HID Retro-fit

[engsr]

Hello all - here are some pictures of my HID retro-fit, finally completed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_4756.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_4763.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_4765.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_4766.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_4767.jpg

The projectors are OEM 2005 BMW 530i Bi-xenon (not wired up, yet) with D1S bulbs. It wasn't that hard to retro-fit as I did a retro on my Integra. The difference is the reflector bowl and figuring out how to mount the projector in there.

Now, you're probably wondering why spend all that time and effort retrofitting HID projectors? The simple fact is nothing can imitate OEM HIDs unless it's OEM HIDs.

HID kits unfortunately produce a lot of glare especially in a reflector bowl like the Proteges. The light output is scatterred due to the fact the reflector bowl is not designed for an HID bulb.

This is one of the reasons why HID kits were banned for sale in the US a few years back. Since then, retrofitting has become very popular - I know a lot of people that did retros over a kit. Some with kits eventually dumped it for an OEM retro.

Here's another picture of my Integra's HIDs:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_0177.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_0178.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/engsr/HID%20Retro/IMG_0223.jpg

Take a look at the cut-off - only an OEM can produce such a cut-off. I know a few guys with kits in their Integras and it doesn't come close to looking like that. Those were Valeo D2S projectors (from an Audi A4).

If you're considering an HID retrofit, I would highly recommend it. I would also suggest to check out www.hidplanet.com as there is a huge amount of information there about OEM HIDs and kits, LEDs, etc. It's a very good place to learn about lighting in general.

Comments or flames welcome.

[Bumble G]

nice...

do you have any pics of the beam patter?

[engsr]

I don't have pics of the cut-off as I haven't found a good place to take them - need a good wall that's preferably white-ish.

Sorry for just the one pic initially - I hit enter by mistake.

[Bumble G]

nice...

now I can see all the pics

looks sweeeeet

[RicecookerP5]

how much time and money spent?


...wicked btw http://ib2.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[2003 Mazdaspeed]

That is very nice.... I want to do that too

[Chu]

I am interest in retro-fit.....but how much its going to cost and who can install for me!?!?

[Junior]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Chu @ Oct. 04 2005,10:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I am interest in retro-fit.....but how much its going to cost and who can install for me!?!?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
call jeff @ lockdown

[LOCKDOWN]

Jeff@LOCKDOWN

(647)-435-5896
191 Nugget Avenue
Unit # 2
Scarborough, Ont.
M1S3B1

www.lockdosecurity.ca

Regards

Jeff Bates
LOCKDOWN Enterprises Inc.

[Chu]

Pm-sent to Lockdown....

[Myk]

Sweeet mod! Even if they weren't HID, those projectors look steeped!

LOL!

Honestly, they look awesome!

[engsr]

Hoe noes - you said steeped. http://ib2.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

OEM HID set-ups are more costly over a kit (I've seen kits for around $300-$400). This set-up was around $500 (not including the extra set of headlights that I bought of Brian aka. the kid), complete with ballasts, bulbs, etc. The guy even sent the angel-eyes and their harnesses. These projectors also had that turning feature - ie. the headlights turn when you turn - but that is almost impossible to retro-fit.

Time wise, I could have completed this from start to finish over a weekend, but I took my time, doing everything in steps: taking apart the headlights, fitting the HID projector to the reflector bowl, the wiring harness, aiming, closing the headlights, installing, etc.

The most confusing part was probably the wiring harness as I had to make one completely from scratch - some may remember that post I made about the H4 wiring schematic. But once I figured out how to work the relay and the stock headlight socket, I drew up a schematic and it was simple from there.

Again, if you're interested in a retro, check out hidplanet.com - lots of info there. Look for skafia's retro in his Type-R - I used that for my Integra and basically did the same for this car. It's a great DIY and you will learn a lot about lighting and wiring at the same time.

Thanks for the comments.

[viper_707]

any pics of them being fitted and made?

[Brian MP5T]

Nice!