Xenon Lights

[djdante]

Hey guys,

Picking up a new MX5 next week and really looking forward to it. I'm not huge on modding, but having dríven many european cars with HID lights, I'd really like to install them into the new car.

I know that there are lots of kits around which claim to do the job with prices all over the place. If I wanted to do a proper job that will give me reliable HID headlights in the new car, where would be the best place for me to look?

What sort of pricing am I looking at?

[Hammer]

I'm assuming you're getting a brand new MX5 (NC)? If not which model are you getting?

Price range from HID kits (slim ballast version) from ebay is around $90-$150 delivered.

[djdante]

Yeah, it's a new 2010 model form the floor.

If my research serves me correctly, since the new mx5's have a focus-style lens, the HID lights should work quite well, is that right?

Can anyone recommend a good quality kit I could use? Should I get an Auto Electrician to install it?

[Hammer]

The HID kits are plug and play, and extremely easy to fit. Its as simple as removing and unplugging the OEM bulbs and fitting re-fitting the HID bulb and ballast to the car's headlight plug.

I have an NB8B (which comes with projector type lens on the low beam) and I've fitted them all by myself. And I'm no auto mechanic nor electrician.

If buying from eBay, make sure you pick a kit that has Slim ballast. I've also fitted these on my Pajero, while the kit on my MX5 were Bosch versions, the ones fitted on my Pajero are a no name type and I've had no problems with them. I just made sure I bought from a seller (eBay) with good feedback.

Looking at eBay, buying a brand type (ie. Phillips) compared to the clones, is about double the price ($80-$100 compared to $150-$240) and more if you choose the slim ballast. Bosch is more again.

[Hammer]

In addition....

I can't recall if the NC2 have auto headlights...ensure the kit you're getting is compatible with this feature if it does.

I have read in some cars with this feature (in particular if the car also have a headlight blown warning) it will cause some problems.

[Mr Morlock]

Before assuming that the stock lights are no good perhaps try them. Modern lighting systems are excellent. A quality hid system is an oem set up and anything else you fit is likely to be a compromise. Why does an oem hid come with a high cost- because it is tooled up specifically and engineered. Another thing to consider which is of little consequence to many is that an aftermarket xenon will not be legal. A bright light does not prove it performs better. The US site of Daniel Stern gives some interesting info on the shortcomings. I have an NB and find the projector lamps excellent on low beam - very crisp - never dríven an NC at night.
If one does change the lighting do you inform the insurance co ?
Doesn't the NC come with an hid option?

[djdante]

I was never informed of any HID option when we purchased it, I had a brief look at the options kit.

I would of course have a chance to see the standard lighting, however having experienced both HID and standard I find it hard to go backwards. It is always easier to actually see what's going on ahead of you with HID at night time.

What does slim ballast actually mean? None of the advertisers I could find on ebay currently mention it.

[davekmoore]

Hmm. When I was last lucky enough to experience Xenons it was on a 2002 Skoda (sorry, but they're quite good actually) Superb in the UK. The difference between these and normal headlights was astonishing. "Yellow" nearby lighting compared with "daylight" long distance lighting.

Will adding an aftermarket conversion to an MX5 really make the same amount of difference?

[Mr Morlock]

almost no one drives a test car at night before buying though it is a pretty sure bet that modern cars have good lights. There is usually quite a difference in cost between a standard light and an oem hid and there is also quite a difference in their manufacturing cost. Many folks simply would not see the value in the hid . Aftermarket stuff can be anything and there are only a handful of competent set makers and bulb makers - there is a lot of rubbish available. In Eu you use to have self levelling and cleaning systems for hid and no aftermarket systems will be adr approved here.

[Crapweasel]

I've fitted Philips eBay Xenon HIDs to my NB (US$120 + postage) and the difference is astounding.

Make sure you get a set with ~4300K colour temperature. This is a white light, tinged with a slight yellow, anything higher shows blue, which may look cool, but the distance the light is thrown will be greatly reduced.

[Mr Morlock]

what is a Philips xenon hid? Is this a system or a light source merely plugged into a projector lamp not designed for a hid?

[hks_kansei]

what is a Philips xenon hid? Is this a system or a light source merely plugged into a projector lamp not designed for a hid?

Philips would be referring to the manufacturer of the Bulbs, (possibly the kit as a whole depending on the retailer)

Philips is a Dutch company that makes a multitude of electronic devices from consumer goods such as televisions and stereos, all the way to manufacturing medical equipment.
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V also has a dedicated business devoted to lighting and provides several lighting options as original equipment to a variety of manufacturers.

In direct regards to HID lighting, Philips also provide these as original equipment to many manufacturers, and also manufacture kits to retrofit HID lights to cars that did not originally come fitted with them. As they have many years of research and development in each profuct, it can be safe to say that the HID kits by Philips are certianly suitable for the purposes listed in this thread.

As for legalities, each buyer would need to check with their respective state authority on the matter.



*I am in no way connected with Philips, the above is intended general information and not necessarily a recommendation*

[manga_blue]

I'm not sure that I understand the need for HIDs. Most of my night driving is a twisty coast and mountain road slalom around roos, wallabies, wombats, possums, people and goats, with frequent fog.

I've got Philllips X-treme power +80% H4 bulbs in my tow car (very efficient 3800k(?) ADR legal direct fit). They're brilliant. I can see miles ahead, further than I really need to. Basically the only issue I have with them is the amount of glare coming off reflective road signs, guide posts and lane markers. I sometimes have to dim lights where there are lots of reflectors about just so I don't destroy my night vision for when I've passed them.

I feel that going even brighter with HIDs for the other cars would be a no-gain purchase. Am I wrong?

[Mr Morlock]

If Philips are providing complete lighting systems then it is a complete corporate change in direction- they were suppliers like Osram of light sources not headlamp/ tail lamp etc lighting systems. Philips supply their products to the set makers like Hella and Valeo.

If Manga is satisfied with his lights then I agree there is no need to consider HID esp since no aftermarket product is tested or optimised for the vehicle. Many people merely confuse a bright light with a good light. A quality lighting system controls light and places it where it is needed and despite labs which can measure light output at specific points, headlamps are still assessed by engineers in night drives for on road performance before approval.

[PT]

Does anyone have a link to the kits they have used. Be interested to see them.

Cheers
Paul