Upgrading Headlights to HIDs - will this work?

[ScubaBongo]

Guys,

After a trip to Darkest West Wales (small lanes, very little lighting) I'm considering upgrading my headlights. One option is to fit fogs (either the 'Ring' ones or OEM from a scrappy) other option is to fit retro-fit HIDs.

Anyone like to comment on whether these would work?

H4 HID kit

Not cheap, works out at £110 delivered (but cheaperthan OEM fogs on Ebay!! Ebay Fogs).

How hard are the Ring fogs to fit if you have a non-fogs Bongo? (and I can't see a loom hanging around either... )

Cheers

SB

[francophile1947]

Might be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that HID headlamps have to be self-levelling

[dave_aber]

My son has been using a set of single HID's on his Hilux for a while now - until i found out that they are single bulb only - i.e. Dip and no main beam.

He has just swapped to a set of these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-BI-XENON-BIXE ... 286.c0.m14, bought second hand for £30.

However, these are HID dip, and 'normal' main. So, although the main beam is the long range shape, it is not as bright as the dip.

The dip beam (and the older single bulb ones) is excellent though. You hardly need the main beam in all honesty.

If you can find a set that are HID/HID (There will be 4 ballast units in this sort of kit) you will be on to a winner.

(Edit - in fact, like these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-H4-4-4-3K-Bi- ... 286.c0.m14)

[mikeonb4c]

If you've got, or can get, a pair of Fender Defender Bars (some call them bullbars - yuk!) fitted on which to mount a pair of 100W spotlights (quite cheaply obtained off ebay but go for stainless steel instead of chrome if poss though by vaselining by chrome ones they are no longer getting rust spots) wired to work with main beam only, then Mister Munkey and I can confirm they provide a dream solution to the problem. You also get fender protection and a comfy padded seat on which to sit and admire the view when parked up with your beloved

[mikexgough]

Might be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that HID headlamps have to be self-levelling

I think that your right to be road legal................

[dave_aber]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electron ... n-kit.html

Looks like this guy has done a lot of research, and here is the (bad!) news.....

[nelshaun]

My son has been using a set of single HID's on his Hilux for a while now - until i found out that they are single bulb only - i.e. Dip and no main beam.

He has just swapped to a set of these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-BI-XENON-BIXE ... e&_trksid=Headlight, bought second hand for £30.

too bad I'm currently looking for this! and you only got it for 30 bucks. if you guys have this can you please pm me...

[helen&tony]

Hi
Not only do I seem to remember, along with John and Mike, that they have to be self-levelling, but I believe they have to have headlamp washers as well.
The headlights on the Bongo aren't too bad if they're clean, and the lenses aren't coated or have tint film on them. Some cars I've had have had poor lights which need regular cleaning...I had a Jag which seemed to get dimmer as you drove...no imagination, and a quick wipe of the lamps rendered the light output back to perfection...maybe that'll help on the Bongo....personally, i don't see a problem....and there ain't no street lighting here outside town...or any white lines!!!!!
Cheers
Helen

[dave_aber]

Further update on this. To be legal, HIDs do have to be self-levelling, and also need to have a washer system. Technically, these should be pretty poor, as the lenses & reflectors are designed to work with filament bulbs, which generate the light at a small point, and the HIDs are effectively a 'glowing stick'.

However, I have a set of dippable HIDs on my Bongo now, and they are good. My son has them on a boy-racer machine (Starlet Turbo) and gets stopped every so often for having "Illegal Headlights", so the local law are aware of the fact that old cars with modern HID lamps are probably not compliant.

I've never been stopped though. To be honest, his car is a bit of a police magnet.

I have not tried to pass a MOT with them though.