retro fit xenons

[ChrisG]

I really notice the difference between the S3 and the A4. Anybody retro fitted xenons ? Besides S4 parts what about these
http://www.h-i-d.co.uk and this from vagparts
http://www.vagparts.com/pages/HID_install.htm

[Bushy]

Seems like a good idea, Vagparts have my vote of confidence

[ChrisG]

just been reading all about it in this months Audi Driver
seems to be illegal without self levelling and washers, not going to let that bother me unduly.

[Bushy]

I can understand the self levelling thing, but the washers? How can that be illegal? [img]images/graemlins/suicide.gif[/img]

[JohnW]

I've fitted lots of hid kits, mainly to 993s though which have projector style lights.

As for self levelling, it is acceptible to have manual levelling.
I fitted a set of hids to my Corrado (with manual levelling too) and they were superb.
On the 993 it is light night and day.

Interestingly the mot places don't seem to really know, as I had both of my hid equipped cars mot'd and the guy just commented on how good my lights were for a vw. [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I buy all my kits from www.autolamps-online.com
I can also get a small discount on these kits, which basically replace the bulbs. If you have projector style H1 mount bulbs it is simple. H4 dual fillament bulbs are slightly more tricky to do.

Cheers,
John.

[VST]

Have to agree with John W

I've fitted a few kits(again,mainly Porsches,a few BMWs)with excellent results.
The H4 kits(depending on type)can be a bit of work,but the H7 kits I fitted were a dream,did both heads and dips on a 5 series and the lights have to be seen to be believed,fantastic range and clarity,far better than the OE lights on my S3.

Go for it

Tom

[Paul-RS]

I too have never gotton to the bottom of the is it/isnt it legal question , even working in the industry.

High pressure washers , legal or not, the idea is that you can jet off any deposits on the headlight that may deflect the light in any other direction that is not intended.

most lenses are clear plastic these days, and have no bearing on the direction of light, unlike the old deflector style glass units.

worth aslo noting about upgrading your wiring to suit. Although only 35W, ie lower than a conventional bulb, Xenons can take up to 15Amps to strike, and then run at a much reduced current.

Also the ballast and HT style lead can create and carry upto and inc 22,000 volts.

so mind those fingers while stood in a puddle. [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

[JohnW]

worth aslo noting about upgrading your wiring to suit. Although only 35W, ie lower than a conventional bulb, Xenons can take up to 15Amps to strike, and then run at a much reduced current.

Most kits provide relays, so the existing light wiring only drives the relay coil.

Also the ballast and HT style lead can create and carry upto and inc 22,000 volts.

so mind those fingers while stood in a puddle. [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

the 22kv is only the strike voltage, and after the stike they run at a much lower voltage (300 to 500 volts).

Cheers,
John.

[dog]

As long as that 22kv is not coming up in the steering wheel I am fine

[Paul-RS]

correct john, but still a hazard none the less to the DIY'er

ive worked with Xenon equipment daily for last 5yrs+ on assembly lines and test rigs.

[Paul-RS]

Bushy, heres the legal bit for europe on washers for xenon systems.

Headlamps using high-performance light sources (e.g. xenon) must always have a headlamp cleaning system (according to ECE-R48). This equipment must comply with ECE-R45.01. Legislation is thus aiming to prevent these high-performance headlamps from dazzling oncoming drivers, which can be caused by even a thin coating of dirt.

Found Here.

[ChrisG]

Thanks for all the info.
The A4 ( '99 quattro T Sport - projectors, H7 I think) has the usual manual height adjustment but no washers -- probably 90% of the time is on well light roads and they are nearly always on the first 'down' adjustment , just in case people find the Vision Plus bulbs a bit bright. I also regularly use RainX on the lights.
So JohnW is this a practical diy for an amateur like me ( i've fitted double relays to my 80 Sport in the past and have crimping tools etc)
I also know about not working on xenons with the battery connected ( ?? ) I think somebody has been killed doing so ( but people do no risk assessment do they )
How long would it take you to do - then I can double the time to be sure and she'd be VERY miffed if it was not done properly or was unreliable and I'd get [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

[JohnW]

First, can you confirm the projectors are the low beams with seperate high beam lenses.

Sorry, I can't recall all the different styles of lights on all the cars [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Assuming it is not a nightmare to remove the lights, I would guess at about an hour each side. This is the time to remove the light, possibly take it apart to fit the new xenon bulb (was necessary on the corrado lights due to limited space for connector), reassemble it, find a suitable place to mount the relay, connect in to the existing lighting wiring, and to run the +/-ve supplies back to the battery.

I prefer to connect into the wiring within the light, as this leaves the car loom untouched (only mods being to the light).
If I were you I would consider trying to get a hold of a second hand pair of lights. This way, if you do have to doctor the rear housings it is not a big deal should you ever have to swap them back.

If you want I will help if you get stuck.
Before you start though find out what style of bulb you have, how easy it is to remove the light units, and how much room there is behind the low beam bulbs (this is critical due to the size of the xenon connectors).
Then you can proceed to buy the kit of your choice.

PM me if you like. I don't mind giving you a hand to do it one evening when I'm free, but I'd prefer if you came to me mate.

Believe me, you will not be disappointed if all the other sets I've fitted for people are anything to go by [img]images/graemlins/biggrin2.gif[/img]

[JAMES]

how does the self leveling work as my rs4 lights self level but were pointing at the floor,so had to get audi to set them up when serviced.this doesn't really count as self leveling in my book,if still need adjusting.

[Paul-RS]

sensors on suspension are monitored by controllers that then drive the motors in the headlights.