GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Phil mcavity on 24 May 2008, 19:58

Title: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: Phil mcavity on 24 May 2008, 19:58
Anyone seen these on offer, rather cheaper then the real deal but as good as.

Do u have to have headlamp washers installed by law if you fit one of these???
 
thoughts anyone?  cheers  :smiley:

http://www.novablue.co.uk/upgrade-kits.html
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: 182_blue on 24 May 2008, 20:01
Anyone seen these on offer, rather cheaper then the real deal but as good as.

Do u have to have headlamp washers installed by law if you fit one of these???
 
thoughts anyone?  cheers  :smiley:

http://www.novablue.co.uk/upgrade-kits.html

there was alot of debate on another forum about legalities, but i guess come MOT time they can be removed if needed, i do however prefer the look of proper zenons
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: 182_blue on 24 May 2008, 20:04
interesting video here http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/featuresvideos/204742/xenon_test.html
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: 2007GTI on 24 May 2008, 20:18
One word, illegal. About a year ago there was debate on here, heavily involving TT totally blowing anyone out of the water who claimed they were legal.

You are correct you do need headlamp washers, but crucially you need a factory fitted auto leveler fitted to the rear axel.

Don't touch them with a barge pole.
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: TagnuT on 24 May 2008, 20:19
interesting video here http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/featuresvideos/204742/xenon_test.html

Interesting Vid: When TT used to be on here he was dead against fitting kits like that. There have been a few posts on here over the last 12 months regarding fitting HID bulbs.
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: RedRobin on 24 May 2008, 20:21
....Good Autoexpress vid, blue :smiley:.

Obviously the authorities should make such HID lights both illegal and illegal to sell them.
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: 182_blue on 24 May 2008, 20:27
....Good Autoexpress vid, blue :smiley:.

Obviously the authorities should make such HID lights both illegal and illegal to sell them.

i would say such kits are fine for the driver, giving better light etc, but for other road users they could be an issue
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: Phil mcavity on 24 May 2008, 21:50
just on this, this was an advert in good old VWDRIVER mag!!, so nice to see theyre printing illegal adverts if thats what your all saying????

page 61 May issue

Surely Vw wouldnt print something like this in their own magazine?????   :angry:
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: richw911 on 24 May 2008, 21:57
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps  :shocked:
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: 182_blue on 24 May 2008, 22:03
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.

In practice this means:

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: richw911 on 24 May 2008, 22:07
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.

In practice this means:

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

Yep true  :smiley:
Title: Re: xenon upgrade kits
Post by: LaserBlue on 25 May 2008, 08:52
i have the xenon kit from hids4u £250

blows anything off the road in terms of illuminating the road, sometimes to much.

a few people have flashed me but i set my level to 3 and no one flashes anymore, anyways i am selling them for £150 as i will be buying the hella dynabeam xenon look headlamps very soon  :cool: