XSeries-forum

hello everyone
i was searching for an HID kit for my fog lights and came across 75W HID kits which is supposed to be the brightest HID kit available in the market.has anyone used or seen these? are they road legal in UK if i were to replace my oem hid headlights with these? price i've seen from states is $89 free shipping which comes out to 50-55 quid so i don't think it is a bad pricing if they are as bright as they claim. any info would be appreciated.

That's easy - according to the DfT HID conversions aren't legal.

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/d ... lamps.html

I fitted HID's to my 06 3.0d a couple of years ago, and it's gone through 2 MOT's both at Sytner BMW where I purchased the car from without any problems or questions being raised, and that's with 6000k bulbs fitted.

Headlights - Unless you have met the full installation requirements for HID installations - washers and auto-levelling included - you may fail the MoT next time around. Changes to this are part of the new MoT checks from 01/01/2012. Until that date, they are not subject to the checks, other than for glare and aim.

Hard info is difficult to come by at present as DfT have only just started issuing instructions to MoT Centres, but certainly that was what the tester at my local station was telling me he expected to happen from January when I was there last weekend. He intimated that the checks were for the right type of lamp unit for HID (some kind of E marking?), right colour temp plus mandated fitment of washers and auto-levelling systems as per the Euro regs. I can see people changing the bulbs to get through the MoT and then switching back afterwards - just like they do with numberplates - if you can't find a 'friendly MoT Inspector of course

Section 1.7 of the 2012 Manual says:
Check: Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are fitted, switch on the headlamps and check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted.
(It doesn't say they MUST be fitted though - odd! The regs (ECE 48 & 98) though do clearly state they must be present and working)
Fail: A headlamp levelling or cleaning device inoperative or otherwise obviously defective.
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Found this on another search...........

4.1.4 Compliance with requirements:
(a) Lamp, emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements
(b) Products on lens or light source which obviously reduce light intensity or change emitted colour
(c) Light source and lamp not compatible

4.1.5. Levelling devices (where mandatory):
(a) Device not operating.
(b) Manual device cannot be operated from driver’s seat.

4.1.6 Headlamp cleaning device (where mandatory):
Device not operating.
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Current UK Regs state: Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

No idea about front fog lights as they are not subject to the same regs, being auxiliary lighting. I think they just have to work, and not cause excess glare.

I can see this being a right mess until someone with the aftermarket kit has been through and either passes or fails, but given the 'consistency' of MoT Testers that could be an interesting challenge in itself..

Mine already have the HID, auto leveling and cleaning system. My question was if the brighter 75w would be an issue. Currently i have the 35W 4300K hid kit on.thank you on the regs though cause i actually have an A class merc with Hids as well and it doesnt have the auto leveling or the cleaning system. I might have convert it back to halogen if fails MOT

Oh i also had hid kit on my p reg 540i and never failed mot before but it also was the 35w kit

[quote=""kkodal78""]Mine already have the HID, auto leveling and cleaning system. My question was if the brighter 75w would be an issue. Currently i have the 35W 4300K hid kit on.thank you on the regs though cause i actually have an A class merc with Hids as well and it doesnt have the auto leveling or the cleaning system. I might have convert it back to halogen if fails MOT[/quote]

I can only see glare being a possible issue, but until you get the lights, you won't know. Still, be a nice set of aircraft landing lights.....

[quote=""kkodal78""]Oh i also had hid kit on my p reg 540i and never failed mot before but it also was the 35w kit[/quote]

New regs don't apply to the MoT until January. HIDs not currently tested - hence you passing.

Personally I would save myself the potential of future MOT hassles & concerns re retro HID.

The following clicky will give some plug & play choices for a whiter/bluer look thought dont expect a fantastic beam pattern from those lamp housings.

Note the Diamond Vision bulbs are technically illegal in uk though I doubt you would find anyone removing same to look for an "e" approval mark either at roadside or in an MOT station.

Also perhaps consider any heat or wiring loading issues if fitting hotter or more powerful bulbs.

In USA many use Hoen Xenon match or similar. I cant comment on same but I have read mixed reports & some alleged comments re lifespan issues.

I use diamond vision 5000k in my full beam, they match my factory xenons perfectly. What makes them illegal out of interest?

The Kelvin rating &/or higher wattage fall outside of EU regulations & thus the bulbs do not qualify for the relevant E stamp as awarded & visible on compiant bulbs.

I think the Kelvin Rating for E stamping is 4300k but I may be wrong. Max wattage always used to be 55w.

The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.


this seems twaddle...the 4300k 35watt hids I have on my projector facelift are PIN sharp.....razor edge cut-off. Not once have I been flashed, this seems aimed (ironic) at NORMAL non projector lights IMO

this is interesting too

4.1.5. Levelling devices (where mandatory):
(a) Device not operating.
(b) Manual device cannot be operated from driver’s seat


well mine doesn't auto level but it DOES have a wheel that tips them up and down (covers a and b IMO) and the rear of the car has airbags thhat level too

It passed this year and I'll swap the bulbs next year if it comes to that....either that or stealth the install

i think i am ordering the 75W kit to test it and see if goes thru next mot with any issues. i'll update with pics when i get them.

out of interest seen them diamond vision, look nice what fittment are all the front lights eg, main beam, dipped and fogs

Dip beam is d2s main beam is H7 and fogs are H3 if am not mistaken