballast can handle 55w bulbs its just bmw decided to fit 35w to the cars thats why wanted to make sure.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:19 pm

[quote="BIG DIN"]
A bmw tech told me the factory ballast can handle 55w bulbs its just bmw decided to fit 35w to the cars thats why wanted to make sure.
[/quote]

You can fit 55w bulbs no problems but the OE ballast will still only supply it with 35w.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:23 pm

[quote="BIG DIN"]
Thanks Raj.

Was thinkin same thing today about waiting for dark_strangers outcome.
Any particular number plate suggestions ie wattage or make? Im not even sure what fitments they are.
[/quote]

Number plate ones I bought and are very bright are:

260941639959

scooby1doo1 · Post by **scooby1doo1** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:54 pm

I fitted LED number plate ones to my old 530d, way to bright for my liking.
Was ok when revering though, lit the hole drive up.
Awaiting the results of the front 55w upgrade as mine are a bit crap as well.

Sent from the Iphone via talktapa

blofeld · Post by **blofeld** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:30 pm

I fitted these number plate lights

http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/xtec-c5w-l ... -mercedes/

Bit pricey but nice and bright

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:15 am

Number plate bulbs ordered. Went with the cheaper option Raj suggested.
Need to do the fronts really more importantly!!!

jimes256 · Post by **jimes256** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:33 am

i got theses http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160861621327? ... 1497.l2649

really happy with them

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:54 am

Angel eye bulbs changed last night. Went along with link from jimes256.

wilkoturbo · Post by **wilkoturbo** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:12 am

Very bright where did you buy em from ?

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:57 am

Follow jimes256's link on post before my post.

BIG DIN · Post by **BIG DIN** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:58 am

Not sure what they look like in the day as I put them in about 9 o'clock last night

X5LeMans · Post by **X5LeMans** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:29 pm

Properly adjusted and clean, I don't find the 35W bi-xenon setup to be to bad, the dip beam is at least as good as any other OEM setup I've tried. Way better than any halogen based lighting. As for main beam.. Mine at least is great.. Not sure if its programmed correctly, but the halogen mains come on at the same time as the bi-xenon adjusts for main beam. It can easily floodlight a small sports field

Only the 35W units are type approved for road use, and while it will fly through the MOT without any problem at all (as even the new MOT check is only testing to ensure HID have auto levelling, and working washer jets) without type approval, its still contrary to Construction and Use.

Technically all HID's are "illegal", but EU regulations say that once Type Approval is granted the a "new" car, all OEM parts are automatically legal.

Odd's of being caught are very low though, as long as you ensure the beams are well aimed, and don't go fitting high K bulbs.. If the police see purple HID's and are in a bad mood they might pull you. A brighter OEM colour, or slightly whiter and you should be ok though.

Probably depends where you live.. Around my way the police are more than happy to pull over anything which looks too different... And how you drive too

.. As I said you'll almost certainly pass every MOT without any problem at all, even when the new rules are fully enforced (which I think they are now), so its all just down to how you get on with the police

I like those Angel Eyes.. Much nicer in white.. Must upgrade mine!

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