Headlamps 3200

[beau]

the hid kits cost £25 ?

 

[hodroyd]

Ian,
1. Did you finally get the download done..??
2. HID's I think have to have washers and self levelling for the MOT, I am not sure about this, but best check before you make a decision.
Cheers
R

 

[safrane]

My HID kit for the Golf cost £42

 

[hodroyd]

Recent changes to the MoT Inspection Manual issued by VOSA state that "Vehicles with HID headlamps are required to have a headlamp washing system (a wiper is not required) and be self-levelling, which may be achieved either by the use of either headlamp or suspension levelling systems". Then to cover aftermarket HID systems, such as those KWE fit to the XJS, it goes on to say: "In order to pass the MoT test, vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems would also need to be fitted with headlamp cleaning and self-levelling systems".
However, at the end of the document it goes on to say "Where headlamp levelling or cleaning devices are missing or defective, but there is doubt as to whether they are required, the benefit of the doubt should be given and an advisory notice issued".

In contrast, the current MoT testers manual states: "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".

So it's sort of clear, but open to interpretation and the individual testing station..??

 

[CatmanV2]

I know we've got experts on here, and I don't want to disagree, but it seems perfectly clear.

If HID's are fitted, you need self leveling and washing systems.

If you have washing systems, but no HID's the washing systems do not need to work.

Simples!

C

 

[safrane]

The kit fitted to mine is very simple. It has two wires for the battery (+&-) and one earth. It also uses one of the original headlight points as a switch for the High/Low beams. Then two bulb holders and harness for the HID bulbs. It took 40 mins to fit and to reverse for the MOT I just have to swap the bulbs and swap the push fit harness on the bulbs which is about 10 mins of a job.

I agree that our lights should be maintained correctly, and only fitted these to my golf as the 22 year old lights were like two candles which I think was far more unsafe.

 

[allandwf]

I think there are HID technology bulbs, then full blown HIDs that need the high voltage circuit to operate. Imho these are the ones that require levelling and wash system. Unless they tie the requirement to light intensity, and a cut off where it is not required then it will always be open to interpretation.

 

[safrane]

There is no such thing as HID technology bulbs, its just marketing flannel.

 

[CatmanV2]

There is no such thing as HID technology bulbs, its just marketing flannel.

Indeed. Either you need ballasts and you're running gas discharge, or it's just a funky coloured filament bulb.

C

 

[dunnah01]

I thought that the projector lenses fitted to the 3200 were ideal for aftermarket HID's. The problems of dazzling is more of a nuisance with conventional lenses where the glass does lot of the light pattern shaping. I've never been flashed by other road users because of my HID's dazzling them so I assume they're OK. They've been through two old school MOT's and they might just stay in for the next one in a couple of months.
Anyway every car that has factory HID's dazzles me so it seems only fair to try and reciprocate..

 

[beau]

there even cheaper now:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Free-Roya...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5400dd2adf