Swap halogen headlights for xenon??

[dangerousdt]

Hey guys and gals,

Proud owner of '98 NB TDI with 223k miles and counting =)

I'm really wanting better lights. I'm considering one of the following: get xenons from a newer model and swap out for my stock halogens or purchase xenon kit.

I've read mixed reviews on the kits, but haven't found anything on being able to swap newer headlights. Is this possible??

Thanks,

David

[Opelmania]

You can swap out the OEM E-code lights but be prepared for a big bill! Those lights aren't cheap. The best price I've seen was on here for $500 for a brand new set. I used a slim kit from DDM Tuning. Here is the website. HID Kits, BMW Aftermarket Bumpers & Lighting, DEPO - DDM Tuning I used the 35W 5000K kit and love it. No problems what-so-ever. Don't bother with any relay harness or anything else. I bought the relay harness and it didn't fire up the lights. Unplugged that and they've worked just fine since.

[IndyTom]

I have an aftermarket kit from HIDExtra. Their slim ballasts fit perfectly into the little cubby holes on the inside fender. I am not a 100% sure about the quality of their ballasts since they look kinda cheap and aren't very heavy. My lights flicker when I first turn them on but after they warm up they are steady. I have the 5000K as well and I think they are okay but still a bit too bluish for my taste. Perhaps I will upgrade to some higher quality 4300 or 4500k kit sometime down the line.
Installation is pretty much straight forward and pretty easy. Don't go 8000k or above. That just looks too ricey in my opinion. If you want blue don't go higher than 6000k. Anything more and you get less light output and it just doesn't look good.