| Author |
Message |
Guest
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 Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:42 pm Post subject:
Xenon headlights |
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Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
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TonyK
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:05 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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<akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
| Quote: | Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
|
ISTR very expensive. |
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nick smith
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:51 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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"TonyK" <Aenuff@bobsplace.org> wrote in message
news:31aol3F37etj4U1@individual.net...
| Quote: |
akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
ISTR very expensive.
|
In UK its about £500 and a bit of hassle - you can make significant
improvements with Osram silver star or Philips Vision plus for about £20 or £40
if you have four headlights.... Then power them through relays wired with
thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
Nick
Nick
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Ramone Cila
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:50 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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<akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
| Quote: | Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
|
I don't know how hard or how expensive, since I have only had them on new
cars, but they are an incredible driving and safety asset. Truly remarkable,
particularly for people who suffer any type or degree of night blindness,
but better for all in every way.
And on another note: while it seems to escape the attention of most people,
the active headlights are really remarkable. It is amazing what a few
degrees of directed illumination does on a dark road. I love 'em, I don't
know that I would ever consider another *new* car that wasn't fitted with
active zenons. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:07 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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|
In article <rrYrd.93$i07.23@newsfe4-gui.ntli.net>,
nick smith <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote:
| Quote: | In UK its about £500 and a bit of hassle - you can make significant
improvements with Osram silver star or Philips Vision plus for about £20
or £40 if you have four headlights....
|
Yes. And simply replacing older bulbs can make a significant difference -
they seem to age quite badly.
| Quote: | Then power them through relays
wired with thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
|
I'd measure the voltage drop first before going to that trouble.
--
*On the seventh day He brewed beer *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:09 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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In article <g2m1r0ddm4g8n92pp818mvifgbmjlunh52@4ax.com>,
E.R. <red_starinfrench@email.kom> wrote:
| Quote: | :Are you suggesting that if I cut into the Low Beam wire and add a relay
:that gets power directly from the battery using heavier wires, then my
:lights can be even brighter?
|
First thing to do is to measure the voltage drop accurately. It may not be
significant. Check the earthy side too.
--
*Letting a cat out of the bag is easier than putting it back in *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:26 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:rrYrd.93$i07.23@newsfe4-gui.ntli.net...
| Quote: |
"TonyK" <Aenuff@bobsplace.org> wrote in message
news:31aol3F37etj4U1@individual.net...
akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
ISTR very expensive.
In UK its about £500 and a bit of hassle - you can make significant
improvements with Osram silver star or Philips Vision plus for about £20
or £40
if you have four headlights.... Then power them through relays wired with
thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
|
I put SilverStars in my car, and I did not have to do anything to the
wiring. They are a direct replacement for the halogen lamps that came out.
They don't draw any more current, and certainly not enough more current to
stress the wires. I spent close to $100 (USD) for 4 lamps, and that was
tough to explain to the Mrs.; lights for my car are more than double the
cost of lights for her car. |
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nick smith
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:10 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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|
"Jeff Strickland" <spamcatcher@yahoo.net> wrote in message
news:10r18qfsnegafa2@corp.supernews.com...
| Quote: |
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:rrYrd.93$i07.23@newsfe4-gui.ntli.net...
"TonyK" <Aenuff@bobsplace.org> wrote in message
news:31aol3F37etj4U1@individual.net...
akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
ISTR very expensive.
In UK its about £500 and a bit of hassle - you can make significant
improvements with Osram silver star or Philips Vision plus for about £20
or £40
if you have four headlights.... Then power them through relays wired with
thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
I put SilverStars in my car, and I did not have to do anything to the
wiring. They are a direct replacement for the halogen lamps that came out.
They don't draw any more current, and certainly not enough more current to
stress the wires. I spent close to $100 (USD) for 4 lamps, and that was
tough to explain to the Mrs.; lights for my car are more than double the
cost of lights for her car.
|
Agreed - you don't HAVE to but typically there is a volt, sometimes more, of
drop in the wiring, switches etc built in as stock, which makes the bulbs not
as bright as they could be. A volt makes a LOT of difference in 12 ! The light
becomes brighter and whiter, all for no extra load !
Nick |
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:49 pm Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:R_1sd.184$IN6.169@newsfe5-win.ntli.net...
| Quote: |
"Jeff Strickland" <spamcatcher@yahoo.net> wrote in message
news:10r18qfsnegafa2@corp.supernews.com...
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:rrYrd.93$i07.23@newsfe4-gui.ntli.net...
"TonyK" <Aenuff@bobsplace.org> wrote in message
news:31aol3F37etj4U1@individual.net...
akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory
headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
ISTR very expensive.
In UK its about £500 and a bit of hassle - you can make significant
improvements with Osram silver star or Philips Vision plus for about
£20
or £40
if you have four headlights.... Then power them through relays wired
with
thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
I put SilverStars in my car, and I did not have to do anything to the
wiring. They are a direct replacement for the halogen lamps that came
out.
They don't draw any more current, and certainly not enough more current
to
stress the wires. I spent close to $100 (USD) for 4 lamps, and that was
tough to explain to the Mrs.; lights for my car are more than double the
cost of lights for her car.
Agreed - you don't HAVE to but typically there is a volt, sometimes more,
of
drop in the wiring, switches etc built in as stock, which makes the bulbs
not
as bright as they could be. A volt makes a LOT of difference in 12 ! The
light
becomes brighter and whiter, all for no extra load !
Nick
Are you suggesting that if I cut into the Low Beam wire and add a relay that |
gets power directly from the battery using heavier wires, then my lights can
be even brighter? |
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Randolph
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 12:08 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
Jeff Strickland wrote:
| Quote: |
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
if you have four headlights.... Then power them through relays wired with
thick cable so full volts reach the filaments.
I put SilverStars in my car, and I did not have to do anything to the
wiring. They are a direct replacement for the halogen lamps that came out.
They don't draw any more current, and certainly not enough more current to
stress the wires.
|
You are right that the SilverStars draw the same current as standard
bulbs. I think Nick meant to say that using relays is an additional
upgrade that can be done to improve lighting. I do not know how the
wiring is done on a 2001 325ci, but on many cars the entire current for
the headlights go through the headlights switch and meters of wire. The
result is a significant voltage drop before the current reaches the
light bulb. A 10% reduction in voltage results in about a 21% drop in
power at the bulb.
Adding relays to provide power directly from the battery (using the
factory switch to power the relay coils only) can increase the voltage
at the bulb. I did this upgrade to a German car from a somewhat less
prestigious maker, and the improvement was dramatic. Then again, perhaps
BMW already puts relays in the circuit. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:14 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
In article <v66sd.754$p4.734@newsfe4-win.ntli.net>,
nick smith <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote:
| Quote: | i.e. don't skimp on the spec. 30A relays and THICK cabling - I use
cabling rated at 50 amps - its only about 4 mm O.D. or so, and wire from
the nearest High Current post.
|
And don't forget a suitable fuse as close to the pickup point as possible,
if coming off a high current rail. Also make sure the cable is well
secured with ties at regular intervals and can't chafe through anywhere by
using grommets etc.
Making a decent fist of car wiring is like anything else - a skill, and
shouldn't be bodged. Fires start that way. ;-)
--
*Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard? *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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bfd
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:20 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:R_1sd.184$IN6.169@newsfe5-win.ntli.net...
| Quote: |
"Jeff Strickland" <spamcatcher@yahoo.net> wrote in message
news:10r18qfsnegafa2@corp.supernews.com...
"nick smith" <NickS@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:rrYrd.93$i07.23@newsfe4-gui.ntli.net...
"TonyK" <Aenuff@bobsplace.org> wrote in message
news:31aol3F37etj4U1@individual.net...
akap1@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1102059476.4efhaRFtPsjb/xYmNpLRNA@ultrafeed...
Does anyone know how hard is it to change out the factory
headlights
for Xenons?
I have a 2001 325ci.
Thanks for any help.
ISTR very expensive.
This is true for upgrading to factory xenon lights. If the original owner |
had purchased xenon lights as a factory option when he bought the car, the
xenon lights with the self-adjusting mechanism, it would have *only* cost
like $750, a relative bargain.... |
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E.R.
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:19 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
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|
In a previous posting, "Jeff Strickland" <spamcatcher@yahoo.net>
had the audacity to say:
:Are you suggesting that if I cut into the Low Beam wire and add a relay that
:gets power directly from the battery using heavier wires, then my lights can
:be even brighter?
Yup.
Should be plenty of (correct, useful, informative) information
on this at www.danielsternlighting.com
--
E.R. aka SJG aka Ricardo
present location: vancouver bc canada
refugee from the european union's evil bureaucracy |
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E.R.
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:20 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
In a previous posting, "Ramone Cila" <dontw@nt.spam> had the
audacity to say:
:And on another note: while it seems to escape the attention of most people,
:the active headlights are really remarkable. It is amazing what a few
:degrees of directed illumination does on a dark road. I love 'em, I don't
:know that I would ever consider another *new* car that wasn't fitted with
:active zenons.
That's half the problem with getting spoiled. ;}
--
E.R. aka SJG aka Ricardo
present location: vancouver bc canada
refugee from the european union's evil bureaucracy |
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nick smith
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Dec 04, 2004 3:52 am Post subject:
Re: Xenon headlights |
|
|
| Quote: |
Agreed - you don't HAVE to but typically there is a volt, sometimes more,
of
drop in the wiring, switches etc built in as stock, which makes the bulbs
not
as bright as they could be. A volt makes a LOT of difference in 12 ! The
light
becomes brighter and whiter, all for no extra load !
Nick
Are you suggesting that if I cut into the Low Beam wire and add a relay that
gets power directly from the battery using heavier wires, then my lights can
be even brighter?
|
Yes ! - but only if the existing wiring/system is dropping any significant
voltage (likely)
and what you replace it with is better - i.e. don't skimp on the
spec. 30A relays and
THICK cabling - I use cabling rated at 50 amps - its only about 4
mm O.D. or so,
and wire from the nearest High Current post.
Before you start though, measure the volts at the back of the bulbs and
compare with
volts at the battery - there's little to be gained if there's little
being lost !
Nick |
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