Hid's Are In!

[kix gas]

I ordered a kit from ebay that has the slim ballasts. I went with 6K. The install took a couple of hours because the release levers didn't want to cooperate.

Nothing earth shattering here as far as being different than anyone else that has done this mod. However, I did want to give a review about how well this setup works vs. oem xenons.

The biggest concern to the nay sayers is that non factory HID's are dangerous to other drivers. I agree with that statement 100%. However, with the NB's application, our cars utilize a projector style low beam identical in size, dioptric power, and segment to what's used on oem audi's and BMW's. Don't get me wrong here, the two other mentioned makes use a better quality lens on their HID set ups, especially in regard to lens material/ clarity. But for this application, I'm really impressed with the outcome.

I'm going to post a comparison pic of my NB vs. my brother's 335XI. I think that the BMW's cut off will look a LITTLE bit nicer, but not that much different.

All in all, I'm really happy with how well this mod works and the results. The addition to this mod is that I'm going to add HID to the high beams as well. That will have the potential to be VERY dangerous if pointed at an on coming car, but for going down country roads that are infested with deer, I'll trust that my reflexes are quick enough for turning off the highs if an oncoming vehichle come over the horizon.

I'll try to get some comparison pics tonight.

[noR]

Something else you might want to consider; is that newer NB's have a different' layout for their High-beam.
I noticed on my friends' ... '05? that the highbeam is recessed, while on my '00 it's very exposed.

I don't use HID's and I can light up the trees when I go down tree-covered roads. Like, straight up, look out the sunroof, light.

[kix gas]

You're absolutely correct. The bulb is out there in the open. My halogen is the same way... it lights up everthing in front of the car. I really think the hid would be fantastic for visability on the dark country roads when nobody esle is around. I'm going to find out.

[kix gas]

I took some pics yesterday evening. It was just getting dusk outside so I thought that was a good time for pics because afterdark would just show up as glare.

First, here's what it looks like from the front.


Another view. I have to admit, they look really nice, not ricey at all. More stock. These are 6000K temp. 4300K probably would look a little too stock.


For the doubters, I used my brother's STS-V for comparison. This pic doesn't show the similarities as well as I wanted now that I look, but in person there wasn't that much difference from this angle.


This pic shows the cut off of light. I can tell you that it's much more dramatic in the dark.


Now for the money shot... here's a side by side comparison of this mod vs. oem. Trust me when I tell you, the only difference in person was the color temp of the bulbs. 6000K vs. 4300K


I hope this helps anyone considering this mod on their beetle. I think this is worth repeating though: THIS MOD ONLY WORKS SO WELL BECAUSE OF OUR PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS! In no way would I ever advocate HID's in stock reflector headlamps.

Chris

[gilligan]

Looks good bud.

[SMG]

Wow, that looks REALLY good. The beam pattern on the garage door is spot-on.

I'll have to pick up a drop in kit asap.

[ecuabuggy]

i actually have hid kits in both my fogs and in my headlamps

[miffmole]

I've never been certain, but what's the difference between HIDs and "headlight with gas discharge lamp for driving on the right (US design)," as noted in my car data. They also have the bluish tint to to them, and have the appearance of the light being "thrown" when turned on.

[miffmole]

Anyone?

[macdave]

Originally Posted by miffmole

Anyone?

You have the factory HID's. The little circles in the bumper in front of the headlights are the washers. Also there is no separate high beam lamp. Your high beam is controlled by a movable shutter in the projector. This is a far better setup as it actually gives you a brighter high beam and is not just cosmetic like the other mods.

[miffmole]

Thanks for that info, macdave. I appreciate that. I was never really sure.
Are these type lights expensive to replace? That's one reason I installed a Euroswitch and disabled the DRLs, because I assumed it would prolong their life. A very faint headlight still comes on with the middle position of the Euroswitch. Do you know what that is?
Thank you,
Kenny