HID kits - opinions needed

[IceKaiser]

One of my stock ballasts is failing, so it's time to replace the headlights. Apparently one had already failed because the left side already has an aftermarket ballast. But I want to really do this right. Which means I DON'T just want to go to the Audi dealer and buy a new one. My theory is, these stock ballasts failed within 6 years, and that's not acceptable. So I was wondering if I could get your 2¢ - especially the lighting gurus - on a replacement/upgrade kit. As I said, I'm more concerned about max output and max quality. I've read a bit about Philips kits, and they look nice, but couldn't find any reviews. I would sincerely appreciate your input.

-Stephen

[Rated S]

McCullins I've heard are really good quality HID kits.

I personally run VVME hit kits in my fog lights and have been working for over a year plowing through rain and puddles with the ballast right behind the lower grills.

[IceKaiser]

Bump. Nobody? Philips? Does this mean everyone is using some "made in China" pos?

[b5s4tt]

go on ebay and source the same units you have to fit back in. or i went with 55watt hids from apexone. im very imressed

[IceKaiser]

How can you identify the wattage?

[BastardS4]

running the retro solutions kit.

with DRLs disabled ive had zero issues.

[infinkc]

I just picked up a set of slim 55w hid ballasts/ bulbs think the apex brand. They carry a lifetime waranty so I'm going to give them a shot. Will install this weekend so I'll let you know how they turn out. The company old me test bulbs are designed for either 35 or 55 it's the ballast that determines the output

[JDM EJ1 95]

pick up a set of DDM HID's

www.ddmtuning.com

i have had multiple sets and friends have them as well

very very very small ballasts (size of a razor phone)

and very quality kit with lifetime warranty

and under 150 dollars to boot.

[IceKaiser]

Wow, that is hella cheap. Part of me wants to try one of those kits just because they're so inexpensive. Worst case scenario, if they are cheap crap, I'm only out a couple hundred bones. It's starting to looklike the 55w kits are really brighter, but there doesn't seem to be a "reputable" (Philips, Hella etc.) company making them. Also, I'm curious about the effects of the higher heat on the inside of the projector. If anyone has knowledge about that, I'm all ears.

Oooh! And I just saw HID fogs. What would that entail? That's of great importance to me as well, since I would like as much light as possible when driving in a blizzard on a two-lane mountain road. You call them fog lights, I call them snow lights.

[DEB5S4]

www.xenonpros.com they stock mccuhllic (sp) units which are top notch. They are pretty reasonably priced too.

[Daft]

The issue is that the OEM ones were made by Valeo and they are very small so that they will fit into the bottom of the headlights. You can get a set of Hella LVQ-212 D2S ballasts (about $100 ea) but, you will have to create a path to run the bulb harness to the bulb and then a suitable location for the ballast. There are smaller Hella ballasts out there but, the Gen4 and Gen5 models are primarily made for D1 bulbs only. I really never see them for D2 bulbs.

[IceKaiser]

Thanks Daft, that's one of the things I wanted to know. Thanks as well to Deb - that's the sight I was planning on getting the Philips kit from. But I've read about a problem - a warning light - that sometimes comes on when using the Philips kit. I really wish I could see a comparison of the Philips kit vs. one of those 55w kits.

[Daft]

Unforunately, 55w kits are not known for longevity. They are usually a 35W with some mods to crank output up to 55W. This eventually leads to ballast death after months of use.

Conveniently, most of the places that sell them to you are long gone by then.

[JDM EJ1 95]

ive been running mine on my bike for months now with no issues.. my buddy had has his for over a year as well... and like i said the DDM ones carry a lifetime warranty on everything.. including bulbs.. so even if you do have an issue they are really good about honoring warranty

the ballasts are small enough to fit in the stock location.


real good kits.

Wow, that is hella cheap. Part of me wants to try one of those kits just because they're so inexpensive. Worst case scenario, if they are cheap crap, I'm only out a couple hundred bones. It's starting to looklike the 55w kits are really brighter, but there doesn't seem to be a "reputable" (Philips, Hella etc.) company making them. Also, I'm curious about the effects of the higher heat on the inside of the projector. If anyone has knowledge about that, I'm all ears.

Oooh! And I just saw HID fogs. What would that entail? That's of great importance to me as well, since I would like as much light as possible when driving in a blizzard on a two-lane mountain road. You call them fog lights, I call them snow lights.

[SpoolPastYou]

honestly some things just work off of ebay...i didnt believe but i have at least 5 people i can think running the 8000k 3000k fogs and only one had a ballast burnt out n the company sent him a new one for 10bucks and has been fine ever since..i ordered my 8000's last night :o)

[b5s4tt]

JDM EJ1 95: i have the ddm/apex 55watt 4500k kit and its great and bright as well. here is the cellphone pic

[xraycer2012]

We've got a group buy going through Autobahn Exotics. Quality lights and they have a lifetime warrenty. Here's the link if your interested.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229810

[JD797]

quick couple of Q's: the kit from DDM tuning would cover both headlights or both foglights correct? And what do you guys tend to get, 5000k or 6000k? If I just do the headlights am I better off with 5000k for stock fog matching purposes or what?

[CruzS4]

I personally run VVME hit kits in my fog lights and have been working for over a year plowing through rain and puddles with the ballast right behind the lower grills.

2nd, nearly identical application, through PA/NJ winters too

[poseidon5]

heres a question for you, I am replacing my stock HID's with apex 55W, now when i removed the old ones, the ballast was the bottom cover as well, but my stock ballast is kinda big, has that huge hump on one side. my question is what did you guys use to cover that hole, and hold the new ballast in with?

[haus4]

JD797 - one kit would cover all your need for either your headlights or fogs. Also the color closest to stock would be 4500k, which would be a very white color.

6000k is a lightblue and the color i prefer.