Aftermarket HID Conversion Kits & required setting XENON=PRESENT thread - Page 3

greg230 · 03-31-2002, 01:43 AM

we've already divided the labor!!!!

the kits as good as installed!

Step 1 (to be completed by young)- you bring a towel, and arange the kit on said towel

Step 2 (to be completed by greg)- aquire, and deliver 1 case of chilled red bull, distribute to young and tommy.

Step 3 (to be completed by tommy)- install stage 2 hid kit in Greg's car

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Lynn · 03-31-2002, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by young

heheh, 2 administrators? who's gonna install the kit? i can see it now. we'll lay the kit on a white towel. we'll converse about the pieces... drink some red bull. talk about possibly taking the wheels off.

i know tommy wanted to come over to help/watch me install the kit. but he went to las vegas for vacation. maybe he'll install the kits!

This reminds me of a TV commercial from a year or two ago.

Conultants: So, these are the things you should do.

Businessman: let's start doing them then.

Consultants: Uh, we're consultants. We don't actually do anything.

young · 03-31-2002, 01:45 AM

step 3 has the added advantage of tommy getting the experience that he desired.

i find your proposal to be acceptable... let us impose it upon tommy.

Bos · 03-31-2002, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by greg230
hmmm, you already recieved yours???

i recieved an enigmatic VM from mtc lighting confirming my order for a stage 2 hid kit for 595 after shipping. that was friday, i will call em back monday and see whats going down.

young.... i will buy you some carrot juice if you install my stage 2s.... do we have a deal

The type I ballasts came in on Thursday, and I called them Friday and got a tracking number. Delivery is scheduled for Monday. Stage II - Type I

young · 03-31-2002, 02:15 AM

i'm still thinking about this. i think if the 2 flanges are flattened, it would be a better fit. and i may tape it up w/ the electrical tape...
---

well, after messing around w/ it a little more, flattening the clip's flanges, it didn't really help. that is, the bulb is not totally locked in. and that concerns me a little. it is difficult to pull out but it doesn't lock in like the oem bulb did. if anyone else has an idea, please share. my next idea is to shave off the excess hid bulb base that is off center from the clip's base.

blueC230K · 04-01-2002, 01:46 PM

For those of you who install HIDs----lets say when your alarm goes off, the headlight blinks. Will this kill your HID since it is not a good idea to be on and off frequently???Any comments??

young · 04-01-2002, 01:47 PM

why is it not good to be on/off frequently?

i don't think it matters.

blueC230K · 04-01-2002, 01:59 PM

well, HIDs are not like a halogen light bulb....it takes time to warm up...and if it is on and off simultaneously....it will burn?!! rite?

young · 04-01-2002, 02:18 PM

i really don't think there's anything to worry about. i assume the alarms work similarly in the sedans w/ oem hids. and i also think that these things are meant to last a long long time (3000hours+ 5years+) so again, i'd suspect there is nothing to be concerned with.

unless someone who has more knowledge about this stuff corrects me...

btw, autolamps confirmed that the insulator bar has no effect on the performance of the hid. i asked them about a group buy but they didn't reply...

Buellwinkle · 04-01-2002, 05:43 PM

The reason it's bad for a filament bulb to be flashed on and off is because of the filament expanding and contracting with heat causes it wear quicker. Bulbs without filaments like LED, Neon, and HID don't have anything like a filament to burn out so they last a lot longer and can be flashed on and off without shortening life. Also they are not as affected by shock and vibration so they last longer in environments that prone to vibration and shock. The fact that they don't reach their maximum brightness would reduce heat and be a benefit.

young · 04-01-2002, 09:36 PM

i got it! i got the clips to lock in so it won't slip out. after talking to renncpe a little about it, i attacked it w/ renewed vigor.

take off the wheels and the wheel covers... it's worth it for easier access and visibility. using a long screwdriver, carefully massage the clip into the locked position but twisting while pressing the side clips inwards and under the hex bolts. you'll see them when you try to install it.

you do not have to flatten the one flange and i didn't further shave off any of the base. it will be off center, but it is ok.

the thumb screw/bolt between the low and high beam housings, on top, is indeed the vertical adjustment. i lowered it until i can further refine it probably this weekend.

greg230 · 04-01-2002, 11:50 PM

guess what i got.....

My stage 2 hid kit arrived via UPS today, all in good working (well looks like) order. instructions are ok, if not a bit scarce on details. But i was charged the correct quoted amount, and the lights arrived in a fairly timely manner.

interestingly though, my CC company called me on friday to verify the purchase, i guess i they are just doing their job... or they can spot companies of questionable rep very easily.

now all thats left to do is schedual my installation with young, and sit back relax and blind oncoming traffic!

WyattEarp · 04-02-2002, 12:43 AM

My HID kit also arrived today.

Young did you say that the Stage I ballasts are made by Panasonic (matsu****a)? My stage II ballasts are manufactured by Hella, not that I would know the difference. However there is no japanese writing on my ballasts, only german. I wonder which ones did you get greg230 ?

young · 04-02-2002, 12:51 AM

i got type 2 ballasts (it's 2 pieces...) vs the type 1 ballasts that you ordered (this is not to be confused w/ stage 1 vs stage 2 HIDs). i thought the type 1 ballasts are manufactured by philips but hella is probably the same quality. i know that they had a little difficulty getting the ballasts. either way, since they're warranteed for 5 years, it shouldn't be a problem.

i'm glad that people are getting the kits w/ no problems. i don't think hids4less is trying to screw anyone over w/ the kits. just that they are a bit... um... incompetent? but who isn't

let me know if you have any questions w/ the installation and i'll try to answer them if i can.

and greg, my hands got very dirty... i think it's time that yours did too!

so get the tools out and get to work!

Ramad · 04-02-2002, 03:47 AM

Please excuse my ignorance , but there is a whole set of xenon light for sale, we are talking about the complete stuff, not just the wires and bulbs and ....
I was wondering if it would be easier to install than your hid for less, since everyhthing comes together, or I will still have to go thru wiring and all that steps... the headlights again come complete. Thank you

Bos · 04-02-2002, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ramad
Please excuse my ignorance , but there is a whole set of xenon light for sale, we are talking about the complete stuff, not just the wires and bulbs and ....
I was wondering if it would be easier to install than your hid for less, since everyhthing comes together, or I will still have to go thru wiring and all that steps... the headlights again come complete. Thank you

It might be easier, but I can't really say since I've not seen the "whole kit". I do know that's it around 2X + the price of the hid4less, or similar kits.

young · 04-02-2002, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ramad
Please excuse my ignorance , but there is a whole set of xenon light for sale, we are talking about the complete stuff, not just the wires and bulbs and ....
I was wondering if it would be easier to install than your hid for less, since everyhthing comes together, or I will still have to go thru wiring and all that steps... the headlights again come complete. Thank you

i've never heard of a "whole complete kit" for the coupe. can you tell me where it is? i'd like to take a look. thanks.

i assume you are not implying that there is an OEM Hids kit...

btw, i asked autolamps about a group buy and they have a 5% discount for 10+ buyers. so that about $30 less.

Bos · 04-02-2002, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by young

i've never heard of a "whole complete kit" for the coupe. can you tell me where it is? i'd like to take a look. thanks.

i assume you are not implying that there is an OEM Hids kit...

btw, i asked autolamps about a group buy and they have a 5% discount for 10+ buyers. so that about $30 less.

I believe (from a previous post) that Autoclass.net has the European version of the OEM HID's for the Coupe, but they're also like $1200.00. I can only assume this is what's being referred to in the previous post, and what I based my response on. I've not called them myself to confirm the information.

Lynn · 04-02-2002, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bos

I believe (from a previous post) that Autoclass.net has the European version of the OEM HID's for the Coupe, but they're also like $1200.00. I can only assume this is what's being referred to in the previous post, and what I based my response on. I've not called them myself to confirm the information.

I don't think there are any OEM HID's for the coupe yet. Autoclass has the OEM HID's for the sedan.

Buellwinkle · 04-02-2002, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WyattEarp
My HID kit also arrived today.

Young did you say that the Stage I ballasts are made by Panasonic (matsu****a)? My stage II ballasts are manufactured by Hella, not that I would know the difference. However there is no japanese writing on my ballasts, only german. I wonder which ones did you get greg230 ?

Ha,Ha. You guys are getting a repackaged Hella kit for $200 more than what it's worth. I posted the Hella "stage 2" kit here at a place that has it for $410, shipped.

Bos · 04-02-2002, 01:08 PM

Here's a detailed picture of the Type I ballast:

Bos · 04-02-2002, 01:09 PM

Here's a detailed picture of the Stage II bulb:

tommy · 04-02-2002, 01:49 PM

Greg, do you work for Penndot?

Well, here's what I'm thinking right now: I have to drive down to AC on the 19th (Friday) and get my spoiler installed. I could then shoot over to the parents' house in Doylestown for a free dinner and housing. Would either or both of you be able to meet on the 20th for a tupperware party, I mean a group HID install? Young, I'd even buy you lunch if you help out (Greg - you're on your own [especially after that "chopped liver" comment from a while back]).

We could do it at my parents' house - good driveway, and close to Keenan, for possible reprogramming, or one of your houses, if someone wants to be the hostess with the mostest.

Let me know - I'd like to get these things on at some point.

Vince · 04-02-2002, 05:24 PM

young thanks for the guide. i think i'm gonna order my HID's soon.

tommy · 04-02-2002, 09:33 PM

Young - sounds great. I'll have to call Keenan soon. Do you think they'll remember me from when I bought my crx from them 7 years ago?

03-31-2002, 01:45 AM	#53
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	step 3 has the added advantage of tommy getting the experience that he desired. i find your proposal to be acceptable... let us impose it upon tommy. __________________ Y O U N G

03-31-2002, 02:15 AM	#55
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	i'm still thinking about this. i think if the 2 flanges are flattened, it would be a better fit. and i may tape it up w/ the electrical tape... --- well, after messing around w/ it a little more, flattening the clip's flanges, it didn't really help. that is, the bulb is not totally locked in. and that concerns me a little. it is difficult to pull out but it doesn't lock in like the oem bulb did. if anyone else has an idea, please share. my next idea is to shave off the excess hid bulb base that is off center from the clip's base. __________________ Y O U N G Last edited by young; 03-31-2002 at 01:38 PM.

04-01-2002, 01:46 PM	#56
blueC230K Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: DC Posts: 269 Drives: 2007 E92 335i \| 2002 W210 320 \| 2005 W211 500 \| 2010 C207 350	This is for aftermarket HID owners For those of you who install HIDs----lets say when your alarm goes off, the headlight blinks. Will this kill your HID since it is not a good idea to be on and off frequently???Any comments?? __________________ 2002 W210 avantgarde \| Zam's retro-HID \| 6000K HID Fogs \|Smoke LED Tail lights \| 20% tints \| Evosport UD pulley \| Custom ECU \| Brabus Sport Steering Wheel \| Supersprint Exhaust \| K&N filter \| Eibach Pro-Kit with #2 pads \| 18" ASA ST4 (staggered) \| Alpine HU \| Rotora BBKs 4 pistons (F&R) \| PF Mirrors \| 2005 W211 \| Fully Loaded except Comand \| 2007 E92 \| Fully Loaded \| 2010 C207 \| P2 \| Appearance Pkg \|

04-01-2002, 01:47 PM	#57
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	why is it not good to be on/off frequently? i don't think it matters. __________________ Y O U N G

04-01-2002, 01:59 PM	#58
blueC230K Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: DC Posts: 269 Drives: 2007 E92 335i \| 2002 W210 320 \| 2005 W211 500 \| 2010 C207 350	well, HIDs are not like a halogen light bulb....it takes time to warm up...and if it is on and off simultaneously....it will burn?!! rite? __________________ 2002 W210 avantgarde \| Zam's retro-HID \| 6000K HID Fogs \|Smoke LED Tail lights \| 20% tints \| Evosport UD pulley \| Custom ECU \| Brabus Sport Steering Wheel \| Supersprint Exhaust \| K&N filter \| Eibach Pro-Kit with #2 pads \| 18" ASA ST4 (staggered) \| Alpine HU \| Rotora BBKs 4 pistons (F&R) \| PF Mirrors \| 2005 W211 \| Fully Loaded except Comand \| 2007 E92 \| Fully Loaded \| 2010 C207 \| P2 \| Appearance Pkg \|

04-01-2002, 02:18 PM	#59
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	i really don't think there's anything to worry about. i assume the alarms work similarly in the sedans w/ oem hids. and i also think that these things are meant to last a long long time (3000hours+ 5years+) so again, i'd suspect there is nothing to be concerned with. unless someone who has more knowledge about this stuff corrects me... btw, autolamps confirmed that the insulator bar has no effect on the performance of the hid. i asked them about a group buy but they didn't reply... __________________ Y O U N G

04-01-2002, 05:43 PM	#60
Buellwinkle MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 6,183	The reason it's bad for a filament bulb to be flashed on and off is because of the filament expanding and contracting with heat causes it wear quicker. Bulbs without filaments like LED, Neon, and HID don't have anything like a filament to burn out so they last a lot longer and can be flashed on and off without shortening life. Also they are not as affected by shock and vibration so they last longer in environments that prone to vibration and shock. The fact that they don't reach their maximum brightness would reduce heat and be a benefit.

04-01-2002, 09:36 PM	#61
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	i got it! i got the clips to lock in so it won't slip out. after talking to renncpe a little about it, i attacked it w/ renewed vigor. take off the wheels and the wheel covers... it's worth it for easier access and visibility. using a long screwdriver, carefully massage the clip into the locked position but twisting while pressing the side clips inwards and under the hex bolts. you'll see them when you try to install it. you do not have to flatten the one flange and i didn't further shave off any of the base. it will be off center, but it is ok. the thumb screw/bolt between the low and high beam housings, on top, is indeed the vertical adjustment. i lowered it until i can further refine it probably this weekend. __________________ Y O U N G

04-01-2002, 11:50 PM	#62
greg230 Super Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: bucks county Posts: 579 Drives: black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS	guess what i got..... My stage 2 hid kit arrived via UPS today, all in good working (well looks like) order. instructions are ok, if not a bit scarce on details. But i was charged the correct quoted amount, and the lights arrived in a fairly timely manner. interestingly though, my CC company called me on friday to verify the purchase, i guess i they are just doing their job... or they can spot companies of questionable rep very easily. now all thats left to do is schedual my installation with young, and sit back relax and blind oncoming traffic! __________________ Greg "the butt munch" MB 230 coupe \|black on black auto, c1, c5, c7, k2c, COMAND, Teleaid, Stage II HIDS, Clear Side Markers, CF plate frame Acura GSR \|green retired

04-02-2002, 12:43 AM	#63
WyattEarp Super Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Deerfield Beach, FL Posts: 641 Drives: 2006 MB C230 SS 6spd, Navi	My HID kit also arrived today. Young did you say that the Stage I ballasts are made by Panasonic (matsu**a)? My stage II ballasts are manufactured by Hella, not that I would know the difference. However there is no japanese writing on my ballasts, only german. I wonder which ones did you get greg230 ? __________________ "My Opinion is My Opinion and another person has not easily a right to it" F. Nietzsche 2006 BMW Graphite Sedan, 6spd, Sport Package, Bluetooth, Comfort Access, Heated Seats, Voice Command 2006 MB C230 SS Black on Black, 6spd, Navi Mercedes Benz Owners Gun Club Founding Member**

04-02-2002, 12:51 AM	#64
young MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Earth Posts: 3,600 Drives: C-Sportcoupe; 230K	i got type 2 ballasts (it's 2 pieces...) vs the type 1 ballasts that you ordered (this is not to be confused w/ stage 1 vs stage 2 HIDs). i thought the type 1 ballasts are manufactured by philips but hella is probably the same quality. i know that they had a little difficulty getting the ballasts. either way, since they're warranteed for 5 years, it shouldn't be a problem. i'm glad that people are getting the kits w/ no problems. i don't think hids4less is trying to screw anyone over w/ the kits. just that they are a bit... um... incompetent? but who isn't let me know if you have any questions w/ the installation and i'll try to answer them if i can. and greg, my hands got very dirty... i think it's time that yours did too! so get the tools out and get to work! __________________ Y O U N G

04-02-2002, 03:47 AM	#65
Ramad Newbie Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 9	Question guys? Please excuse my ignorance , but there is a whole set of xenon light for sale, we are talking about the complete stuff, not just the wires and bulbs and .... I was wondering if it would be easier to install than your hid for less, since everyhthing comes together, or I will still have to go thru wiring and all that steps... the headlights again come complete. Thank you

04-02-2002, 01:08 PM	#71
Bos Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kentucky Posts: 248 Drives: 2002 C230K	Here's a detailed picture of the Type I ballast:

04-02-2002, 01:09 PM	#72
Bos Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kentucky Posts: 248 Drives: 2002 C230K	Here's a detailed picture of the Stage II bulb:

04-02-2002, 01:49 PM	#73
tommy MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Westwood, NJ Posts: 6,182 Drives: 2002 C230	I go away for a weekend, and Young and Greg have put me to work already? Greg, do you work for Penndot? Well, here's what I'm thinking right now: I have to drive down to AC on the 19th (Friday) and get my spoiler installed. I could then shoot over to the parents' house in Doylestown for a free dinner and housing. Would either or both of you be able to meet on the 20th for a tupperware party, I mean a group HID install? Young, I'd even buy you lunch if you help out (Greg - you're on your own [especially after that "chopped liver" comment from a while back]). We could do it at my parents' house - good driveway, and close to Keenan, for possible reprogramming, or one of your houses, if someone wants to be the hostess with the mostest. Let me know - I'd like to get these things on at some point. __________________ 2002 Ccoupe, smurfalicious

04-02-2002, 05:24 PM	#74
Vince Super Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Agoura Hills, CA Posts: 570 Drives: C230K	young thanks for the guide. i think i'm gonna order my HID's soon. __________________

04-02-2002, 09:33 PM	#75
tommy MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Westwood, NJ Posts: 6,182 Drives: 2002 C230	Young - sounds great. I'll have to call Keenan soon. Do you think they'll remember me from when I bought my crx from them 7 years ago? __________________ 2002 Ccoupe, smurfalicious

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