HID headlight conversion experience

[tjts1]

HIDs need projectors. Mixing and matching DOT reflector with Ecode lens is not a good idea but even the Ecode 850 headlights suck by modern standards.

[zhenya]

...even the Ecode 850 headlights suck by modern standards.

I disagree. Perhaps when compared to state-of-the-art LED or HID systems, then yes, perhaps. But the vast majority of newer cars on the road still use the same basic halogen bulb as the 850, and even halogen projectors are not necessarily much better in my experience. What is different is that the cars are new, with new wiring supplying full voltage to the bulbs, shiny new reflectors, and brand new lenses. However, as you have probably noticed, almost all new cars have polycarbonate headlight lenses that are extremely susceptible to hazing from UV exposure. In many climates, cars just 5 years old are hazed to the point of being virtually worthless. The 850 in contrast, uses glass lenses without this problem, but it still can suffer from pitting, and the reflector coating can become damaged from heat over the years, and of course corrosion takes its toll on the cables.

As for the e-codes, they aren't really any better than the US spec lamps. They use two H1 bulbs, which are decent, but significantly down on lumens compared to the HIR bulbs available for the US 9005 high beams.

[tjts1]

I've had these DOT H9 projectors on my 960 for 5 years now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/ ... 1296938553

Also stock DOT 9006 projectors on my 1991 BMW E30.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/ ... ict051.jpg

They both put the 850 Ecodes to shame. I haven't put HIDs into either of these cars because it didn't seems necessary.

[NoralfB]

As for the e-codes, they aren't really any better than the US spec lamps. They use two H1 bulbs, which are decent, but significantly down on lumens compared to the HIR bulbs available for the US 9005 high beams.

I live in Norway and my 1997 model V70 headlights are using H7 lamps for both high and low lights. I am using Osram Nightbreaker lamps which are promised tog give nearly 100% increase in light output compared with the standard H7 lamps. The maximum allowed wattage in Europe is 55W.

I have seen many HID conversions on the road, but they are giving too much glare in my opinion, and they are also not allowed to use. HID are only allowed factory installed, with automatic height adjustment so they compensate for load.

On my V70 I would have loved to change to the clear glass lamps used on the C70, I think they are good looking, and perhaps a bit more effective. But they are way too expensive to buy new.