HID halos installed

GregW / Oregon · 01-04-2009, 10:35 PM

I must say, these kick butt!

I installed the kit marketed by camaro305ss described here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190474. I was a little nervous about a "home built" kit.

Most of the kit is a manufactured HID one by Xentec. You can pick your color temperature -- the box lists 3k to 30k. I was going to match the stock 4,300, but decided to go with 6k. The home built part is some circuitry that, frankly, could be more professionally presented. It's a small circuit board and parts which have been wrapped in electrical tape, but not sealed. You install it in the right light housing so it is safe from water. Camaro's instructions (text & photos) in the link leave something to be desired, as well. I'd say the project requires a medium level of automotive electrical experience, definitely not something for the complete novice.

My biggest frustration was getting the new HID lamps in the sockets. One went in easily, the other refused. I finally got out my Dremel Mototool and cut down one tab that was bigger than the stock ones, and it went in fine. The installation seems confusing, but is quite straightforward once you understand it. The end result in the engine compartment is quite low key and clean.

It was snowing out when I was installing and when I got them turned on they lit up the driveway's half-inch of snow with very bright light (last photo). They are 35W, same as stock, but put out a whole lot more of white light. Xenon is a form of HID; compared to halogen, they put out at least twice the lumens per watt, plus don't have to have a blue-tinted capsule (loss of light) to be white. There is no lamp out error message, as the kit includes resistors to simulate a load on the stock wiring. The new lights are run through a relay directly off the battery power connection in the engine compartment. They will stay at full output in parking light and headlight mode, as well as DRL mode.

Anyhow, I'm pleased so far. We'll see if they function correctly and hold up after I can drive.

longtran · 01-04-2009, 11:31 PM

nice pics. i am waiting for my kit.

aajami · 01-05-2009, 02:08 AM

I don't suppose there's a way I could twist your arm to post a DIY of your own, is there? Camaro's, as you note, leaves a lot to be desired.

Big Windy · 01-05-2009, 02:46 AM

Looks great Greg!

PrinceSmooth · 01-05-2009, 04:31 AM

wow love how it turned out... that sucks how it came so flimsy and vulnerable or else I'd probably get one too, keep us posted!

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aajami

I don't suppose there's a way I could twist your arm to post a DIY of your own, is there? Camaro's, as you note, leaves a lot to be desired.

Perhaps -- I'll see what I can do.

longtran · 01-05-2009, 12:14 PM

can you take pics of the install? i would like to see where the ballast and wires goes.

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 12:30 PM

I'll post some tonight.

aajami · 01-05-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Perhaps -- I'll see what I can do.

That would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Greg.

Kobaiyashi · 01-05-2009, 01:53 PM

wow, looks great. These are the first angel mod pics I actually like (no blue!).

You say they are really bright but are they to the point of being annoying for others? I'd feel too guilty to install them if that was the case... I already feel like I'm blinding people around here

camaross305 · 01-05-2009, 02:07 PM

awesome thanks for the write up. Yea unfotunetly i have nothing to put the circuit in right now. But it is hidden away in the headlamp assembly so there shouldn't be any problems. Im trying to get a circuit box made for it. I found one i could use but then you couldnt tuck the circuit away inside the headlamp assembly but would have to hide it away somewhere in the engine bay. Would you guys prefer that?

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaross305

awesome thanks for the write up. Yea unfortunately i have nothing to put the circuit in right now. But it is hidden away in the headlamp assembly so there shouldn't be any problems. Im trying to get a circuit box made for it. I found one i could use but then you couldnt tuck the circuit away inside the headlamp assembly but would have to hide it away somewhere in the engine bay. Would you guys prefer that?

Could you cast it in epoxy, or would that be bad for heat? One thing, the small terminal blocks on each end are a weak point. Wires want to pull out of those (should not be an issue once in place).

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kobaiyashi

wow, looks great. These are the first angel mod pics I actually like (no blue!).

You say they are really bright but are they to the point of being annoying for others? I'd feel too guilty to install them if that was the case... I already feel like I'm blinding people around here

They are bright, but the light is widely distributed, not focused, so I think they will be okay. I'll let you know my impression after a while of use.

GT3 Tim · 01-05-2009, 04:14 PM

WOW. Those puppies are BRIGHT!! Damn....

Adonislike · 01-05-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

They are bright, but the light is widely distributed, not focused, so I think they will be okay. I'll let you know my impression after a while of use.

Nice!!! Thanks for posting Greg. I was waiting for your review on these. Now I will probably order them. You wanna install mine for me?? I'll fly you to LA. I'll probably break something with how clutzy I am.

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

can you take pics of the install? i would like to see where the ballast and wires goes.

Here are a few more pics.
1. Outside on overcast day
2. Pattern on garage door (car is at an angle)
3. Power connection at positive terminal
4. Ground & relay location (ballast below)
5. Left side ballast and wires to it

Sorry I didn't get more pics when actually installing.

J08M3 · 01-05-2009, 07:23 PM

These look really nice. Any chance you can get a good day and night shots without headlights on? How does the inner ring look? Is it a clearly defined circle or is it so bright it almost looks fuzzy?

GregW / Oregon · 01-05-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

These look really nice. Any chance you can get a good day and night shots without headlights on? How does the inner ring look? Is it a clearly defined circle or is it so bright it almost looks fuzzy?

The headlights are not on in any of the shots (headlights are the outside ones) - the inner rings are just so bright they reflect back into the cornering light reflectors. The second and third photos in the original post is pretty accurate. The ring is still well-defined.

Kev · 01-05-2009, 08:19 PM

Although it doesn't improve the problem of uneven brightness, I must say that the light output is a couple steps above what LEDs can do at this point. I'm now interested after seeing these pics.

Patricius · 01-05-2009, 08:19 PM

That's pretty intense. Almost too much, unless the camera had a tough time managing all of that light.

AMJ_77 · 01-05-2009, 08:24 PM

wow those are super bright, I agree almost too bright but I still really like them

camaross305 · 01-05-2009, 08:47 PM

Thanks foe the pics.... Yea the second and third pics in the first post are the best perception of them

01-04-2009, 10:35 PM	#1
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief 2101 Rep 8,911 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 M2 Coupe [9.83] 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 [7.25]	HID halos installed I must say, these kick butt! I installed the kit marketed by camaro305ss described here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190474. I was a little nervous about a "home built" kit. Most of the kit is a manufactured HID one by Xentec. You can pick your color temperature -- the box lists 3k to 30k. I was going to match the stock 4,300, but decided to go with 6k. The home built part is some circuitry that, frankly, could be more professionally presented. It's a small circuit board and parts which have been wrapped in electrical tape, but not sealed. You install it in the right light housing so it is safe from water. Camaro's instructions (text & photos) in the link leave something to be desired, as well. I'd say the project requires a medium level of automotive electrical experience, definitely not something for the complete novice. My biggest frustration was getting the new HID lamps in the sockets. One went in easily, the other refused. I finally got out my Dremel Mototool and cut down one tab that was bigger than the stock ones, and it went in fine. The installation seems confusing, but is quite straightforward once you understand it. The end result in the engine compartment is quite low key and clean. It was snowing out when I was installing and when I got them turned on they lit up the driveway's half-inch of snow with very bright light (last photo). They are 35W, same as stock, but put out a whole lot more of white light. Xenon is a form of HID; compared to halogen, they put out at least twice the lumens per watt, plus don't have to have a blue-tinted capsule (loss of light) to be white. There is no lamp out error message, as the kit includes resistors to simulate a load on the stock wiring. The new lights are run through a relay directly off the battery power connection in the engine compartment. They will stay at full output in parking light and headlight mode, as well as DRL mode. Anyhow, I'm pleased so far. We'll see if they function correctly and hold up after I can drive. Attached Images __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450 Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 01-04-2009 at 11:02 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-04-2009, 11:31 PM	#2
longtran Lieutenant General 1429 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	nice pics. i am waiting for my kit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 02:08 AM	#3
aajami Brigadier General 432 Rep 4,567 Posts Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA iTrader: (4)	I don't suppose there's a way I could twist your arm to post a DIY of your own, is there? Camaro's, as you note, leaves a lot to be desired. __________________ '09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP retrofit \| Euro airbox \| GTS DCT flash \| JPN 240 ECU flash \| Euro LCI taillights \| CRT lip \| OEM alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs \| BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 02:46 AM	#4
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Looks great Greg!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 04:31 AM	#5
PrinceSmooth First Lieutenant 49 Rep 376 Posts Drives: '15 M4 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2012 BMW X6 M [0.00]	wow love how it turned out... that sucks how it came so flimsy and vulnerable or else I'd probably get one too, keep us posted! __________________ 09' E92 M3 \| IB \|Black \| Carbon Leather \| 19" Option Wheels \| DCT \| Akrapovic Full Exhaust \| Arkym Rear Diffuser \| Arkym Front Bumper \| Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake \| (Delivered 3/7/09) RIP!!!! Miss you dearly '12 X6 M Carbon Black / Akrapovic Evo / AR Design downpipes / ESS tune
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 12:14 PM	#7
longtran Lieutenant General 1429 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	can you take pics of the install? i would like to see where the ballast and wires goes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 12:30 PM	#8
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief 2101 Rep 8,911 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 M2 Coupe [9.83] 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 [7.25]	Photos of installation I'll post some tonight. __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 01:53 PM	#10
Kobaiyashi First Lieutenant 30 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 08 E90 M3 (JetBlack/FoxRedExt) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: East Bay, CA iTrader: (0)	wow, looks great. These are the first angel mod pics I actually like (no blue!). You say they are really bright but are they to the point of being annoying for others? I'd feel too guilty to install them if that was the case... I already feel like I'm blinding people around here __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 02:07 PM	#11
camaross305 135 Rep 1,825 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: gainesville fl iTrader: (20)	awesome thanks for the write up. Yea unfotunetly i have nothing to put the circuit in right now. But it is hidden away in the headlamp assembly so there shouldn't be any problems. Im trying to get a circuit box made for it. I found one i could use but then you couldnt tuck the circuit away inside the headlamp assembly but would have to hide it away somewhere in the engine bay. Would you guys prefer that?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 04:14 PM	#14
GT3 Tim Moderator 94 Rep 1,920 Posts Drives: 2014 MB E63S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0)	WOW. Those puppies are BRIGHT!! Damn.... __________________ Tim <--- apparently likes "3" cars 2014 E63S -- The Rocket 2014 F30 328i -- Kids car 2008 E90 M3 -- Sold 2004 GT3 -- Sold 1997 M3/4 -- Sold 1995 M3 -- Sold
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 07:23 PM	#17
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	These look really nice. Any chance you can get a good day and night shots without headlights on? How does the inner ring look? Is it a clearly defined circle or is it so bright it almost looks fuzzy? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 08:19 PM	#19
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 481 Rep 8,828 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	Although it doesn't improve the problem of uneven brightness, I must say that the light output is a couple steps above what LEDs can do at this point. I'm now interested after seeing these pics. __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 08:19 PM	#20
Patricius Lieutenant 17 Rep 532 Posts Drives: 04 325xi, 05 M3 cpe, 08 M3 cpe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	That's pretty intense. Almost too much, unless the camera had a tough time managing all of that light.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 08:24 PM	#21
AMJ_77 Captain 20 Rep 667 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 M-DCT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (2)	wow those are super bright, I agree almost too bright but I still really like them
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 08:47 PM	#22
camaross305 135 Rep 1,825 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: gainesville fl iTrader: (20)	Thanks foe the pics.... Yea the second and third pics in the first post are the best perception of them
	Appreciate 0 Quote