HID conversions and headlamp aim

drivewasher
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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 0:53:47 GMT 1

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Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 0:53:47 GMT 1

As I am a lone tester AND fairly new to it I want to ask you lot some advice. Not to start a long debate argument, but just so I can be shure to test properly!

2003 BMW in today failed on 2 front tyres (Bulges) and I failed it on headlight aim, (Beam image obviousley incorrect)
It had been fitted with HID conversion bulbs and a modulator plugged in between the origonal wiring harness and the replacement HID bulbs. The lenses appeared as standard issue H7 bulb type lenses where the bulb can be seen IE no lampshade type cover over the bulbs OR the milky domes you see on factory fitted HID lamps IE range rovers etc. HID bulbs where clearly visible with the connection to the end of bulb along side the bulb if you see what I mean.

The image projected was a large white light covering ALL the image board in the tester and a white hot spot abour 3 or 4 inches dia way down on the bottom of the image board. I adjusted this hot spot up to just below the 0.5% line but wasn't happy with it so I failed it.!!
Customer wasn't best pleased he said it's been like that for 2 years and no probs. BUT when looking for wheel nut key in glove box there they where 2 x H7 bulbs in the BMW twist in holders!

What's the position on HID conversions and what would you have done!

Last Edit: Mar 2, 2013 21:29:59 GMT 1 by baz657: Title changed -

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baz657
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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 1:22:14 GMT 1 David likes this

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Post by baz657 on Mar 2, 2013 1:22:14 GMT 1

I've seen this the other way round - he HID conversions safe in the boot and either H4's or H7's fitted at the time of test.

I'd say that if any of the bright part of the beam pattern goes over the top blue line I'd fail it for the same reasons. It would dazzle on-coming traffic at night and therefore a hazard to safety.

The headlamp aim pass/fail limits are being simplified later in the year (as announced at this years seminars) but until then you must test according to the current MoI but even using the simplified limits any part of the beam over the top blue line and to the O/S of the zero vertical line will still fail.

Edited to add...

HID conversions don't need to have washers or automatic level adjusters - factory fitted ones do. If they have been converted and seem to pass the beam check, a quick advisory note should cover you.

Last Edit: Mar 2, 2013 1:30:21 GMT 1 by baz657 -

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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 1:31:44 GMT 1

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Post by David on Mar 2, 2013 1:31:44 GMT 1

HID conversions are tested as HID's.

That means you test headlamp washers if fitted, and the lights must self level on operation if fitted. You can P&A if it is difficult to assess operation of self level. Benefit of doubt goes to the presenter.

Failing the pattern is viable so no worries, could be bulbs in the wrong way if it's a DIY job drivewasher. They may never show the right pattern either unless changed back to original lamps

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phaetonott MOT tester Posts: 1,611 Class tested: 4 Last Online: Nov 6, 2020 17:49:52 GMT 1 Likes: 399	HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 13:37:02 GMT 1 David likes this Back to Top Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by phaetonott on Mar 2, 2013 13:37:02 GMT 1 I've tested HID conversions that are spot on! Decent sharp line at the cut-off and well defined kickup. However I've also failed some bad ones.
	Simon I am never right but at least I am trying

drivewasher
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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 20:37:17 GMT 1 David likes this

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Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 20:37:17 GMT 1

Doing a bit of research on aftermarket kits it seems there are good and not so good suppliers. There seems to be at least 2 types of HID bulbs to suit different light units/lenses.
The BMW I did had clear plain plastic lens and NO thimble like shade over the etreeme end of the bulb. The bulbs had nothing covering them either.

If I understand it correctly, the clear lenses should have a bulb fitted with a reflector on the end to collect the light ontothe chrome reflector of the light. Light units that have this thimble arrangement in them for a H7 or H4 bulb possibly can have a "bare" bulb as my BMW did. Also some sellers will advise you correctly & some either don't kmow, care or can't be bothered.
Some units are "projector" units these have a milky cover so you can't see into the light unit, and a solenoid arrangement to flip a bar up in front of the "bare" bulb to give a crisp horizontal line.

Some even project a crisp horizontal line with a step to the left instead of a 15 degree angle.

Soooo maybe a bit more thought or research should be given before customers just buy any old HID kit and fit em!

Last Edit: Mar 2, 2013 20:40:17 GMT 1 by drivewasher -

I'm always in the sh1t, only the depth that varies!

baz657 Administrator Keeping safe Posts: 4,703 Class tested: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5L, 7 Last Online: Apr 29, 2024 22:07:44 GMT 1 Likes: 1,612	HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 21:26:50 GMT 1 David likes this Back to Top Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by baz657 on Mar 2, 2013 21:26:50 GMT 1 Because of the concise answer given by drivewasher I'd like to move this to the public area. Any objections from anyone?
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aylesburyjock Administrator Posts: 2,773 Class tested: 4, 7 Member is Online Last Online: May 6, 2024 0:56:39 GMT 1 Likes: 1,867	HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 21:53:52 GMT 1 David likes this Back to Top Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by aylesburyjock on Mar 2, 2013 21:53:52 GMT 1 Carry on. Anything to publicise the hassles HID kits can cause

David Administrator Owner\Director, AE\NT\SM, DVSA VTS Council Member, Registered Member & Administrator of The MOT Testers & AE's Forum If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. Albert Einstein Posts: 6,723 Class tested: 4 Last Online: May 3, 2024 17:32:27 GMT 1 Likes: 965	HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 22:36:11 GMT 1 Back to Top Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by David on Mar 2, 2013 22:36:11 GMT 1 nope
	It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. —Albert Einstein

drivewasher
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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 2, 2013 22:48:38 GMT 1 David likes this

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Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 22:48:38 GMT 1

Mar 2, 2013 21:26:50 GMT 1 baz657 said:

Because of the concise answer given by drivewasher I'd like to move this to the public area.

Any objections from anyone?

No Probs David!! Please make the cheque payable to C ASH!

I'm always in the sh1t, only the depth that varies!

baz657 Administrator Keeping safe Posts: 4,703 Class tested: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5L, 7 Last Online: Apr 29, 2024 22:07:44 GMT 1 Likes: 1,612	HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 3, 2013 1:01:44 GMT 1 David likes this Back to Top Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by baz657 on Mar 3, 2013 1:01:44 GMT 1 You heard the man David - pay him
	Last Edit: Mar 3, 2013 1:02:04 GMT 1 by baz657 - The all new Hillside Garage website now open

phaetonott
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HID conversions and headlamp aim Mar 3, 2013 16:36:54 GMT 1

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Post by phaetonott on Mar 3, 2013 16:36:54 GMT 1

Mar 2, 2013 20:37:17 GMT 1 drivewasher said:

Soooo maybe a bit more thought or research should be given before customers just buy any old HID kit and fit em!

And that research will probably consist of. . . . "Is there anything cheaper out there???"

Simon

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Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 0:53:47 GMT 1

Post by baz657 on Mar 2, 2013 1:22:14 GMT 1

Post by David on Mar 2, 2013 1:31:44 GMT 1

Post by phaetonott on Mar 2, 2013 13:37:02 GMT 1

Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 20:37:17 GMT 1

Post by baz657 on Mar 2, 2013 21:26:50 GMT 1

Post by aylesburyjock on Mar 2, 2013 21:53:52 GMT 1

Post by David on Mar 2, 2013 22:36:11 GMT 1

Post by drivewasher on Mar 2, 2013 22:48:38 GMT 1

Post by baz657 on Mar 3, 2013 1:01:44 GMT 1

Post by phaetonott on Mar 3, 2013 16:36:54 GMT 1