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View Full Version : Are cheap Ebay light conversions worthwhile? Real world testing.



M-R-P
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:00
So, I intend to see if I can upgrade the lighting on the front of my car using cheap Ebay stuff and deciding if a bargain really is a bargain.
I'll be using the cheapest possible kit while keeping it safe, error free and relatively legal ;)

I started with LED sidelights as they don't trigger a bulb failure warning and I can get loads pretty cheap.
I found some Cree LED ones for less than £3 for a set of 4, posted. I had issues with the cree chip exploding in the reflector so I've got myself another set and I'll be fitting load resistors in an effort to make them more reliable. More on that later.

I ordered this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xenon-HID-Car-Kit-Slim-Ballast-9005-HB3-6000K-35W-12V-/320796269038?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160) HID kit on Jan 28th and it arrived tonight. Not bad considering it had to swim all the way from Hong Kong :)

Although the kit came with no instructions, it was a pretty easy install.

1st, remove the cups from the back of the reflector, drill a 22mm hole in the middle and clip a small slot, leading to the stickered cut-out...
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0015_zpsa7bae9b6.jpg
Then remove the wire clamp from the power cable...
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0018_zpsbd746ead.jpg
And feed the cable through the cup, securing the rubber bung in the 22mm hole and refitting the wire clamp...
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0019_zps383f5eb4.jpg
Connect the original bulb supply to the power connector on the inside of the cup - this leads out to the ballast, which in turn leads back in through the rubber bung to the bulb itself. Fit the bulb and replace the cap on the reflector.
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0021_zpsa59d9e76.jpg
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0020_zps9f0867cb.jpg
The more eagle-eyed of you will have noticed the bulb isn't fitted correctly, I sorted it now ;)

The ballast should be mounted on a bracket (supplied) but for now, I've tucked it away somewhere cool and breezy.

Here's a comparison - HID on the left and 100W offroad bulbs on the right...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0012_zps7ef8405c.jpg

Both HIDs

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0026_zpsf2fcdf26.jpg

They're a bit blue for my tastes (6000k) and for the colour scheme I'm after but it's only full beam so won't get used much.

Stay tuned - more to follow when my other drunken purchases arrive :D

Oh, as for errors...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0025_zpsd34b7792.jpg

:D

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaLV9_Fas0

MoleT-5R
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:10
Looks like a good upgrade, nice again Martin

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:15
I'm hoping to dispell or prove the myths about cheap lighting, plus I get to fek about with my car in the evening lol.

p fandango
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:17
i've lost count how many HID kits i've purchased, but can only think of having 1 issue & just happened to be on the cheapest kit i've ever bought

http://imageshack.us/a/img9/1669/img0104p.jpg

what wattage did you go for? i've got 55watt in my full beam

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:38
35W, they're bright enough! ;)

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:48
I have 6000k on mine and don`t really like blue ish lights,look nice tho.Any Idea which kit is a bit whiter than these?

V70 Graham
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:49
I like it, good light, if a little Blue, can't believe you were wearing a long sleeve jumper/jacket.....no wonder they call us 'Southern Softies'

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th February 2013, 23:51
I have 6000k on mine and don`t really like blue ish lights,look nice tho.Any Idea which kit is a bit whiter than these?
5000k or even 4300 (a bit yellow) mate.

I like it, good light, if a little Blue, can't believe you were wearing a long sleeve jumper/jacket.....no wonder they call us 'Southern Softies'
It was 1 degree and fekkin snowing lol, That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it lol.

deathrider311271
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:16
you want 4300k ones mate they seem to be the best in all weather conditions, i have tried 8000k, 6000k and 5000k

M-R-P
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:17
Cheerz, the colour charts aren't much to go by when they're only an inch across lol.

MRTREE
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:19
I'm hoping to dispell or prove the myths about cheap lighting, plus I get to fek about with my car in the evening lol.

MRP you asked about my exhaust... Well if you look at that phase 2 R for sale the grey 1 its the same as that one

Kingsford G
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:23
Is it just the case of 4300k bulbs fitting rather than buying a kit?

p fandango
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:26
Is it just the case of 4300k bulbs fitting rather than buying a kit?
yeh you can just buy the replacement bulbs if you've already got HID's fitted

Kingsford G
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:29
yeh you can just buy the replacement bulbs if you've already got HID's fitted

Cheer mate.I think 5000k is just a little blue and more sort of lighter,correct me if I`m wrong.

M-R-P
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:33
MRP you asked about my exhaust... Well if you look at that phase 2 R for sale the grey 1 its the same as that one

Cool, I'll look at that. :beer:

p fandango
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:33
Cheer mate.I think 5000k is just a little blue and more sort of lighter,correct me if I`m wrong.
i doubt if you'll see any blue in 5000k's, i'm more than happy with my 6000k's

http://imageshack.us/a/img594/8728/photo0020t.jpg

deathrider311271
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:35
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H7-HID-Xenon-Bulb-2-Bulbs-Headlight-35w-Lamps-Light-UK-/330362346689?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ceb215cc1&_uhb=1

these are the bulbs i use purely because of the metal base fits better

M-R-P
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 00:51
I must admit, the video makes the 6000k bulbs look more blue than they are.
Once warmed up they're bright white with a blue haze.

oblark
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 15:01
Very eluminating :)

rikcougar
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 17:34
Had a cheap set of ebay HID`s in my Cougar for a year now with no problems

Will these be legal in the future if car has manual leveller and headlight wipers?

If so, I will do mine

V70 Graham
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 17:42
Had a cheap set of ebay HID`s in my Cougar for a year now with no problems

Will these be legal in the future if car has manual leveller and headlight wipers?

If so, I will do mine

Nope fraid not, you must have headlight cleaning and self-levelling.....though it seems self-levelling suspension (Nivomats) will be ok !

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

rikcougar
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 17:45
Nope fraid not, you must have headlight cleaning and self-levelling.....though it seems self-levelling suspension (Nivomats) will be ok !

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Bum

stribo
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 18:11
Bum

Could be a few Cougars failing their MOTs soon Rik. ;)

Kingsford G
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 18:29
Stribo,if I can`t have the ginger interior I can have ginger light lol just an idea

kfc
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 21:28
I've got 4300k in my crystals, there are set right but i have to drive with the levelers ont there lowest setting to help avoid being flashed by every oncoming driver.

M-R-P
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 22:50
A little present arrived for me today.
I've been thinking about getting a set but had trouble finding them, although they were readily available a month or so ago.

Around £15 gets you a set of projector puddle lights. I already have something planned for puddle lights as I didn't think the projectors were bright enough to be useful BUT...

My footwell lights were kinda boring...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0031_zps8737e6db.jpg

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0030_zps087b4376.jpg

It was difficult to get the right angle but it didn't turn out too bad :D (yes I know I need to vacuum the carpets lol)

BIG thanks to Neal for the present, I owe you one dude :B_thumb:

Kingsford G
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 23:31
Thats in the list mate.I`ve got my clock light done,can`t upload pics cos my phone dont wanna connect to htc sync for some reason.I had the whole system recovered and all new software installed so upload when I can

V70 Graham
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 23:32
Yes your carpets need a clean lol, but it's nice to see what you have done with the lights, no body else has thought to do that, I'm liking the individuality.

Kingsford G
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 23:37
Yes your carpets need a clean lol, but it's nice to see what you have done with the lights, no body else has thought to do that, I'm liking the individuality.

I`ve thought of that long ago but the lights only ordered now so still waiting a present from China lol I think we share ideas me and Martin

M-R-P
Wednesday 6th February 2013, 23:41
I`ve thought of that long ago but the lights only ordered now so still waiting a present from China lol I think we share ideas me and Martin

Let's see if you can match the next few steps mate ;)

Kingsford G
Thursday 7th February 2013, 00:07
Let's see if you can match the next few steps mate ;)

Ok,put a hold on it and when ready we`ll let it go at once.Sounds good mate.:wink: There is 1 and I bet u at least had it in mind

M-R-P
Thursday 7th February 2013, 00:12
Ok,put a hold on it and when ready we`ll let it go at once.Sounds good mate.:wink: There is 1 and I bet u at least had it in mind

Sounds like something my missus would say :hilarious

This should be interesting - who can come up with the most interesting light-related upgrade :D

Kingsford G
Thursday 7th February 2013, 00:16
Sounds like something my missus would say :hilarious

This should be interesting - who can come up with the most interesting light-related upgrade :D

Don`t reveal nothing and we do it in 1 go.This is cool lol

M-R-P
Thursday 7th February 2013, 00:20
Don't take too long tho, the rest of my toys should be arriving in the next few days. ;)

Kingsford G
Thursday 7th February 2013, 00:34
Don't take too long tho, the rest of my toys should be arriving in the next few days. ;)

I need more time lol

rikcougar
Thursday 7th February 2013, 10:12
Could be a few Cougars failing their MOTs soon Rik. ;)

Most of them I would imagine Steve, better sell mine before mot time!

p fandango
Thursday 7th February 2013, 10:17
Most of them I would imagine Steve, better sell mine before mot time!
not having self-leveling or screenwash with HIDs isn't an MOT issue, it breaks the vehicles construction regulations so a VOSA problem. They do random road-side stops/checks but i've only ever been stopped by them once in 19years of driving

rikcougar
Thursday 7th February 2013, 10:47
not having self-leveling or screenwash with HIDs isn't an MOT issue, it breaks the vehicles construction regulations so a VOSA problem. They do random road-side stops/checks but i've only ever been stopped by them once in 19years of driving

I must admit my mot man never questioned it last June and I don`t think regs have evolved since then

M-R-P
Saturday 9th February 2013, 23:44
Ok, Sidelights. I got these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120728570449?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) which were brilliant - except they kept exploding! so, while I awaited the replacements, I used these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221043042801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) For that price, I didn't mind having a few spares. They were good but a bit blue and not as bright as the first ones.
The replacement LEDs arrived and I fitted some 2.2k resistors, in an effort to prevent my reflectors from further filling with bits of LED.
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0050_zpsdf6de70e.jpg

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0053_zpsc2b4091b.jpg
I used the same bulbs on the numberplate lights. Here's the comparison - normal LED on the left, cree LED on the right...
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0059_zpse9e58ceb.jpg

M-R-P
Saturday 9th February 2013, 23:57
Another thing I tried was these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170871393172?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) Although they gave a perfectly white light (see pics) they weren't bright enough to be used as normal headlights and they triggered the bulb failure warning (I can deal with that tho)
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0055_zps6a7fe8f4.jpg

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0056_zps7513d7e3.jpg

I might try the 120 smd version... click (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-12V-Car-Auto-120-LED-3528-SMD-H7-Xenon-White-Fog-Driving-Head-Light-Lamp-Bulb-/110957437278?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19d594215e) or these... click (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-LED-Car-Fog-Light-Bulbs-21W-H7-Bike-Moped-Scooter-Headlights-DRL-mini-ford-/261167250111?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ccec7fabf) before I go with another HID set.

Any opinions?

Kingsford G
Sunday 10th February 2013, 00:06
Whats wrong with HID`s?Stop wasting yr money

Wobbly Dave
Sunday 10th February 2013, 00:08
Nope fraid not, you must have headlight cleaning and self-levelling.....though it seems self-levelling suspension (Nivomats) will be ok !

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

This legislative junk is not what the MOT testers are working from. There is a massive discrepancy between the DoT stuff & what it states in the MoT rules.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/35636/watchdog-unfair-mot-failures

My car passed MoT without any issues & has HID(R) bulbs fitted. Only if fitted - so I don't have self leveling so it can't be tested for.

M-R-P
Sunday 10th February 2013, 00:08
Whats wrong with HID`s?Stop wasting yr money

I'm already testing a cheap HID kit ;) I want to see if there's an alternative :D

Kingsford G
Sunday 10th February 2013, 00:13
I used these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290635604591?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
They are good and bright.The round ones u bought how much blue r they mate?Slight blue ok but no more than that.I need some T11`s too,just fed up searching the best deal so gonna take a couple of days off.

M-R-P
Sunday 10th February 2013, 00:16
I used these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290635604591?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
They are good and bright.The round ones u bought how much blue r they mate?Slight blue ok but no more than that.I need some T11`s too,just fed up searching the best deal so gonna take a couple of days off.

The crappy camera on my phone makes them look a bit blue but I promise, they're very white and being CREE, much brighter than I expected.

Kingsford G
Sunday 10th February 2013, 10:53
The crappy camera on my phone makes them look a bit blue but I promise, they're very white and being CREE, much brighter than I expected.

I mean these ones
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221043042801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
are they bright and white and worth buying?

M-R-P
Monday 11th February 2013, 14:18
Not as good as the other ones mate. I'll send you a few if you like? I've got loads.

rikcougar
Monday 11th February 2013, 14:24
This legislative junk is not what the MOT testers are working from. There is a massive discrepancy between the DoT stuff & what it states in the MoT rules.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/35636/watchdog-unfair-mot-failures

My car passed MoT without any issues & has HID(R) bulbs fitted. Only if fitted - so I don't have self leveling so it can't be tested for.

That does seem quite definitive Dave, doesn`t need self levelling and headlamp washers to have HID`s but if they are fitted they must work properly

Irish seem to have got it wrong

V70 Graham
Monday 11th February 2013, 15:03
So what would the outcome be if your self levelling headlights did not work BUT you had self levelling suspension ?

Just seems a bit silly to me.

Kingsford G
Monday 11th February 2013, 19:37
Not as good as the other ones mate. I'll send you a few if you like? I've got loads.

I bought some yesterday as u didn`t answer and they`ll be here in about 100 weeks lol all the way from China.

M-R-P
Monday 11th February 2013, 23:20
I bought some yesterday as u didn`t answer and they`ll be here in about 100 weeks lol all the way from China.

Sorry mate, I've not been online much, they took about 5 days to show up. They're not bad but the other ones are better.

Kingsford G
Tuesday 12th February 2013, 00:09
Sorry mate, I've not been online much, they took about 5 days to show up. They're not bad but the other ones are better.

I should`ve looked at delivery time.Never mind.Have u been up to yr tricks again?

M-R-P
Tuesday 12th February 2013, 00:13
I'm working on some non Volvo related projects at the moment, so no new stuff to show you today. Although I have a couple of toys sat on a shelf, ready to fit ;)

Kingsford G
Tuesday 12th February 2013, 00:33
I'm working on some non Volvo related projects at the moment, so no new stuff to show you today. Although I have a couple of toys sat on a shelf, ready to fit ;)

I something arrived too,just need some time to do it.Off to Belgium next week.

M-R-P
Tuesday 12th February 2013, 00:39
I something arrived too,just need some time to do it.Off to Belgium next week.

There's all of this week to go yet mate ;) I'll be doing mine tomorrow, weather permitting :D

MattV70
Friday 15th February 2013, 10:31
I've been following this thread closely and it gave me the push needed to buy these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230914041715?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) off ebay for my V50. First impressions are the kit looks cheap, although I suppose it was so I can't really complain as you get what you pay for. Straight out of the box 2 of the spade terminals have fallen off due to poor crimping, so first job tonight is to cut all of the existing spades off and re-do them to be sure.

I'll report back tomorrow when they are in the car to let you know how they turn out.

M-R-P
Friday 15th February 2013, 10:42
Wow! An extra 30 quid for canbus free? I bought normal hids and some 50w load resistors for a fiver in case I had a bulb warning - which I didn't need.

Keep us posted mate...

cookie
Friday 15th February 2013, 14:10
Nothing wrong with experimenting to see what cheap stuff is good, and what is not, and what is cost effective

I did cheap hids, after 3 years, had 1 bulb blow across 2 cars, I have also done cheap xennons on the S60 (90+ quid a side from Volvo, 12.95 inc P&P for pair from china) after nearly a year, still fine.

Did the Scantech ME7 from wheel bearings, got for 80 quid posted for pair, only one side had failed, replaced both, kept the decent spare, O/S failed withing 10k (trackdays was a good test) so fitted the decent spare I'd kept from the N/S) and was still fine when car was scraped 20k later, so if you plan to do 5k and get rid of car, and can do work yourself then cheap wheel bearing worth doing, otherwise Volvo genuine at about 150 quid for the part, is cheapest long term solution

Cheap JR CV joints, used on all sorts of cars, inc T5, and prev V40 and never had one fail.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/J-R-CV-JOINTS-DRIVESHAFTS?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

MattV70
Friday 15th February 2013, 17:34
I couldn't be bothered messing round with resistors etc so I paid the extra for the CAN ones. Our work server crashed this afternoon so I had a spare hour and the HID's are now in. It only took around 30 minutes and most of that time was spent working out where to fit the ballasts. I'll have to wait another hour or so to see how they perform in the dark but so far so good.

I've read elsewhere that some kits need the DRL turning off, but these seem to work ok in both the 0 position with DRL on, or in the low beam position. I'll report back after a test in the dark

stephenevans99
Friday 15th February 2013, 17:48
Fitted my HID's this morning....my Ballasts are quite large (ooooeeerr??!!) and took a bit of consideration as to where to mount them. In the end....I've velcro'd the o/s to the ECU box and the n/s between the wing and filter housing....

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/H7R%20HIDs/DSC03637.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/H7R%20HIDs/DSC03638.jpg

The Ballast next to the air filter box vibrates when the D5 is running - I may move it slightly and attach it to the inner wing.

The only problem I had was the plastic connector to the H7 halogen bulb was brittle and broke as I removed it....connected the HID wires and wrapped them in insulation tape. I'll have to find out if you can buy a repair kit?

stephenevans99
Friday 15th February 2013, 21:59
Tested the kit this evening....the 5000k HIDs are fantastic BUT I've got the dreaded 'Bulb Failure' warning intermittently flashing !! damn.

I've contacted the seller as they offer a money back guarantee if they fail to work without any issues - I'm not going to hold my breath though.

It looks like I'll be buying 2 more bulb covers (mine now have a 22mm hole in them) and going back to halogens :(

Unless I spend £140 on a set from HIDS4U - but I can't afford to write £140 off if THEY don't work.....

JamesT5
Friday 15th February 2013, 22:03
Did you buy Canbus compatible ones? If so then you should not be getting warning lights on the dash!

Failing that, try to fit those resistor things, it might help.

stephenevans99
Friday 15th February 2013, 22:14
These are canbus compatible ones - I have considered buying some of the plug in resistors - not sure what to do just yet.

p fandango
Friday 15th February 2013, 22:45
These are canbus compatible ones - I have considered buying some of the plug in resistors - not sure what to do just yet.
someone tried the plug-in resistors before & they didn't work

M-R-P
Friday 15th February 2013, 23:14
Try the 50W load resistors I linked earlier in the thread mate. I didn't need them but I have a set if you want them?

stephenevans99
Saturday 16th February 2013, 08:12
Can't find the link Martin - are they just 'plug n play' or do you need to splice them in to the wiring?

Mark_V40T4
Saturday 16th February 2013, 08:47
Had ebay hids in my last 3 cars.. infact its the same set in all 3 just swapped around.. H7R antiglare with 4300k bulbs, only cost me £26 from a UK seller, had them over a year and never been flashed yet!

I also have a ebay special slim ballast kit with H7R 6000k bulbs.. not quite as well put together as the big ballasts but loads smaller. I had them fitted to the T4 as main beam but found them annoying having to wait for them to "warm up" especially when 1st entering a dark road or just trying to flash at some ####

MattV70
Saturday 16th February 2013, 10:28
I'm more than happy with mine. I'm going to relocate the ballasts somewhere like Stephen has done above, and there are no bulb warning lights on the dash, or flickering of the bulb. The light is so much better, even my girlfriend noticed the difference

MattV70
Monday 18th February 2013, 09:50
I think I spoke too soon as on the way to work this morning I noticed that some of the radio stations wouldn't pick up. I switched to side lights and the stations all worked, so it sounds like the ballasts aren't very well shielded for EMI. I'm going to get some cheap shielding tape and see if that sorts it out. Has anyone else had this and how did you sort it?

M-R-P
Monday 18th February 2013, 19:49
I think I spoke too soon as on the way to work this morning I noticed that some of the radio stations wouldn't pick up. I switched to side lights and the stations all worked, so it sounds like the ballasts aren't very well shielded for EMI. I'm going to get some cheap shielding tape and see if that sorts it out. Has anyone else had this and how did you sort it?

Actually yes - radio2 goes to hell when I use my full beam... Worthy of some investigation I feel...

JamesT5
Tuesday 19th February 2013, 14:54
Actually yes - radio2 goes to hell when I use my full beam... Worthy of some investigation I feel...

Chris Evans ruined by HID lamps. Brilliant! :)

MattV70
Tuesday 19th February 2013, 15:22
Radio 2 still works on mine which is good otherwise I would have to listen to Radio 1 instead. After a lot of research on the web a few people have said that ferrite cores on the supply cables to the ballast should do the trick, so I'm off to Maplin this evening on the way home and will report back with the results.

MattV70
Wednesday 20th February 2013, 09:52
I bought a pair of these (http://www.maplin.co.uk/clip-on-ferrites-32799) (I bought the HEM3018's) and fitted them to the supply / earth wires leading to the ballasts last night and it was pretty successful. There is still a lot of interference when the HID's are warming up but after 5 seconds or so the signal comes back to almost full strength. It is still a little bit patchy on some stations but I wasn't able to pick them at all on my previous Renault so I am happy enough.

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 14:25
I've now come to the conclusion that these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120728570449?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) are pants! I fitted a load resistor in the hope they wouldn't explode and leave yet more bits in the reflector, only to find they burnt - out instead!
I've gone for some different ones which I'll be reviewing when they arrive.

And for those of you looking to buy Nightbreaker bulbs in the hope of a nice white light - don't bother. they are indeed brighter and have a longer beam but are still too yellow. I have something else lined - up for the dipped beam, more on that later.

I've also ordered 4300k bulbs for my HIDs as I can't stand the chav-blue light from the 6000K ones. Anybody wanna buy a pair of nearly - new 6000K HID bulbs? PM me ;)

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 17:26
What about 5000k,r they still white rather than blue?

M-R-P
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 17:29
What about 5000k,r they still white rather than blue?

White with a blue haze - like BMW projectors

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 17:33
White with a blue haze - like BMW projectors

I`ll go for them,1 bulb on 6000k gone so will get a pair of 5000k`s now.Await for my new project mate it begins tonight

V70 Graham
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 17:48
I`ll go for them,1 bulb on 6000k gone so will get a pair of 5000k`s now.Await for my new project mate it begins tonight

Don't forget the pic's mate :B_thumb:

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 19:47
Suppose to be white but looks like they sent me a blue ones.Which set up u guys recon is the best or both rubbish?
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/kingsford10/IMAG0121_zpsb7db2742.jpg
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/kingsford10/IMAG0120_zpsa36a8ba0.jpg

stephenevans99
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 19:52
Not keen to be honest. Sorry

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 20:26
The lights r not what I wanted so waiting for reply.Don`t look great to me either tbh,especially blue.

stribo
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 20:29
I don't like any colour fairy lights on the front of the car, the sooner this fad goes away the better IMO.

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 20:32
I don't like any colour fairy lights on the front of the car, the sooner this fad goes away the better IMO.

They`ll probably go for a boot or under bonnet illumination now.

stribo
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 20:35
If you mount them under the rear of the front seats you could use them as rear footwell lights.

Kingsford G
Tuesday 5th March 2013, 20:38
If you mount them unger the rear pf the front seats you could use them as rear footwell lights.

Another option but interior lights all white leds.

M-R-P
Monday 11th March 2013, 00:50
Looks like I missed something... No KG, just no lol.

You could attach them under the bonnet for shows..? or maybe in the wheel arches?

I'll shut up now lol (I have a set of white strips which I have a use for when I get round to it ;))

Kingsford G
Monday 11th March 2013, 00:54
Looks like I missed something... No KG, just no lol.

You could attach them under the bonnet for shows..? or maybe in the wheel arches?

I'll shut up now lol (I have a set of white strips which I have a use for when I get round to it ;))

I ordered whites and suppose to be ones with a bigger gap between lights.Spoke to supplier and and absolute w0nkers,not waiting another 3 weeks for new ones.Just keep yr eyes open for me on c70 clear lights for me plz mate.

M-R-P
Monday 11th March 2013, 01:08
I ordered whites and suppose to be ones with a bigger gap between lights.Spoke to supplier and and absolute w0nkers,not waiting another 3 weeks for new ones.Just keep yr eyes open for me on c70 clear lights for me plz mate.

Still looking mate ;)

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 00:16
Right - further to my sidelights escapade, I've had a breakthrough! I got these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110947540898?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) today, after waiting for a week.

Got to fitting them tonight...

This is the LED I had been using, the previous ones having all burnt out...

Reasonably bright and a bit blue...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/B812386E-orig_zps3302728e.jpg

And the new ones - bright as hell and perfectly white...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/7F30E3BE-orig_zpse8212ad2.jpg

New LED fitted to the left, old one on the right...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/44776EE9-orig_zps9b6c7b8b.jpg

Both fitted...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/6C513D2D-orig_zps6b5349a6.jpg

Then I did the number plate lights. Again, new one on the left...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/F760E5BF-orig_zpsd43cc529.jpg

Both done...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/0999375A-orig_zpsb5e4db77.jpg

Then I started playing with these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350648342474?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649). First, I had to bend the shield thingy inside the reflector to get the bulb in, then it threw a bulb failure warning so I added a 50W load resistor which cured the warning but although really clear white, it just didn't put out enough light to make it worthwhile...

LED headlight on the left, Osram Nightbreaker on the right...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/02857F7C-orig_zps96382213.jpg

Also, the load resistor got very hot in the short time I was using it so I would only recommend using it for indicator or brake light conversions.

That's it for now, stay tuned - more to come ;)

Kingsford G
Thursday 14th March 2013, 00:37
Nightbreakers look brighter.Why don`t u just use HID 4300k or 5000k instead of wasting yr dosh mate?

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 00:38
Nightbreakers look brighter.Why don`t u just use HID 4300k or 5000k instead of wasting yr dosh mate?

For the price, the LED bulbs were worth a go ;)

Besides - Hids are arriving on Friday ;)

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 00:40
UK seller and cheap! (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171000615388?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)

Kingsford G
Thursday 14th March 2013, 00:40
For the price, the LED bulbs were worth a go ;)

Besides - Hids are arriving on Friday ;)

Which ones r u having?

V70 Graham
Thursday 14th March 2013, 09:57
Those number plate bulbs look nice and bright.....got any spares lol

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 10:07
Those number plate bulbs look nice and bright.....got any spares lol

Bought a bag of 20, help yourself mate ;)

V70 Graham
Thursday 14th March 2013, 10:15
Bought a bag of 20, help yourself mate ;)

Can't reach from here, any chance you can sling them (gently) in the car for Sat please

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 10:17
They'll be in the top of the tool box with all the other drunken ebay purchases mate ;)

Brett855tdi
Thursday 14th March 2013, 11:06
My cheap Ebay lights are now dying after 6 months of use... the one of mine is still ok but the other started to flicker and is now pretty dim.... not that they were very bright anyway.
They where the 55w 8000k cheapos with the black flat ballasts.

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 11:12
8000k? not my cuppa tea - toooo blue lol.

Replacement bulbs are pretty cheap - £5.70 plus a 13 day wait.

WOODY T5
Thursday 14th March 2013, 11:15
UK seller and cheap! (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171000615388?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)will let u know how good some on way mate

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 11:29
I wouldn't hold your breath - unless you've ordered 8000k, they're out of stock till the 18th. I've been arguing with them today :(

But that's the point of this thread, we can all add our experiences of the stuff available and the people selling them.

I've had a positive (ish) outcome in that the seller is going to send me a different kit and the bulbs I want for no extra charge.

Kingsford G
Thursday 14th March 2013, 20:55
Right - further to my sidelights escapade, I've had a breakthrough! I got these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110947540898?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) today, after waiting for a week.

Got to fitting them tonight...

This is the LED I had been using, the previous ones having all burnt out...

Reasonably bright and a bit blue...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/B812386E-orig_zps3302728e.jpg

And the new ones - bright as hell and perfectly white...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/Snapbucket/7F30E3BE-orig_zpse8212ad2.jpg



I have the 1st ones and the tits sent me a blue by the look of it,no they not very bright.I have the 2nd ones and they r brilliant but came a bit expensive from UK supplier.

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 21:54
1st ones are quite blue mate - 6000k I think. I didn't get the 2nd ones till late last night, otherwise I wad gonna bung a set in with your projectors.

Brett855tdi
Thursday 14th March 2013, 22:04
8000k? not my cuppa tea - toooo blue lol.

Replacement bulbs are pretty cheap - £5.70 plus a 13 day wait.

I would have thought so but they seem green lol

I think the ballast has had it, when it was flickering it was squeeling... now its just a shade dimmer than the other, or could it still be a bulb?
Ive never really had a lot to do with HID always just run 100w bulbs lol

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 23:34
FEK, FEK, FEK!!!!!!

Just went to fit my new 4300K HB3 bulbs (cos I can't stand the blue tint on the 6000k bulbs) and they've sent me HB4s! tw@ts!

Kingsford G
Thursday 14th March 2013, 23:52
FEK, FEK, FEK!!!!!!

Just went to fit my new 4300K HB3 bulbs (cos I can't stand the blue tint on the 6000k bulbs) and they've sent me HB4s! tw@ts!

Tipical,all that waiting time.My supplier offered me a good will gesture compensation of 50p after 3 weeks waitfor sending me the wrong bulbs.

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 23:54
Really pist about this - I spent ages in minus1 degrees thinking I had the bulb the wrong way round!

M-R-P
Thursday 14th March 2013, 23:57
Name n shame time... Says HB3 on the listing but HB4 on the pic! (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320829456583?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)

Kingsford G
Friday 15th March 2013, 00:01
Tried to get some t4 and t3 bulbs but they seem to cost a fortune.

M-R-P
Friday 15th March 2013, 00:10
Just been looking, not cheap are they! If I find anything, I'll let you know mate.

Kingsford G
Friday 15th March 2013, 01:26
Just been looking, not cheap are they! If I find anything, I'll let you know mate.

Cheers mate.The thing is I need lots of them to make all the switches etc lid the same.
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/kingsford10/IMAG0681_zpsf08e8c09.jpg

V70 Graham
Friday 15th March 2013, 08:21
Really pist about this - I spent ages in minus1 degrees thinking I had the bulb the wrong way round!

Bit of a pain that, hopefully he'll swap them over for you with not a too long a wait.

WOODY T5
Saturday 16th March 2013, 22:40
came today fitted them 2nite look very good for the money
http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b583/Bigdt5t/IMG_1296_zps26f77e04.jpg
http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b583/Bigdt5t/IMG_1295_zps724ecba0.jpg
tis nice too see again lol

V70 Graham
Saturday 16th March 2013, 22:43
Looking good, nice and white.

M-R-P
Saturday 16th March 2013, 22:53
Wtf???

I've still not got mine!!!

Looking good Dean, money well spent!

WOODY T5
Saturday 16th March 2013, 23:05
yeah mate thanks for the heads up just need some side light bulds now? did u get same kit as me?

M-R-P
Saturday 16th March 2013, 23:10
Dunno, I've not got mine yet lol.

Have a look at the most recent sidelights on this thread mate, they are by far the best yet and for 4 quid or so for 20...

WOODY T5
Saturday 16th March 2013, 23:12
i went for h1 4300k kit

M-R-P
Monday 18th March 2013, 10:46
Further to my wrong HID bulbs incident, The seller has given me 2 quid and told me I can keep the bulbs. WTF am I gonna do with a set of HB4 bulbs?

I could grind them down to fit...?

Anybody want a set of HB4 4300K HID bulbs before I attack them with a dremel?

V70 Graham
Monday 18th March 2013, 11:25
You could always sell 'The Sweede' and buy a car the bulbs fit in !

M-R-P
Monday 18th March 2013, 11:29
You could always sell 'The Sweede' and buy a car the bulbs fit in !

Yeah - I always wanted a Honda Accord :finger:

M-R-P
Tuesday 19th March 2013, 09:13
Ok - H7 4300K hid kit arrived yesterday and I got to fitting them last night. Fitting was pretty straight forward.

Hid on the left, Nightbreaker on the right...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0135_zps526d38fd.jpg

Both Hids...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0136_zpsc95cd91f.jpg

Dipped Hids and main beam hids...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0138_zps218a4931.jpg

Just sidelights (for comparison)

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0137_zps3f0c3e49.jpg

The road lit by all the new lights...

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/martinrpeachey/projects/IMAG0141_zpsfcc5d08d.jpg

Time for a moan...

While fitting the kit, I kept testing to see if it threw a bulb failure warning with no trouble whatsoever. It was when I started the engine that I immediately got an error. Weird, they were fine with the engine off??? So I fitted load resistors which I've had ready for such a problem and all is well. I've suspended the resistors from some wire as they get bloody hot. I'll be keeping an eye on these for a while till I'm happy they'll behave.

V70 Graham
Tuesday 19th March 2013, 09:47
They certainly light the road up well.

M-R-P
Tuesday 26th March 2013, 23:00
FEK, FEK, FEK!!!!!!

Just went to fit my new 4300K HB3 bulbs (cos I can't stand the blue tint on the 6000k bulbs) and they've sent me HB4s! tw@ts!

Well, I just solved my little HB3 problem - with the aid of a dremmel and a flat file, my incorrect HB4 bulbs are now HB3 ;)

For some reason, they're more yellow than the other 4300K bulbs I have in the dipped beam...?

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 11:29
Update!

6 months on and the cheap hids are still working perfectly. There's a lot to be said for buying the cheap stuff.

I've mounted the load resistors somewhere nice and tidy and because they're now attached to the inner body work, the heat is being dissipated better.

:)

mike 850
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 12:44
I had a cheap hid kit of ebay and they lasted 7 years before a ballast went!

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 12:51
I had a cheap hid kit of ebay and they lasted 7 years before a ballast went!

Excellent!

That's what this thread's for - real world use of, and people's opinions of cheap kit :D

graemewelch
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 12:54
7 pages long and still on topic, thats a first :blahblah:

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 12:57
7 pages long and still on topic, thats a first :blahblah:

And it's one of my threads too... even more unusual!

stribo
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 12:59
Out of all the L.E.D.s I fitted to the R (10) 2 have failed, so not great.

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 13:14
Out of all the L.E.D.s I fitted to the R (10) 2 have failed, so not great.

interior or exterior? only one of the interior leds have failed on mine but I got through loads of sidelight bulbs before I found some I liked that didn't explode in the reflector.

stribo
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 13:17
One's interior, and one's a number plate light.

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 13:20
One's interior, and one's a number plate light.

Did I give you that number plate light?

I've got a bag of awesome interior LEDs I got for a steal a while ago, I'll bring them on Saturday/Sunday. See what you think :)

stribo
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 13:24
Can't remember, are the interior L.E.Ds pink ones left over from the ££££let?;)

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 13:30
Well, if that's your attitude...

You won't need interior lights in a car that doesn't bloody work HAHA :duck:

I did buy them for the starlet but I only needed 2, I got a bag of 10 or so :D

They're of a slightly blue tinge, probably 6000k equiv. but they're big and have the universal adaptor to fit any reflector.

y2blade
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 14:17
My S4 has factory fitted Xenon HIDs (as Standard) on Dipped beam but el'cheapo aftermarket ones (fitted by previous owner) for the Main Beam..it is like having the sun turned back on infront of you.

:eclipsee_

V70 Graham
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 14:41
My S4 has factory fitted Xenon HIDs (as Standard) on Dipped beam but el'cheapo aftermarket ones (fitted by previous owner) for the Main Beam..it is like having the sun turned back on infront of you.

:eclipsee_

Parking for Audi's at my BBQ.....

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=scottish+highlands&ie=UTF-8&ei=wYgLUoPZCOSl0QWL6ICgBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 14:42
:hilarious

y2blade
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 15:23
Parking for Audi's at my BBQ.....

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=scottish+highlands&ie=UTF-8&ei=wYgLUoPZCOSl0QWL6ICgBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg


At least an Audi would get there!

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 15:25
6 months and 7 pages and this thread's finally gone off topic.


Carry on ;)

btw I'm thinking of going back to Power blue or maybe pink tint to my wheels.
Any Thoughts?

^^^^^^^^^^^can't leave mods alone for 2 minutes!^^^^^^^^^^^^

y2blade
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 15:29
:wizardtro

M-R-P
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 16:21
Isn't that a misappropriation of your moderating capabilities?

Bad!

Bloody Audi drivers!

y2blade
Wednesday 14th August 2013, 16:55
Isn't that a misappropriation of your moderating capabilities?

Bad!

Bloody Audi drivers!


Probably :pimp2:

:hug: