SWMBO has a 12 plate with reflector headlights, I have seen the post about fitting the HIDs with the cover on them , but has anyone fitted them ?? planning on getting the correct H4 ones from HIDs 4 U

Just don't...

 

A combination of a reflector headlight and a H4 HID will cause glare to other road users,

 

The H4 is the least friendly bulb for conversions as it's dual filament. Every single H4 HID bulb is a compromise as they aren't able to match the original filament position. The cover is a hack and you'll still not have the light source at the original focal point of the headlight.

 

You can see your self by just comparing a H4 filament bulb to some of the conversion kits:

- some are a single HID capsule so you no longer have main/high beam

- some use a mechanical shutter for main/high beam

- some have a second halogen bulb under the HID capsule for the main/high beam

 

None of these are even close to a proper H4 bulb.

 

Oh, there's also the fact the car no longer meets the ECE regs (or older road vehicle lighting regs). Therefore it's not road legal, should fail an MOT or road side check and may invalidate your insurance.

 

If you want more light,:

- make sure the headlights lens/reflectors are in good condition and clean

- use a quality H4 bulbs from a good supplier (plenty of fakes)

- make sure the headlight aim is correct

- use the range adjustment dial where appropriate

- do a proper conversion to factory xenons with sensors/washers

 

Beat me to it (on the MOT and law piece anyway).  The MoT manual section 4.1.4 says this:

 

Quote

Existing halogen headlamp units shouldn’t be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.

 

Besides, I always found the Yeti halogens to be excellent headlights, especially with Osram Nightbreakers in.

Hmm...the pair of Nightbreakers I put in SWMBO's Polo in december 2017 failed within almost exactly 12 months.  Simultaneously as well, which was awkward.  Maybe we were just unlucky, or maybe they were actually fakes?

 

But I'd agree on the inadvisability of trying to DIY HIDs.

 

("HIDS" with an uppercase "S" is the acronym for Host Intrusion Detection System!)

Edited 21 March, 20197 yr by ejstubbs

4 minutes ago, ejstubbs said:

Maybe we were just unlucky, or maybe they were actually fakes?

Not unlucky nor fakes. It is exactly how they are designed to fail. Behind those fancy marketing names and colourful diagrams on the box there is a simple explanation for that extra brightness: higher power at the expense of lamp life.

2 hours ago, ejstubbs said:

Hmm...the pair of Nightbreakers I put in SWMBO's Polo in december 2017 failed within almost exactly 12 months.  Simultaneously as well, which was awkward.  Maybe we were just unlucky, or maybe they were actually fakes?

I initially used Nightbreakers on my Octy Scout, and found their lifespan was approximately 12 months. Even if they didn't fail together I would replace both, as when one failed the other would fail shortly. These bulbs were all bought via major retailers, and if I remember correctly, it actually states on the packaging increase performance/brightness is at the expense of longevity. 

 

For the last 5 or 6 years I've stuck with bog standard which appear to last at least 3 years. 

If you dig around you can find datasheets on the likes of Nightbreakers, which state the average life expectancy. It isn't long.

Edited 21 March, 20197 yr by muddyboots

10 hours ago, muddyboots said:

If you dig around you can find datasheets on the likes of Nightbreakers, which state the average life expectancy. It isn't long.

MTBF is around 150 hours IIRC.

 

I fitted Nightbreakers to all my halogen equipped cars and always found the reduced longevity more than compensated for by the vastly improved light output