HID kit for BMW F10

Blazer · 27-01-2017 8:40pm #1

Just raising this old thread rather than a new one as I want to get a HID kit for my BMW F10..the standard BMW halogen lights have always been crap.
Basically since I travel a lot of dark country roads I want both my high and low beams to be HID..I'm wondering did anyone get this done to their car etc and what their thoughts are on them?

shietpilot · 27-01-2017 9:46pm

Don't use HIDs for the full beam. They take a while to warm up to full output so by the time they give out decent light you will probably have to turn them off. Plus the bulb/ballast will wear very quickly from all the ignition cycles.

grogi · 27-01-2017 10:04pm

Blazer wrote: »

Just raising this old thread rather than a new one as I want to get a HID kit for my BMW F10..the standard BMW halogen lights have always been crap.
Basically since I travel a lot of dark country roads I want both my high and low beams to be HID..I'm wondering did anyone get this done to their car etc and what their thoughts are on them?

Do you have engraved DC or DR on the lights? Or only HC HCR or HC/R? If the latter, don't...

Blazer · 27-01-2017 10:15pm

grogi wrote: »

Do you have engraved DC or DR on the lights? Or only HC HCR or HC/R? If the latter, don't...

I've no idea what any of that is ?

grogi · 27-01-2017 10:22pm

Blazer wrote: »

I've no idea what any of that is ?

It's the approval of the light source in particular light assembly.

Gumbo · 27-01-2017 11:10pm

grogi wrote: »

Do you have engraved DC or DR on the lights? Or only HC HCR or HC/R? If the latter, don't...

He has H7 bulbs

grogi · 27-01-2017 11:41pm

kceire wrote: »

He has H7 bulbs

I know. But sometimes the assembly was approved to be used with both - halogen and hids.

If there is no hid source approval, it is a NCT fail (for a very good reason): https://www.ncts.ie/media/1004/nct-manual-july-2014.pdf, section 30.

mullingar · 27-01-2017 11:51pm

You have x2 choices.

1) Find a scrapper that has a crashed car with the headlights/washers/auto levelling system/loom/ECU etc. Then pay $$ to install them into yours.
2) Change the car.

Gumbo · 28-01-2017 12:31pm

grogi wrote: »

I know. But sometimes the assembly was approved to be used with both - halogen and hids.

If there is no hid source approval, it is a NCT fail (for a very good reason): https://www.ncts.ie/media/1004/nct-manual-july-2014.pdf, section 30.

Hid was an option on the F10 from its release but that makes no difference here. The OP will still fail the NCT with aftermarket HIDS unless there's self levelling system installed and washers fitted.

In the F10, just buy a good set of H7 bulbs or fit the kit and remove for every NCT.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 28-01-2017 9:52pm

kceire wrote: »

Hid was an option on the F10 from its release but that makes no difference here. The OP will still fail the NCT with aftermarket HIDS unless there's self levelling system installed and washers fitted.

In the F10, just buy a good set of H7 bulbs or fit the kit and remove for every NCT.

My last car passed NCT with an aftermarket HID fitted. I had 4300k bulbs and the lights were projectors so there was a nice clean cut off and they were aimed correctly. I actually meant to remove them and fit regular bulbs fit the test but totally forgot. That was less than 12 months ago.

grogi · 28-01-2017 10:20pm

kceire wrote: »

Hid was an option on the F10 from its release but that makes no difference here. The OP will still fail the NCT with aftermarket HIDS unless there's self levelling system installed and washers fitted.

One doesn't need cleaning and auto-levelling if the source gives less than 2000 lm. It is covered by ECE Regulation 48 (http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Vehicle%20Testing/veh_test_pubs/Regulation%2048%20UNECE.pdf)

grogi · 28-01-2017 10:21pm

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

My last car passed NCT with an aftermarket HID fitted. I had 4300k bulbs and the lights were projectors so there was a nice clean cut off and they were aimed correctly. I actually meant to remove them and fit regular bulbs fit the test but totally forgot. That was less than 12 months ago.

What does the type approval of the headlight assembly say? If it is projector headlight, it might be approved for HID too.

Gumbo · 28-01-2017 10:58pm

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

My last car passed NCT with an aftermarket HID fitted. I had 4300k bulbs and the lights were projectors so there was a nice clean cut off and they were aimed correctly. I actually meant to remove them and fit regular bulbs fit the test but totally forgot. That was less than 12 months ago.

Tester probably didn't notice the hid ballasts. Have you got them fixed down and out of sight?

grogi wrote: »

One doesn't need cleaning and auto-levelling if the source gives less than 2000 lm. It is covered by ECE Regulation 48 (http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Vehicle%20Testing/veh_test_pubs/Regulation%2048%20UNECE.pdf)

Link not working, either way, aftermarket hids fail an NCT test once spotted by the tester.

Blazer · 29-01-2017 1:29am

kceire wrote: »

Hid was an option on the F10 from its release but that makes no difference here. The OP will still fail the NCT with aftermarket HIDS unless there's self levelling system installed and washers fitted.

In the F10, just buy a good set of H7 bulbs or fit the kit and remove for every NCT.

It does mention manual levelling if you have the button already for it? I'm assuming that's the light adjustment one?

Gumbo · 29-01-2017 9:03am

Blazer wrote: »

It does mention manual levelling if you have the button already for it? I'm assuming that's the light adjustment one?

That's the adjuster for moving the beam up and down depending on load levels.
In a xenon equipped car, this is done automatically by a levelling sensor on the axel and associated electronics.

The headlight assembly may be the same as the xenon assembly and I think that's what the other poster is getting at, but the internal workings of the headlight, projector etc are different between the halogen and xenon cars.

Blazer · 29-01-2017 10:49am

ok cool..that means for HID kits in my car at least and the E60 which also have the manual button for this is sufficient for HID kits for the NCT.
I'll get I'll get the HID kit for the lows and invest in a high-end bulb for the fulls.
Whatevers in the car at the moment I'd be better off hanging out the window and shining a flashlight up the road

I've always found this with BMWs..If I ever get a new car again Xenon/LEDs will be the priority.

Gumbo · 29-01-2017 12:19pm

Blazer wrote: »

ok cool..that means for HID kits in my car at least and the E60 which also have the manual button for this is sufficient for HID kits for the NCT.
I'll get I'll get the HID kit for the lows and invest in a high-end bulb for the fulls.
Whatevers in the car at the moment I'd be better off hanging out the window and shining a flashlight up the road
I've always found this with BMWs..If I ever get a new car again Xenon/LEDs will be the priority.

No. It will still fail with aftermarket hid kit fitted once the tester spots the chunky aftermarket ballast.

The manual dial is in every car made since I was born, it was in my 98 civic that I bought when I was 18.

Do a google on NCT hid kit fails, it needs headlight washers and auto levelling system. Even the cars with OEM HID like the Integra Type R were getting tried as they have xenons in a reflector housing and don't come with headlight washers. The owners had to get letters from Honda HQ to confirm this, you won't be so lucky as Bmw put the washers in with xenon as standard.

pa990 · 29-01-2017 1:34pm

People got away with aftermarket Xenons for years, but nowadays it's something the NCT are actively looking for.
And without just cause.

Plenty of idiots driving around with HID setups in reflector type housings, and with badly aligned ones in protector housings.

And I won't even get into the stupid pink fogs.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 29-01-2017 2:05pm

kceire wrote: »

Tester probably didn't notice the hid ballasts. Have you got them fixed down and out of sight?

Yeah the ballasts were zip tied to the bumper support under the headlights but the wiring to the battery was clearly visible.

It's a ridiculous rule, the lights I had in my car were far superior to the halogens and not once in my 5 years ownership of that car with the HIDs fitted did I have anyone flash me to suggest they were blinding or poorly aimed. The lights produced good light even when the outer lens was covered in road grime. The problem is that the NCT wrote their stupid rules based on what manufacturers fitted to their cars. If the cars fitted with hid's never had washers then the NCT wouldn't require them either. They're not needed and people have managed without them for decades. Xenon light is actually more piercing than halogen lights and dirt and grime doesn't effect them as much as regular halogen headlights.

bazz26 · 29-01-2017 2:54pm

This is a EU wide ruling so it's not something the NCT just copied for the sake of it or car manufacturers took upon themselves for fun or fashion especially given that auto adjusting headlights and the washer system actually cost manufacturers a lot of money to develop and fit.

And from someone who has factory xenons in my car and does a fair bit of country road driving, I'm glad of the auto adjusting and washer system. Coming over a hill the angle and brightness of the xenon beam can blind oncoming traffic so the auto adjusting system tilts the angle of the beam to follow the road. Also xenon lighting is so strong and clear that any level of dirt on the lense can diminish their effectiveness very quickly so having a powered washer system is necessary unless you like cleaning your headlights before every time you get into your car for a drive.

grogi · 29-01-2017 5:32pm

kceire wrote: »

Tester probably didn't notice the hid ballasts. Have you got them fixed down and out of sight?

Link not working, either way, aftermarket hids fail an NCT test once spotted by the tester.

Fixed the link.

HIDs fail when they are installed in an assembly not approved for this type of source, not because they are aftermarket.

biko · 29-01-2017 5:36pm

Don't drag up old threads OP.

Moved to own thread so people don't start quoting and discussing posts from several years ago.

kirving · 29-01-2017 7:05pm

bazz26 wrote: »

I'm glad of the auto adjusting and washer system. Coming over a hill the angle and brightness of the xenon beam can blind oncoming traffic so the auto adjusting system tilts the angle of the beam to follow the road.

I have factory Xenons too, but I don't think that I have this feature. I thought it only works based on the front/rear ride height in case the car is heavily loaded in the rear. I've never noticed them work as an "active" leveling system when driving.

Blazer · 29-01-2017 7:07pm

balls..well I think my NCT is 2 years away so I could always swap them out.

Gumbo · 29-01-2017 11:44pm

grogi wrote: »

Fixed the link.

HIDs fail when they are installed in an assembly not approved for this type of source, not because they are aftermarket.

NCT don't even check headlight assembly approval. They see aftermarket ballast, it fails full stop.

ironclaw · 30-01-2017 10:42am

Before you go to the expense of fitting HIDs or playing with bulbs that may fail, I'd recommend you try these:

https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/osram-night-breaker-laser-h7-twin

(Use the discount code 'NEWBULB!' for 20% off, ends tomorrow I think)

The Nightbreaker Unlimited bulbs were amazing and I just got a set of these as they are the newest version of them. Can't be faulted, great light, crisp beam and like yourself I'm often on unlit country roads. Its incredible the output they get from them. I've heard the life is a little shorter than a standard bulb but I haven't changed a set yet and they are in all the cars. Literally the best money you can spend on your car.

locha · 30-01-2017 2:11pm

ironclaw wrote: »

Before you go to the expense of fitting HIDs or playing with bulbs that may fail, I'd recommend you try these:

https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/osram-night-breaker-laser-h7-twin

(Use the discount code 'NEWBULB!' for 20% off, ends tomorrow I think)

The Nightbreaker Unlimited bulbs were amazing and I just got a set of these as they are the newest version of them. Can't be faulted, great light, crisp beam and like yourself I'm often on unlit country roads. Its incredible the output they get from them. I've heard the life is a little shorter than a standard bulb but I haven't changed a set yet and they are in all the cars. Literally the best money you can spend on your car.

Are the Osram Night ligts just for the main beam, I a have an F10 and I find it's the dims that are absolutely shocking on it. Any recommendations for dim lights?

pa990 · 30-01-2017 3:02pm

locha wrote: »

Are the Osram Night ligts just for the main beam, I a have an F10 and I find it's the dims that are absolutely shocking on it. Any recommendations for dim lights?

The same size of bulb H7 fits both high and low beam.

locha · 30-01-2017 3:38pm

Thanks @pa990. So I would need 4 bulbs if I wanted to replace the dims and main beams.

ironclaw · 30-01-2017 5:06pm

locha wrote: »

Thanks @pa990. So I would need 4 bulbs if I wanted to replace the dims and main beams.

Yes.

Your manual should tell you along with the PowerBulb website to confirm. The H7 is a single lamp, unlike the H4 which is dips and mains in one.

grogi · 30-01-2017 5:20pm

ironclaw wrote: »

Yes.

Your manual should tell you along with the PowerBulb website to confirm. The H7 is a single lamp, unlike the H4 which is dips and mains in one.

Again, I don't know F10 at all. But the main/dimed might be done by simply moving the cover, especially if they are projector lights.

Blazer · 30-01-2017 6:14pm

grogi wrote: »

Again, I don't know F10 at all. But the main/dimed might be done by simply moving the cover, especially if they are projector lights.

I was reading a review today on the osrams and they got bad ratings for a new product.
The Philips racing h7s get excellent review and I'm gonna put a set of those in my highs with a set of hid in my dims.
Just ordered mine from powerbulbs.,,I've used them before and found very good to ship stuff.

Blazer · 30-01-2017 6:15pm

By the way the f10 is h7 for both high and low beams, the low beams are an absolute bitch to get them as you go through the wheel arch

Gumbo · 30-01-2017 10:38pm

grogi wrote: »

Again, I don't know F10 at all. But the main/dimed might be done by simply moving the cover, especially if they are projector lights.

That only happens in the bi-xenon version.
In the halogen version, there's 2 light assemblies. H7.
Projectors for the dipped beam, reflector for the main beam (flashers).

pa990 · 30-01-2017 11:11pm

F10, halogen.

High beam H7 , via lifting the bonnet
Low beans H7, thru the wheel arch.

PeteK* · 31-01-2017 1:45am

locha wrote: »

Are the Osram Night ligts just for the main beam, I a have an F10 and I find it's the dims that are absolutely shocking on it. Any recommendations for dim lights?

Mine are really really bad. I bought some new bulbs but haven't replaced them yet.

locha wrote: »

Thanks @pa990. So I would need 4 bulbs if I wanted to replace the dims and main beams.

ironclaw wrote: »

Yes.

Your manual should tell you along with the PowerBulb website to confirm. The H7 is a single lamp, unlike the H4 which is dips and mains in one.

I hope I got the right ones, as it's mainly my dipped I want to replace.

I wasn't able to get bi xenon lights retrofitted for some reason.
But apparently if I really really wanted them, they're €2,000 each excluding bulbs and labour! FK BMW!

Blazer · 31-01-2017 11:02am

PeteK* wrote: »

Mine are really really bad. I bought some new bulbs but haven't replaced them yet.

I hope I got the right ones, as it's mainly my dipped I want to replace.

I wasn't able to get bi xenon lights retrofitted for some reason.
But apparently if I really really wanted them, they're €2,000 each excluding bulbs and labour! FK BMW!

I had a crash lately in my e92 which had xenons..one of the lights was a write-off and had to be replaced.
The light itself cost €775 and the ECU for it another €320 so basically €1100 alone just there, then you need to fit washers and autolevelling so the price is just going to skyrocket when retrofitting a new oem set.
Ideally just change the car which is easy to do if you have a 520D. For those of us with a 3L it's not so easy unless you buy new as 3litre F10s are very rare unless you go to the UK.

Blazer · 03-02-2017 9:56pm

fitted the philips racing today to my highs and they seem to make a massive difference.
Lifetime is only around 300hours due the brightness level they push out but that's basically a year.
Next week I'm working late so driving home Monday night will show me the difference they make on dark country roads.

locha · 27-02-2017 10:27pm

Blazer wrote: »

fitted the philips racing today to my highs and they seem to make a massive difference.
Lifetime is only around 300hours due the brightness level they push out but that's basically a year.
Next week I'm working late so driving home Monday night will show me the difference they make on dark country roads.

Blazer, how have you found the Phillips racing? Is there a noticeable difference would you put them on dims as well or would it be a waste of money?

HID kit for BMW F10

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