I don't know what those words mean De Witt
Doe you mean xenon headlights? I've been thinking about installing OEM xenons from an E32, but haven't found them yet. Don't want to go aftermarket for that...
Yes, the headlights with the xenon fitted to the housing. If you can find a Phillips Xenon kit, do it. The cost is less than going with the E32 Xenons, you retain the OEM look, and the quality is better than the OEM. Just my thoughts on the subject. . . .the Phillips Xenons are installed on my 91 M5.
By the way, this Phillips kit, is it a quick installation? For the yearly technical checkup, we're not allowed to have Xenon without auto headlight leveling, and high pressure headlight washers. So I'll have to switch to the normal lights once a year. How much time will this cost me?
By the way, this Phillips kit, is it a quick installation? For the yearly technical checkup, we're not allowed to have Xenon without auto headlight leveling, and high pressure headlight washers. So I'll have to switch to the normal lights once a year. How much time will this cost me?
You won't loose much time when you choose Xenon bulbs with a H1 socket since these are made to fit the normal reflectors. @Paul, please confirm that the Philips kit has H1 sockets.
However, please be aware that the working voltage for Xenon bulbs is >10kV and thus requiring a mimumum creepage distance to the cars chassis and to the other contact pin. The metal H1 sockets's simply cannot provide that. It's a safety issue, not so much a functionality issue.
[quote=raymondw]
However, please be aware that the working voltage for Xenon bulbs is >10kV and thus requiring a mimumum creepage distance to the cars chassis and to the other contact pin. quote]
Are we sure about that working voltage?
The HID kit I installed in a couple of motorbikes had detailed specs included.
The maker (Interpower) there suggested that the discharge ignition voltage was around 23000 to 25000 volts, but that once the discharge was established the voltage is reduced for running to 70 to 73 volts.
Of course this requires much more serious attention to insulation than a 12 volt system, but there is not much danger of a spark jumping a gap at 70 odd volts during normal use.
Secondly, I have heard the European legislation on self levelling / headlamp wash being compulsory, may only apply to OEM fitting of these systems.
If this is true where you live, an aftermarket set-up may pass as long as it is correctly aimed and aligned. I tried to get a ruling from VOSA which is responsible for testing in UK.
They did not appear to know what I was talking about.
My bike is going in for an annual test next week, I will find out what happens soon enough, the tester is an approachable guy and will surely show me the test manual when I ask him.
With a bike someone has to sit on the saddle whilst they check the lights aim. That is normally me.
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M5 - Weapon of Mass Consumption
I have friends that installed aftermarket Xenon on their E36 and E46, and they did not pass the test... That's why I wanted to know how much work it is.
@De Witt: do you happen to have some pictures of your Xenon installation?
I have friends that installed aftermarket Xenon on their E36 and E46, and they did not pass the test... That's why I wanted to know how much work it is.
@De Witt: do you happen to have some pictures of your Xenon installation?
Thanks for the help guys!
Perhaps the test differs in detail in different countries?
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M5 - Weapon of Mass Consumption
The Phillips kit comes in several flavors: 9006, H7, 9003/H4, and H1. The US Ellipsoids have a 9006 housing. The biggest issue was getting the ballasts into the wiring harness. And you mount the ballasts with several brackets behind the headlights. On the E34 they are concealed by plastic covers.
I do not have any pics of the install, but I will get some soon. I only have pics of the result in my gallery.
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