25 replies to this topic

[shabir]

hi guys, im thinking of fitting HID lights on to my 87 mini. Was wondering were people have put the ballasts when fitting them to a mini. I know there simple to fit as I have fitted them to my other toys. Also would the light bowls need any modifications, if anyone has any pictures of them fitted that would be great.

[Alex_B]

You are aware you will have an issue when taking the car for an MOT, to use HID headlights you need an auto leveller system and washer system.

and I would imagine fitting the ballast behind the lamp on the inner wing under the front wing.

[shabir]

i was not aware of this, and i have not had an issue with my other cars, neither of the other cars have an auto leveller or washer system, maybe its not been noticed as they are not the hint of blue lights.

[Alex_B]

It has been in force since the MOT changes in january I think it was

[minispaniard]

hid lights should be directly banned on every car including modern ones... they are annoying, dangerous for oncoming drivers (like me) and not needed at all!

[shabir]

that could be why ive not had a problem yet!!, both my other cars passed last year!! and i find HID lights to be very good aslong as they have been adjusted to hit the road and not blind people in front.

[Alex_B]

Well thats just it, the reason the regulations came in is because they are dangerous if not correctly adjustable and clean, the nature of the light means that if they arnt properly aimed they dazzle oncoming traffic and dirt can diffuse the light in the same way, but when properly fitted as on cars fitted from the factory they are fine, just because they are a bit brighter than other lights hasnt made them unsafe when fitted correctly

[Artful Dodger]

Don't bother with HiDs. Just fit some upgraded bulbs in the lights. More than enough for the little mini

[shabir]

yh i get what you mean, they are a pain when people haven't got them adjusted right, had that problem on the way home today. i just find the lights in my mini are useless, and as im using her early morning in the dark and coming back home in the dark, thought HID would be the right way.

Guess i may have to remove them from one of my cars, the BMW will have headlight wash wipe, and auto levellers when shes back on road, so them ones can stay :)

[minispaniard]

either I'm getting old and my eyes more sensitive or most of these lights are badly adjusted...

I still think they are not needed and if you really need them you shouldn't be driving.

[minispaniard]

yh i get what you mean, they are a pain when people haven't got them adjusted right, had that problem on the way home today. i just find the lights in my mini are useless, and as im using her early morning in the dark and coming back home in the dark, thought HID would be the right way.

Guess i may have to remove them from one of my cars, the BMW will have headlight wash wipe, and auto levellers when shes back on road, so them ones can stay :)

are you driving on sealed beams? your best bet is upgrade to halogen headlamps.

[Alex_B]

the reason HID are regarded as safer is because they are a much more natural light, its white apposed to normal yellow headlamps, it makes the road ahead clearer and also the lamps very rarely need changing in the life of the vehicle, and when on full beam my mums BINI you can see for miles literally it lights up the whole road ahead in a 120 degree fan

[shabir]

i dont know what beams are in there at the moment, its got the super white halogen lights in there but they just seem rubbish to me, could just be as ive been driving with HID's. At 1st i thought they needed adjusting but when i took her for a MOT the guy said they were fine

[ace01]

Very definitely a fail on the MOT without levellers and wash. Try the Osram night breaker plus, I use these on both my cars and they are superb.

[shabir]

Was really hoping to get HID's fitted, but dont want to have a run in with the men in blue.