Are cheap Ebay light conversions worthwhile? Real world testing.

Post 570091 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 22:00:30

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 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... Then remove the wire clamp from the power cable... And feed the cable through the cup, securing the rubber bung in the 22mm hole and refitting the wire clamp... 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. 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... Both HIDs 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... :D

Post 570092 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 22:07:13

[video=youtube;3SaLV9_Fas0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaLV9_Fas0[/video]

Post 570096 by MoleT-5R on 2013-02-05 22:10:42

Looks like a good upgrade, nice again Martin

Post 570098 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 22:15:08

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.

Post 570100 by p fandango on 2013-02-05 22:17:12

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

Post 570114 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 22:38:44

35W, they're bright enough! ;)

Post 570120 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-05 22:48:13

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?

Post 570122 by V70 Graham on 2013-02-05 22:49:12

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'

Post 570123 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 22:51:21

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;570120]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?[/QUOTE] 5000k or even 4300 (a bit yellow) mate. [QUOTE=V70 Graham;570122]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'[/QUOTE] It was 1 degree and fekkin snowing lol, That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it lol.

Post 570131 by deathrider311271 on 2013-02-05 23:16:56

you want 4300k ones mate they seem to be the best in all weather conditions, i have tried 8000k, 6000k and 5000k

Post 570132 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 23:17:47

Cheerz, the colour charts aren't much to go by when they're only an inch across lol.

Post 570133 by MRTREE on 2013-02-05 23:19:34

[QUOTE=M-R-P;570098]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.[/QUOTE] 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

Post 570135 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-05 23:23:20

Is it just the case of 4300k bulbs fitting rather than buying a kit?

Post 570136 by p fandango on 2013-02-05 23:26:26

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;570135]Is it just the case of 4300k bulbs fitting rather than buying a kit?[/QUOTE] yeh you can just buy the replacement bulbs if you've already got HID's fitted

Post 570138 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-05 23:29:42

[QUOTE=p fandango;570136]yeh you can just buy the replacement bulbs if you've already got HID's fitted[/QUOTE] Cheer mate.I think 5000k is just a little blue and more sort of lighter,correct me if I`m wrong.

Post 570140 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 23:33:42

[QUOTE=MRTREE;570133]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[/QUOTE] Cool, I'll look at that. :beer:

Post 570141 by p fandango on 2013-02-05 23:33:52

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;570138]Cheer mate.I think 5000k is just a little blue and more sort of lighter,correct me if I`m wrong.[/QUOTE] i doubt if you'll see any blue in 5000k's, i'm more than happy with my 6000k's

Post 570142 by deathrider311271 on 2013-02-05 23:35:33

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

Post 570145 by M-R-P on 2013-02-05 23:51:43

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.

Post 570244 by oblark on 2013-02-06 14:01:01

Very eluminating :)

Post 570297 by rikcougar on 2013-02-06 16:34:31

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

Post 570298 by rikcougar on 2013-02-06 16:35:37

Had cheap HID kit on 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

Post 570304 by V70 Graham on 2013-02-06 16:42:43

[QUOTE=rikcougar;570297]Had a cheap set of ebay HID`s in my Cougar for a year now with no problems [COLOR="#FF0000"]Will these be legal in the future if car has manual leveller and headlight wipers?[/COLOR] If so, I will do mine[/QUOTE] Nope fraid not, you must have headlight cleaning and self-levelling.....though it seems self-levelling suspension (Nivomats) will be ok ! [I]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.[/I]

Post 570307 by rikcougar on 2013-02-06 16:45:47

Post 570317 by stribo on 2013-02-06 17:11:20

[QUOTE=rikcougar;570307]Bum[/QUOTE] Could be a few Cougars failing their MOTs soon Rik. ;)

Post 570329 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 17:29:41

Stribo,if I can`t have the ginger interior I can have ginger light lol just an idea

Post 570431 by kfc on 2013-02-06 20:28:17

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.

Post 570518 by M-R-P on 2013-02-06 21:50:11

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... 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:

Post 570546 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 22:31:32

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

Post 570548 by V70 Graham on 2013-02-06 22:32:49

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.

Post 570553 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 22:37:59

[QUOTE=V70 Graham;570548]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.[/QUOTE] 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

Post 570556 by M-R-P on 2013-02-06 22:41:15

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;570553]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[/QUOTE] Let's see if you can match the next few steps mate ;)

Post 570591 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 23:07:56

[QUOTE=M-R-P;570556]Let's see if you can match the next few steps mate ;)[/QUOTE] 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

Post 570595 by M-R-P on 2013-02-06 23:12:40

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;570591][COLOR="#FF0000"]Ok,put a hold on it and when ready we`ll let it go at once[/COLOR].Sounds good mate.:wink: There is 1 and I bet u at least had it in mind[/QUOTE] Sounds like something my missus would say :hilarious This should be interesting - who can come up with the most interesting light-related upgrade :D

Post 570598 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 23:16:17

[QUOTE=M-R-P;570595]Sounds like something my missus would say :hilarious This should be interesting - who can come up with the most interesting light-related upgrade :D[/QUOTE] Don`t reveal nothing and we do it in 1 go.This is cool lol

Post 570600 by M-R-P on 2013-02-06 23:20:48

Don't take too long tho, the rest of my toys should be arriving in the next few days. ;)

Post 570603 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-06 23:34:03

[QUOTE=M-R-P;570600]Don't take too long tho, the rest of my toys should be arriving in the next few days. ;)[/QUOTE] I need more time lol

Post 570660 by rikcougar on 2013-02-07 09:12:47

[QUOTE=stribo;570317]Could be a few Cougars failing their MOTs soon Rik. ;)[/QUOTE] Most of them I would imagine Steve, better sell mine before mot time!

Post 570661 by p fandango on 2013-02-07 09:17:00

[QUOTE=rikcougar;570660]Most of them I would imagine Steve, better sell mine before mot time![/QUOTE] 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

Post 570665 by rikcougar on 2013-02-07 09:47:50

[QUOTE=p fandango;570661]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[/QUOTE] I must admit my mot man never questioned it last June and I don`t think regs have evolved since then

Post 571578 by M-R-P on 2013-02-09 22:44:44

Ok, Sidelights. I got these which were brilliant - except they kept exploding! so, while I awaited the replacements, I used these. 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. I used the same bulbs on the numberplate lights. Here's the comparison - normal LED on the left, cree LED on the right...

Post 571579 by M-R-P on 2013-02-09 22:57:22

Another thing I tried was these. 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) I might try the 120 smd version... click or these... click before I go with another HID set. Any opinions?

Post 571581 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-09 23:06:56

Whats wrong with HID`s?Stop wasting yr money

Post 571582 by Wobbly Dave on 2013-02-09 23:08:47

[QUOTE=V70 Graham;570304]Nope fraid not, you must have headlight cleaning and self-levelling.....though it seems self-levelling suspension (Nivomats) will be ok ! [I]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.[/I][/QUOTE] 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.

Post 571583 by M-R-P on 2013-02-09 23:08:56

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;571581]Whats wrong with HID`s?Stop wasting yr money[/QUOTE] I'm already testing a cheap HID kit ;) I want to see if there's an alternative :D

Post 571584 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-09 23:13:36

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.

Post 571585 by M-R-P on 2013-02-09 23:16:15

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;571584]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.[/QUOTE] 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.

Post 571622 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-10 09:53:01

[QUOTE=M-R-P;571585]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.[/QUOTE] 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?

Post 572009 by M-R-P on 2013-02-11 13:18:48

Not as good as the other ones mate. I'll send you a few if you like? I've got loads.

Post 572012 by rikcougar on 2013-02-11 13:24:39

[QUOTE=Wobbly Dave;571582]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.[/QUOTE] 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

Post 572022 by V70 Graham on 2013-02-11 14:03:22

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.

Post 572133 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-11 18:37:24

[QUOTE=M-R-P;572009]Not as good as the other ones mate. I'll send you a few if you like? I've got loads.[/QUOTE] I bought some yesterday as u didn`t answer and they`ll be here in about 100 weeks lol all the way from China.

Post 572253 by M-R-P on 2013-02-11 22:20:44

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;572133]I bought some yesterday as u didn`t answer and they`ll be here in about 100 weeks lol all the way from China.[/QUOTE] 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.

Post 572272 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-11 23:09:12

[QUOTE=M-R-P;572253]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.[/QUOTE] I should`ve looked at delivery time.Never mind.Have u been up to yr tricks again?

Post 572276 by M-R-P on 2013-02-11 23:13:34

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 ;)

Post 572283 by Kingsford G on 2013-02-11 23:33:41

[QUOTE=M-R-P;572276]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 ;)[/QUOTE] I something arrived too,just need some time to do it.Off to Belgium next week.

Post 572285 by M-R-P on 2013-02-11 23:39:34

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;572283]I something arrived too,just need some time to do it.Off to Belgium next week.[/QUOTE] There's all of this week to go yet mate ;) I'll be doing mine tomorrow, weather permitting :D

Post 573641 by MattV70 on 2013-02-15 09:31:57

I've been following this thread closely and it gave me the push needed to buy [COLOR="#FF0000"]these[/COLOR] 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.

Post 573644 by M-R-P on 2013-02-15 09:42:22

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...

Post 573681 by cookie on 2013-02-15 13:10:09

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

Post 573744 by MattV70 on 2013-02-15 16:34:59

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

Post 573758 by stephenevans99 on 2013-02-15 16:48:18

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.... 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?

Post 573958 by stephenevans99 on 2013-02-15 20:59:40

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.....

Post 573962 by JamesT5 on 2013-02-15 21:03:26

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.

Post 573965 by stephenevans99 on 2013-02-15 21:14:06

These are canbus compatible ones - I have considered buying some of the plug in resistors - not sure what to do just yet.

Post 573977 by p fandango on 2013-02-15 21:45:05

[QUOTE=stephenevans99;573965]These are canbus compatible ones - I have considered buying some of the plug in resistors - not sure what to do just yet.[/QUOTE] someone tried the plug-in resistors before & they didn't work

Post 573997 by M-R-P on 2013-02-15 22:14:44

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?

Post 574134 by stephenevans99 on 2013-02-16 07:12:09

Can't find the link Martin - are they just 'plug n play' or do you need to splice them in to the wiring?

Post 574143 by Mark_V40T4 on 2013-02-16 07:47:07

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 ####

Post 574159 by MattV70 on 2013-02-16 09:28:24

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

Post 574997 by MattV70 on 2013-02-18 08:50:10

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?

Post 575221 by M-R-P on 2013-02-18 18:49:21

[QUOTE=MattV70;574997]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?[/QUOTE] Actually yes - radio2 goes to hell when I use my full beam... Worthy of some investigation I feel...

Post 575557 by JamesT5 on 2013-02-19 13:54:42

[QUOTE=M-R-P;575221]Actually yes - radio2 goes to hell when I use my full beam... Worthy of some investigation I feel...[/QUOTE] Chris Evans ruined by HID lamps. Brilliant! :)

Post 575563 by MattV70 on 2013-02-19 14:22:22

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.

Post 575833 by MattV70 on 2013-02-20 08:52:39

I bought a pair of [COLOR="#FF0000"]these[/COLOR] (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.

Post 580799 by M-R-P on 2013-03-05 13:25:23

I've now come to the conclusion that these 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 ;)

Post 580869 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 16:26:36

What about 5000k,r they still white rather than blue?

Post 580871 by M-R-P on 2013-03-05 16:29:05

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;580869]What about 5000k,r they still white rather than blue?[/QUOTE] White with a blue haze - like BMW projectors

Post 580874 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 16:33:33

[QUOTE=M-R-P;580871]White with a blue haze - like BMW projectors[/QUOTE] 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

Post 580886 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-05 16:48:21

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;580874]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[/QUOTE] Don't forget the pic's mate :B_thumb:

Post 580949 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 18:47:39

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?

Post 580953 by stephenevans99 on 2013-03-05 18:52:36

Not keen to be honest. Sorry

Post 580985 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 19:26:26

The lights r not what I wanted so waiting for reply.Don`t look great to me either tbh,especially blue.

Post 580989 by stribo on 2013-03-05 19:29:09

I don't like any colour fairy lights on the front of the car, the sooner this fad goes away the better IMO.

Post 580992 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 19:32:13

[QUOTE=stribo;580989]I don't like any colour fairy lights on the front of the car, the sooner this fad goes away the better IMO.[/QUOTE] They`ll probably go for a boot or under bonnet illumination now.

Post 580995 by stribo on 2013-03-05 19:35:13

If you mount them under the rear of the front seats you could use them as rear footwell lights.

Post 580998 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-05 19:38:26

[QUOTE=stribo;580995]If you mount them unger the rear pf the front seats you could use them as rear footwell lights.[/QUOTE] Another option but interior lights all white leds.

Post 583033 by M-R-P on 2013-03-10 23:50:05

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 ;))

Post 583037 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-10 23:54:34

[QUOTE=M-R-P;583033]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 ;))[/QUOTE] 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.

Post 583041 by M-R-P on 2013-03-11 00:08:23

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;583037]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.[/QUOTE] Still looking mate ;)

Post 583985 by M-R-P on 2013-03-13 23:16:08

Right - further to my sidelights escapade, I've had a breakthrough! I got these 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... And the new ones - bright as hell and perfectly white... New LED fitted to the left, old one on the right... Both fitted... Then I did the number plate lights. Again, new one on the left... Both done... Then I started playing with these. 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... 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 ;)

Post 583988 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-13 23:37:05

Nightbreakers look brighter.Why don`t u just use HID 4300k or 5000k instead of wasting yr dosh mate?

Post 583989 by M-R-P on 2013-03-13 23:38:36

[QUOTE=Kingsford G;583988]Nightbreakers look brighter.Why don`t u just use HID 4300k or 5000k instead of wasting yr dosh mate?[/QUOTE] For the price, the LED bulbs were worth a go ;) Besides - Hids are arriving on Friday ;)

Post 583990 by M-R-P on 2013-03-13 23:40:12

UK seller and cheap!

Post 583991 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-13 23:40:16

[QUOTE=M-R-P;583989]For the price, the LED bulbs were worth a go ;) Besides - Hids are arriving on Friday ;)[/QUOTE] Which ones r u having?

Post 584005 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-14 08:57:51

Those number plate bulbs look nice and bright.....got any spares lol

Post 584010 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 09:07:17

[QUOTE=V70 Graham;584005]Those number plate bulbs look nice and bright.....got any spares lol[/QUOTE] Bought a bag of 20, help yourself mate ;)

Post 584012 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-14 09:15:35

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584010]Bought a bag of 20, help yourself mate ;)[/QUOTE] Can't reach from here, any chance you can sling them (gently) in the car for Sat please

Post 584013 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 09:17:12

They'll be in the top of the tool box with all the other drunken ebay purchases mate ;)

Post 584020 by Brett855tdi on 2013-03-14 10:06:50

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.

Post 584021 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 10:12:11

8000k? not my cuppa tea - toooo blue lol. Replacement bulbs are pretty cheap - £5.70 plus a 13 day wait.

Post 584023 by WOODY T5 on 2013-03-14 10:15:24

[QUOTE=M-R-P;583990]UK seller and cheap![/QUOTE]will let u know how good some on way mate

Post 584028 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 10:29:41

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.

Post 584193 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-14 19:55:27

[QUOTE=M-R-P;583985]Right - further to my sidelights escapade, I've had a breakthrough! I got these 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... And the new ones - bright as hell and perfectly white... [/QUOTE] 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.

Post 584246 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 20:54:44

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.

Post 584251 by Brett855tdi on 2013-03-14 21:04:57

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584021]8000k? not my cuppa tea - toooo blue lol. Replacement bulbs are pretty cheap - £5.70 plus a 13 day wait.[/QUOTE] 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

Post 584277 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 22:34:52

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!

Post 584280 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-14 22:52:33

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584277]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![/QUOTE] 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.

Post 584282 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 22:54:26

Really pist about this - I spent ages in minus1 degrees thinking I had the bulb the wrong way round!

Post 584283 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 22:57:49

Name n shame time... Says HB3 on the listing but HB4 on the pic!

Post 584286 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-14 23:01:06

Tried to get some t4 and t3 bulbs but they seem to cost a fortune.

Post 584289 by M-R-P on 2013-03-14 23:10:25

Just been looking, not cheap are they! If I find anything, I'll let you know mate.

Post 584299 by Kingsford G on 2013-03-15 00:26:41

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584289]Just been looking, not cheap are they! If I find anything, I'll let you know mate.[/QUOTE] Cheers mate.The thing is I need lots of them to make all the switches etc lid the same.

Post 584318 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-15 07:21:52

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584282]Really pist about this - I spent ages in minus1 degrees thinking I had the bulb the wrong way round![/QUOTE] Bit of a pain that, hopefully he'll swap them over for you with not a too long a wait.

Post 585089 by WOODY T5 on 2013-03-16 21:40:37

came today fitted them 2nite look very good for the money tis nice too see again lol

Post 585094 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-16 21:43:40

Looking good, nice and white.

Post 585104 by M-R-P on 2013-03-16 21:53:07

Wtf??? I've still not got mine!!! Looking good Dean, money well spent!

Post 585122 by WOODY T5 on 2013-03-16 22:05:56

yeah mate thanks for the heads up just need some side light bulds now? did u get same kit as me?

Post 585133 by M-R-P on 2013-03-16 22:10:24

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...

Post 585139 by WOODY T5 on 2013-03-16 22:12:00

i went for h1 4300k kit

Post 585558 by M-R-P on 2013-03-18 09:46:52

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?

Post 585567 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-18 10:25:33

You could always sell 'The Sweede' and buy a car the bulbs fit in !

Post 585570 by M-R-P on 2013-03-18 10:29:01

[QUOTE=V70 Graham;585567]You could always sell 'The Sweede' and buy a car the bulbs fit in ![/QUOTE] Yeah - I always wanted a Honda Accord :finger:

Post 585845 by M-R-P on 2013-03-19 08:13:13

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... Both Hids... Dipped Hids and main beam hids... Just sidelights (for comparison) The road lit by all the new lights... 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.

Post 585857 by V70 Graham on 2013-03-19 08:47:35

They certainly light the road up well.

Post 589067 by M-R-P on 2013-03-26 22:00:15

[QUOTE=M-R-P;584277]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![/QUOTE] 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...?

Post 635232 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 11:29:49

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. :)

Post 635236 by mike 850 on 2013-08-14 12:44:56

I had a cheap hid kit of ebay and they lasted 7 years before a ballast went!

Post 635239 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 12:51:33

[QUOTE=mike 850;635236]I had a cheap hid kit of ebay and they lasted 7 years before a ballast went![/QUOTE] Excellent! That's what this thread's for - real world use of, and people's opinions of cheap kit :D

Post 635240 by graemewelch on 2013-08-14 12:54:53

7 pages long and still on topic, thats a first :blahblah:

Post 635241 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 12:57:26

[QUOTE=graemewelch;635240]7 pages long and still on topic, thats a first :blahblah:[/QUOTE] And it's one of my threads too... even more unusual!

Post 635242 by stribo on 2013-08-14 12:59:51

Out of all the L.E.D.s I fitted to the R (10) 2 have failed, so not great.

Post 635248 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 13:14:10

[QUOTE=stribo;635242]Out of all the L.E.D.s I fitted to the R (10) 2 have failed, so not great.[/QUOTE] 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.

Post 635250 by stribo on 2013-08-14 13:17:03

One's interior, and one's a number plate light.

Post 635253 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 13:20:49

[QUOTE=stribo;635250]One's interior, and one's a number plate light.[/QUOTE] 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 :)

Post 635257 by stribo on 2013-08-14 13:24:08

Can't remember, are the interior L.E.Ds pink ones left over from the ££££let?;)

Post 635260 by M-R-P on 2013-08-14 13:30:15

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.

Post 635268 by y2blade on 2013-08-14 14:17:40

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_

Post 635279 by V70 Graham on 2013-08-14 14:41:20

[QUOTE=y2blade;635268]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_[/QUOTE] Parking for Audi's at my BBQ..... https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=scottish+highlands&ie=UTF-8&ei=wYgLUoPZCOSl0QWL6ICgBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg