N00b question - Xenon lights

mangobreeder

mangobreeder

mangobreeder

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3 Mar 2008
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Hi guys

The most adventerous i have ever got with my car is replacing a broken wing mirror, so please feel free to patronise, and explain things like you would a 5year old :)

I want Xenon headlight in my corsa,

is it just a case of buying some new bulbs and putting them in? or do i have to do anything else?

an idiots guild would be much appriciated.

Thanks
Mango
 
Are you talking about the HID bulbs (as found on many new cars), or the slightly-blue-tinged standard bulbs?

If the first - then the answer is no. Don't.

If the second - then the answer is no. Don't.


Get yourself a good set of branded standard bulbs, such as Osram Nightbreakers or Philips ExtremeVision.
 
HID's are "high-intensity discharge" systems, with a ballast that powers the lamp (much higher voltage than the 12v provided by your battery/altenator).

To get them fitted properly, you'd need projector style lamps (ok, there are a few cars with HID's and reflectors, but these have been designed for HID's), a headlight washer system, and (technically) an auto-levelling system.

Then there is the fact that HID's on a corsa will look ass.
 
HID = High Intensity Discharge, as you see in the projector (eye-ball) style lights on new cars such as BMW's and Audi's etc.

It's a completely different type of light technology, which is NOT legal to fit into standard headlights.

All the "Xenon" bulbs you see marketed are just that - marketing.
 
There are two things you will fitted to cars. The first is the H.I.D system fitted by the manufacturer. These are High Intensity Discharge headlights, and the process basically involves superheating a xenon gas inside the headlight to give that cool white colour to the headlight, rather than the standard yellow colour.

This type of thing is usually only available on newer and higher model cars. You wont find it standard on any corsa (even the new Corsa VXR doesnt have them) but they are standard on quite a lot of new high model cars (BMWs, Mercs etc..) and on some sporty type cars, like the Focus ST for example.

However, this sort of thing is very difficult to fit after its left the factory. If you havent got it from new, you wont be able to ask the dealer to fit it as an option afterwards. However you can buy kits that after aftermarket that do this. The legality of this is slightly dubious, due to the fact that many cars have headlights that really arent suitable for this type of light, but people fit them anyway cos it looks cool. Unfortunately your corsa falls into this bracket. Dont fit HID headlights to your car

You can however buy some uprated bulbs from the likes of PIAA or OSRAM or Phillips. These will still keep your car legal, and be perfectly suitable for your headlights and increase light output and whiten the light a little. They wont be that cool blue look though unfortunately. For that you either have to buy one of the dodgy kits or buy a car that has them as standard.
 
mangobreeder said:
cool, ill go for better branded bulbs then.

just need to figure out how to do it :)
Click to expand...


when i started typing, there was only 2 replies to this thread. Im too slow to type !

But changing the standard bulbs for uprated ones is dead Easy. Just unclip, pull out and replace.

Just make sure you get the right fitment for your car :)
 
MrLOL said:
when i started typing, there was only 2 replies to this thread. Im too slow to type !

But changing the standard bulbs for uprated ones is dead Easy. Just unclip, pull out and replace.

Just make sure you get the right fitment for your car :)
Click to expand...

can i be really cheeky and ask for a linky to some decent bulbs that will fit my car please. :D

are these ok?

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=81
 
Last edited:
Do you have a Corsa B or C? IIRC the Corsa C has projector style headlights so HID wouldn't be a problem would it?

PS - Don't expect too much from normal bulbs, had some Nightbreakers once due to peoples recommendations and they were rubbish but prehaps that's because i'm used to HID.
 
AmDaMan said:
IIRC the Corsa C has projector style headlights so HID wouldn't be a problem would it?
Click to expand...

Some do, most don't.

Vauxhall were quite backwards when they did the Facelifts' on the C's, they went from Halogen Lenses, to Projectors, and then back to Halogen Lenses.
 
Just get some good quality bulbs as recommended above. Alternatively Halfrauds Extreme Brilliance bulbs are very good £18.00 for the pair. Have them on my MR2, very impressed.

Again, dont bother retro-fitting a HID kit. I bought a very good kit once via a GB on an owners club forum for £200+ a couple of years back, decided it was a rubbish idea and sold them on for the same as I paid. Never fitted them though....glad I didn't too.
 
Confused said:
HID = High Intensity Discharge, as you see in the projector (eye-ball) style lights on new cars such as BMW's and Audi's etc.

It's a completely different type of light technology, which is NOT legal to fit into standard headlights.

All the "Xenon" bulbs you see marketed are just that - marketing.
Click to expand...

i thought you had fitted them to your car :confused:
 
mjt said:
if only your fine taste in food and drink carried through to cars :(
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:) i drive a corsa, and i love it, i put £40 in it and it lasts me all month.
as is probally self evident im not a petrol head at all :)

Ill do overlag one my my legendary steaks as payment :)

AmDaMan said:
Do you have a Corsa B or C? IIRC the Corsa C has projector style headlights so HID wouldn't be a problem would it?
Click to expand...

Huh? its silver, and a 03 plate
 
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