Question on HID kits

[ruffneck]

I have an E46, it has projector lenses, auto levelling and headlight washers, but it doesn't have HID's

Am I ok to install one of those HID kits available and still pass an MOT? I was thinking something along the lines of this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-Ser...arParts_SM&hash=item4147df9fd9#ht_2626wt_1396

 

[rodenal]

Do a quick search bud there's quite a long thread that was probably posted in only yesterday will have all the info you need

 

[[TW]Fox]

You don't have auto levelling but even so the mot guidance certainly appears to indicate no issues.

 

[ruffneck]

You don't have auto levelling but even so the mot guidance certainly appears to indicate no issues.

Thanks! Oh I thought they were automatic, they seem to self level when the car is turned on.

 

[Howard]

Are you sure they're not HIDs then, if it has projectors and levelling? I thought non-HID E46s had reflector lenses.

 

[[TW]Fox]

That's the self test for the manual electronic levelling.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Are you sure they're not HIDs then, if it has projectors and levelling? I thought non-HID E46s had reflector lenses.

Facelift coupe had projectors.

 

[ruffneck]

Excellent, Thanks for your help.

This is the line that worries me the most from the new MOT guidelines.

'Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.'

So a manual levelling system is fine then?

 

[Lopéz]

Excellent, Thanks for your help.

This is the line that worries me the most from the new MOT guidelines.

'Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.'

So a manual levelling system is fine then?

The new MOT guidelines do not state that.

 

[ruffneck]

The new MOT guidelines do not state that.

Oh, I got that from here;

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html

 

[Lopéz]

The AA don't write the MOT guidelines

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm

1.7 Headlamps


Information

Method of Inspection

This inspection applies to all obligatory headlamps fitted.

Headlamps are not required to be fitted to vehicles used only during the hours of daylight, which are fitted with neither front nor rear position lamps, etc. (See 1.1.A).

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system.

Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.

Headlamp washers may work in conjunction with the windscreen washers (when the dipped beam headlamps are switched on) or by a separate switch.
HID lamps may be identified by:

. taking a few seconds to reach full intensity

. having a bluish tinge to the light

. having an igniter module/inverter behind the headlamp

. having ‘DCR’ marked on the headlamp lens.
HID headlamps use high voltage and extra care should be taken when inspecting these items.