Hey everybody, I was wondering if anybody has installed this kit and if so, how bad is it to do? I'm not an electrical genius by any means but would really prefer to put in a HID conversion rather than Silverstar's because of the fact it's just over $100 so not that much more than just doing the bulbs and I'd get a much better light output. If anybody has any experience with this set as well as whether to go with the 35w vs. 55w along with the temperature (I'm thinking 6000k but have had a hard time finding legal limits). Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

Well technically, no headlight conversion is legal. Putting HID's in a housing that is designed for halogens will not produce the same controlled output as one that is designed for HID bulbs, but there is an improvement for sure.
Most will do the conversion andget away with it.
That said, you are less likely to get caught using a 35w kit w/a Kelvin color range of less than 8000k... <6000 to be on the safe side. The advantage to the lower colored bulbs is also a better output (lumens) and therefore more usable light. Personally, I wouldn"t go any higher than 6000k with a 35w kit.
If you go w/the 55w kit as I would like to, keep in mind that the greater output washes out the color more, so if you were considering a 5000k kit, go w/a 6000k instead to compromise.
Also keep in mind that 4300k is considered OE.
Most of these kits are plug "n" play so they are easy to install and Apexcone is among the best. From my understanding the hardest part is locating the ballasts.
In the 3 series, there is that frustrating clip on the low (H7) beam too, and for some unknown reason Mazda uses a spacer between the bulb and the housing that must be replaced w/a dummy spacer of some sort, or the bulb will simply flop around in the housing. If the kit does not come with one, I have seen some that modified (destroyed) the factory unit, while others have cut their own out of rubber sink drain plugs.
Here is a link that I have found very informative and helpful. He is an expert in the field, but does not recommend converting (yeah, right.) None the less, there is very good information to be had on this site.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

 

Thanks for the detailed reply. I read some about the legal issues as well so was starting to back away from doing the upgrade and just sticking with Silverstars just wasn't sure what the census was on the actual upgrade. Thanks again, I really appreciate it! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Thanks! And yes, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too!

Ha!! If after reading the link I posted you think Daniel Stern doesn"t like HID conversions, you should read how he feels about "those blue bulbs!"
I would still do the conversion if I were you. Many have and say it is a big improvement. Besides, Silverstars are said to burn out after only a couple of months... Stern says to expect that too. (Overdriving the filiment to compensate for the blue filter.)