HID kits for old cars

There are some reflector type of designs that accept HID lights - however they have to be designed for HIDs I think.

However in spite of this more often than not cars will pass the MOT without too many issues - you will however make yourself unpopular with others around you!
 
Whole exercise is a waste of time on the stock loom anyway, you need a solid 12v before there is any point making other changes.
 
Lopéz said:
Whole exercise is a waste of time on the stock loom anyway, you need a solid 12v before there is any point making other changes.
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I'm not sure they will even light up at 10.5v? My HIDs go out when I start my engine and need turning off and back on to start them up again.
 
[TW]Fox;18567688 said:
Nothing looks more naff than an old car with HID's anyway.
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My Scorp looked ok (13 yrs old) with HID's (had them when I bought the car) but it had self levelling, wash + projector lenses. Replaced them with some good Phillips H1 bulbs when one of the ballast packs blew.
 
Probably as much to do with the lenses, if you bought a new headlight unit they'd be better. Expensive option compared to hids, although you'll never have a problem with the mot or police.
 
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.

In practice this means:

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.

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unless ive read that wrong unless you also have leveling headlamps or suspension ,plus headlamp washers youre car should fail the mot at least.
 
The following is the legal rationale:

The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.

does there have to be a test case for it to be law i dont know,ill speak to a mot tester tommorow to find out if it would fail.
 
I believe there are some cars with reflector lamps that came with HIDs from the factory, these use H7R bulbs I believe, but people on here have had issues with cheap bulbs and the top coating (the 'R' bit which is supposed to limit scatter) melting off - rendering them pointless.

You may have more luck with better "bulbs" but you still need to run a direct live for your headlights anyway.

Personally, I'd run a direct feed first (It's not difficult, you just stick a relay on the existing feed, then run a live from battery/fuse box through the relay. I believe you can even get pre-made looms for this task. Couple this with some decent bulbs, and I think you'd be surprised at the improvement.
 
Does the (BMW) Mini not have reflector lenses and have Factory Xenon's? Granted it has self-levelling, and washers.
 
The prefacelift Minis have reflectors for the xenons, whereas the facelifted ones changed to projectors.

Obviously the reflectors were designed for use with HID bulbs from the offset.
 
I think the E30 lights can use HIDs? It's bit of a hassle to be honest, messy and I can see fine at night time.

Saw some chuffing rover metro with HID's a few days ago, utter ****** blinding everyone.
 
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