Okay, finally, the Saab has blown a headlight bulb. You need the hands of a small child to replace the bulb and if I'm going to go to this effort, I may as well get HIDs at the same time.
Those who have replaced their headlights... have you had any issues so far?
I fitted a set off Ebay to the SD1 and they're great. It has got BMW style projection headlights though. Excellent beam pattern which satisfied the MOT man. I chose a warm white light colour as I didn't want the boy racer blue. They make rear numberplates look slightly green - but otherwise ok.
Yeah - the 9-3 has projection style headlights and the only difference between factory-standard HIDs and factory-standard H7s is the bulb unit itself. Plus the 9-3 has headlamp washing but not automatic headlight height adjustment, I have to do that myself...
Having had a play on my photo prog I reckon the black ones with the eyebrows removed are the best of all. But of course in real life it leaves the fixing holes. Next time I need any paintwork done I might try it.
Only any good with separate dip / main beam units where the main beam bulb suppliments the dip bulb which is on all the time.
The combined ones with the magnetic focus changer thingy are no good - especailly as you cant use the flash switch as the HID's don't strike quickly enough.
"Tim.." gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:
There's a couple of versions of the H4 HIDs which apparently get around that - one (H4/3) uses a HID dip and separate halogen main, the other (H4/4) uses two different HID units on the same base. I've seen a vid of H4/4s flashing from off, and they work very well indeed.
One of these days, it'll be top of my priority list...
Strangely, mine strike at pretty well full brightness. Then drop down until they warm up to full power which takes about 30 seconds. So they would be ok for one flash. But don't do it as that shortens their life considerably. And they may not strike immediately afterwards. I had to alter the feed as the starter killed the headlights originally.
my HID kit is still going ok in the mini no issues what so ever :) i think the BM i had in my E36 is still going and that's been in there for nearly 4 years now i reckon
Yes they are still going fine. Seem to be set up with the load adjuster at full load not empty for normal use though...
The little LEDs(?) that you put in the footwells and in the coiurtesy light have all started dying all at the same time though.
And the ultrasonic alarm has been kicking off a few times a night for the last few nights (until I read the alarm manual and figured out how to disable just the ultrasonics).
Finally got the steering wheel sorted out and straight though. Needed new track rods because the old ones were seized solid ('they all do that sir'). £95 a side from BMW, £22 each from the local factor.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.