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Johnmadd
11-09-2011, 06:00 PM
Can Khoality's hid canbus kit be used for the foglights? I was just thinking that it would be be a nice upgrade.

Here's the link
http://www.khoalty.com/bmw-e46/lights/hid-xenon-replacement-kit.html

cakM3
11-09-2011, 06:16 PM
This is the kit I went with....like them so far :thumbsup

http://shop.hidcountry.com/G4-Mini-Ballast-HID-Kit-p/g4%20mini%20kit%20hdk1.htm (http://shop.hidcountry.com/G4-Mini-Ballast-HID-Kit-p/g4%20mini%20kit%20hdk1.htm)

HokieZHP
11-09-2011, 06:21 PM
great kit! May go ahead and get this. Hows the install?

Johnmadd
11-09-2011, 06:23 PM
Thanks for the link. So I take it that any kit will work? I've never done a conversion, would these work on my e30 headlight as well?

HokieZHP
11-09-2011, 07:30 PM
Do you have a pic of them on your car?

nike001
11-09-2011, 08:46 PM
I got my 3k 35w HID's from DDM from pretty much half the price and I have no complaints..

HokieZHP
11-09-2011, 10:55 PM
nike- did you buy the harness and eliminator with your kit?

Also do you have pics?

spoonerDee
11-10-2011, 04:57 AM
This is the kit I went with....like them so far :thumbsup

http://shop.hidcountry.com/G4-Mini-Ballast-HID-Kit-p/g4%20mini%20kit%20hdk1.htm (http://shop.hidcountry.com/G4-Mini-Ballast-HID-Kit-p/g4%20mini%20kit%20hdk1.htm)

You're my hero, I know where I am buying my HID's from :keith

cakM3
11-10-2011, 05:55 AM
great kit! May go ahead and get this. Hows the install?

Chris,

The install was very easy....plug and play. What I found amazing was just how small the ignitor ballasts were for these lights. I ordered mine with the 9006 xenon bulbs. Everything fit into the OEM fogs with no issues. :thumbsup


Do you have a pic of them on your car?

Chris,

Here they are with the Xenon HIDs installed. I'm using 6000k bulbs here. :)

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/photo-17.jpg


Thanks for the link. So I take it that any kit will work? I've never done a conversion, would these work on my e30 headlight as well?

As far as I know John, they should work if you have the same connector plug as the E46 headlight/fog connectors. :thumbsup


You're my hero, I know where I am buying my HID's from :keith

Keith,

Just trying to help everyone here...:) If you have any additional questions please feel free to PM me :thumbsup

BTW everyone....credit for these goes to Chad44. He had these installed on his ZHP and told me about the deal....I couldn't pass on these and am happy I got them :biggrin

Chad44
11-10-2011, 09:53 AM
I installed these when I was replacing some fasteners in my bumper, here's some pictures of them mounted to the back side of an existing bumper fastener. They fit great and are very secure.
http://img.tapatalk.com/86f127fe-0f53-b687.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/86f127fe-0f83-3b45.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/86f127fe-0f96-5ab9.jpg


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Chad44
11-10-2011, 09:56 AM
Here are the pictures again, they showed up small the first time for some reason.


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balticvid
11-10-2011, 12:54 PM
They look good

antcamp
11-10-2011, 09:40 PM
Easy install. Got mine from DDM (the 3k).
1. Remove both front wheels
2. Remove (I think) 3 screws on inside of wheel well that is attached to front bumper
3. Pull back the part of the wheel well to access back of foglights
4. Remove H4 bulb.
5. plug in ballast and mount it
6. place HID bulb in socket, make sure its secure, then put everything back together
-there isnt a light on the dash for missing fog lights so you do not need error eliminators for the ballasts. I have a thread of what they look like in projects forum http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5064-universal-HID-kit-install

HokieZHP
11-10-2011, 10:23 PM
Wait doesn't the ZHP sedan use h11 bulbs?

antcamp
11-11-2011, 08:47 AM
Wait doesn't the ZHP sedan use h11 bulbs?
Actually it was my mistake. I looked at my confirmation email from DDm they were 9006 bulbs for the fogs

cakM3
11-13-2011, 04:28 AM
ZHP uses 9006 bulbs for fog lights.

spoonerDee
11-15-2011, 04:45 AM
Link is dead :(

cakM3
11-16-2011, 04:49 PM
Spooner,

Try this link...similar kit. :thumbsup

http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html (http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html)


The link goes to fog light kits....:thumbsup

HokieZHP
11-16-2011, 06:46 PM
Is it the same kit?

cakM3
11-16-2011, 07:08 PM
not the same exact kit but a comparible kit. Not sure why the link I posted earlier died....

If I had to get another set for fogs, I'd get these or order a set from DDM Tuning

KHOALTY
11-16-2011, 10:45 PM
For your fog lights, get the cheapest HID kit out there available, they all work without issues. The HIDs we offer is mainly for headlights where you don't have to buy any cancellers and other sorts of stuff. More expensive, but we buy in low quantity and it isn't the grunt of our business, we just offer it as customers do ask us about them and the failure rate is almost none after 5 yrs. We sold to other wholesalers more than anything to the public. With fogs, you possibly would need to buy a harness so it can draw the extra power from the battery, you will know if ou need them due to turning the hid fogs and you get a strobe or flash on the interior of your car as well as your mileage count will reset, the ones that can reset normally, not the actual one.

spoonerDee
11-24-2011, 06:14 AM
Spooner,

Try this link...similar kit. :thumbsup

http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html (http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html)


The link goes to fog light kits....:thumbsup

So I bought my HID kit from them, a little pissed at them. No where on the check out page does it tell you how much shipping is going to be, no options at all. SO I bite the bullet and bam an extra $16 added for shipping. They really need to change the layout and warn people of just how much it will be. I complain because I was comparing two different places with pricing (bargain shopping :D)

Oh well. HID headlight retrofit here I come.

das boots
11-28-2011, 11:58 AM
Do a DIY write up with photos.....

trancenation
11-28-2011, 12:51 PM
I've had HID fogs for about 6 months until I flashed my high beams and my fog light fuse blew. From then on out when I turned my fogs on with a new fuse, it blew once more. Thinking it has to do with the amount of initial start up power of HID lights. The high beams flash to pass function may interfere with hid operation. Not sure if others have experienced this but I believe a harness would solve this problem.( drawing power directly from the battery). In the meantime, I'm sticking with the halogens.

Hermes
11-28-2011, 02:27 PM
I've been thinking about doing this but I have read a lot of people saying to make sure you get the projector housing otherwise the glare can blind oncoming traffic (i.e. do not retrofit your halogen housing)

cakM3
11-29-2011, 04:59 AM
JP,

I retrofitted my fogs with HID and do not have any issues regarding oncoming traffic. I haven't been flashed or anything like that. The light output is nice, well worth it imho :thumbsup

spoonerDee
11-29-2011, 06:24 AM
Do a DIY write up with photos.....

Will do, hopefully all the rest of the parts get here before the weekend so I can do this on Sunday, then post up a DIY.

Chad44
11-29-2011, 07:37 PM
I've had HID fogs for about 6 months until I flashed my high beams and my fog light fuse blew. From then on out when I turned my fogs on with a new fuse, it blew once more. Thinking it has to do with the amount of initial start up power of HID lights. The high beams flash to pass function may interfere with hid operation. Not sure if others have experienced this but I believe a harness would solve this problem.( drawing power directly from the battery). In the meantime, I'm sticking with the halogens.

The ballasts pull quite a bit of current when starting the bulbs, this is exacerbated by turning them off and back on when you flash- it tends to damage the ballasts, as well as the current is even higher on restarting a hot bulb. Have your car recoded to keep the fogs on with flash- I had mine coded to run both hid and halogen high beam with highs, and the fogs never turn off except with the switch... This is ideal for the hid setup.


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imola red zhp
11-29-2011, 07:50 PM
Does the dealer have to recode or can you do it yourself?
Thanks

sent from Dennis' Droid using tapatalk

Hermes
11-29-2011, 07:57 PM
I don't know if the dealer will do that coding, but they theoretically can do it. You might want to check with an indy guy or somebody in your area who knows coding

tripod06
11-29-2011, 11:28 PM
yeah i need to get on top of this. amongst a few other things i need to get on too....

spoonerDee
11-30-2011, 04:24 AM
Does the dealer have to recode or can you do it yourself?
Thanks

sent from Dennis' Droid using tapatalk

I don't think you can code a car for HID foglights. You can however disable the OBC from checking if the fog lights are working or not.

When it comes to headlights though, if you have the software (which I do) you can code the LCM (light control module) your self.

Hermes
11-30-2011, 09:18 AM
I think he was asking about the coding where the fog stays on when you turn on your high beam, I know that is possible

imola red zhp
11-30-2011, 09:33 AM
I think he was asking about the coding where the fog stays on when you turn on your high beam, I know that is possible

Yes JP, as I was reading this thread I was concerend about the fuse blowing or the fogs going off when "flashing", I have never had this problem before on my //M5 with hid fogs. I purchased hid fogs from umnitza but I have'nt installed them yet, I got them with the 6000k, was thinking going back to umnitza and changing to 3000k. Thoughts? on the coding I'm not familiar with this procedure.

spoonerDee
11-30-2011, 12:22 PM
I think he was asking about the coding where the fog stays on when you turn on your high beam, I know that is possible

Hmmmm, I will be coding my car this weekend for HID headlights, will see if I have an option for the fogs to stay on along with the highs...

trancenation
12-02-2011, 04:26 PM
The ballasts pull quite a bit of current when starting the bulbs, this is exacerbated by turning them off and back on when you flash- it tends to damage the ballasts, as well as the current is even higher on restarting a hot bulb. Have your car recoded to keep the fogs on with flash- I had mine coded to run both hid and halogen high beam with highs, and the fogs never turn off except with the switch... This is ideal for the hid setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the info.

cakM3
12-03-2011, 07:20 PM
I think he was asking about the coding where the fog stays on when you turn on your high beam, I know that is possible

Yes, this is possible. I have both my ZHP and ///M coded so that the fogs stay on with my high beams thanks to BP :thumbsup

sna77
12-04-2011, 11:09 AM
Yes, this is possible. I have both my ZHP and ///M coded so that the fogs stay on with my high beams thanks to BP :thumbsup

What is the option that you use to program the fogs to stay on with the high beams? I have access to a GT1 or ISTA, so I can do this (hopefully)...

cakM3
12-05-2011, 01:42 AM
Steve, PM az3579 "BP" he should be able to answer your question.

HokieZHP
01-26-2012, 11:41 AM
So it has recently become extremely foggy here in the Blacksburg and I am seriously looking into a HID fog kit. I am looking at a 3k kit from either the DDM tuning ones or the HIDnation ones. Can someone give me more information about using different housings?

Hermes
01-26-2012, 11:51 AM
if you are in a hurry to deal with fog I would skip HID for now. That way you can get all the setup + code the car so the fogs stay on when flashing high beams. A quick and cheap solution would be to buy some 2500k 9006 bulbs (Nokya, Luminics, etc.) and swap those in until you find a HID kit + projector housing that works for you. You can also get some 2500k H7's for the flash to pass high beam so when you pull the stalk you will have only yellow light coming out of the front of your car.

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 11:58 AM
perhaps BP could chime on this thread rather than relegating the info to a PM. Would be useful for all of us and I don't want to flood his PMs.

I would strongly encourage you do buy projector housings for use with HID fogs as a courtesy to other drivers. Whether they're flashing you or not doesn't tell you if it is or is not blinding them. The only way to know is to be able to see a distinct cutoff in the fog beam pattern very similar to what you see with your xenon headlight cutoff pattern. HIDs put out intense light and it should always be properly projected and cut off. This is the same reason that it is not correct to simply pull halogen bulbs in halogen reflector bowls and replace them with a cheapo HID kit. This, among all mods we do, is one that definitely needs to be done correctly. It is your safety as much as theirs - if they're blinded they may wander into YOUR lane.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the DDM tuning or Khoalty projector fog light housings and a DDM tuning 3000k HID kit. I will not move on this though until I know definitely what it will take to have the LCM recoded to Fog ON with Hi Beam ON. Presumably this recode also allows the fogs to stay on during flash to pass?

Hermes
01-26-2012, 12:19 PM
Presumably this recode also allows the fogs to stay on during flash to pass?

I believe they already stay on during flash to pass... I haven't tried it in a while but I vaguely remember the fogs staying on. Unfortunately I don't have my car nearby to check but you can go out to yours and test real quick, just bring a buddy to verify they stay on

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 01:20 PM
98% sure my fogs turn off, was playing with it yesterday. will verify.

Hermes
01-26-2012, 01:40 PM
98% sure my fogs turn off, was playing with it yesterday. will verify.

If that's the case maybe it's based on production date? :dunno

HokieZHP
01-26-2012, 01:43 PM
Thanks for the responses. I have the Nokya bulbs now but still looking for more. I may get some 2500-3000k bulbs for my inner bulbs for really foggy situations. If I went with the ddm tuning kit, which projector bowls should I get along with them?


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Hermes
01-26-2012, 01:48 PM
This look is the only one I know of (you don't necessarily need to buy from BavAuto)

http://www.bavauto.com/assets/imglib500/mtech_fogs.jpg

I'm thinking of modding my stock housing kinda like this (I like the look more) but don't have complete info yet, will update when research is done

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5420195035_0a21dc22b4_b.jpg

cakM3
01-26-2012, 02:32 PM
JP,

I'd like to see a good diy on that :thumbsup

Hermes
01-26-2012, 02:44 PM
I'll write one up, just give me some time to research and get necessary parts together. I would love to have a nice projector like the FX-R but I'm thinking those are too big. I just need to find one of the same quality but the right size to fit

nike001
01-26-2012, 04:19 PM
I believe they already stay on during flash to pass... I haven't tried it in a while but I vaguely remember the fogs staying on. Unfortunately I don't have my car nearby to check but you can go out to yours and test real quick, just bring a buddy to verify they stay on

IIRC, they go off. I didn't run my HID fogs for a while until I got Terra to code the fogs to stay on with high-beams and such. The constant on/off made me feel uneasy with the bulbs/ballasts/car. Even though I still get a few audible cracks or pops from inside the car when I turn my fogs on. Once in a blue moon, my high beam thing will illuminate on my cluster really quick when I first turn the fogs on too.

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 05:23 PM
my fogs definitely turn off on flash to pass.

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 07:08 PM
alright, well the code to enable fog + hibeams is

"FL_UND_NSW_NICHT_GLEICHZ" needs to be set from "aktiv" to "nicht_aktiv"

I believe that

"NL_UND_NSW_NICHT_GLEICHZ" needs to be set from "aktiv" to "nicht_aktiv" for the fogs to stay on with flash to pass.

I've decided to learn how to use NCS expert. I think.

danewilson77
01-26-2012, 07:27 PM
alright, well the code to enable fog + hibeams is

"FL_UND_NSW_NICHT_GLEICHZ" needs to be set from "aktiv" to "nicht_aktiv"

I believe that

"NL_UND_NSW_NICHT_GLEICHZ" needs to be set from "aktiv" to "nicht_aktiv" for the fogs to stay on with flash to pass.

I've decided to learn how to use NCS expert. I think.

:rofl

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 08:41 PM
Got the software installed and running, setup cannot be verified until I've got a cable, which is on the way.

HokieZHP
01-26-2012, 08:51 PM
Which bulbs do we use in the halogen inner bowls in the headlights? I'm thinking of getting some 3k yellows for the inner bowls.

zj96sc
01-26-2012, 09:05 PM
H7. I just picked up a set this week, haven't put them in yet....posted it up in my journal thread.

"2500K" Optilux H7 P/N H71070702 for FTP inner hibeams. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLA-H71070702/

went with summit because they're ATL local. they're on amazon, etc too.

HokieZHP
01-26-2012, 09:38 PM
Any reason why you went with that brand in particular?

Does anyone have suggestions for good brands?

zj96sc
01-27-2012, 04:56 AM
I went with optilux because it is a hella brand and hella in my experience makes pretty good stuff. PIAA obviously is a great brand too. I skipped 'nokya' because i'd never heard of them.

Hermes
01-27-2012, 05:14 AM
I went with optilux because it is a hella brand and hella in my experience makes pretty good stuff. PIAA obviously is a great brand too. I skipped 'nokya' because i'd never heard of them.

My same thinking when I went with PIAA... basically a result of off-road experience with my friends

zj96sc
01-27-2012, 05:16 AM
I've run hella lights on all of my jeeps and PIAA bulbs in the headlights themselves on most of those. Both brands are excellent stuff IMO, never run PIAA lights because they are $$$.

Hermes
01-27-2012, 07:58 AM
Ok, so I've talked a little to this guy:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5420195035_0a21dc22b4_b.jpg


still need more info from him but this is his progress so far:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LJg-F01a0pM/TtAb0MNBcqI/AAAAAAAAAao/ugz6ThybIXA/s1152/IMG_20111125_174516.jpg

"Bosch mini H3 projectors with 100W clear H3 halogen bulbs in a yellow eBay fog housing"

I'm not sure about bulb temp or brand and if there is a better projector but this looks good so far. By "halogen" I think he means size/shape. Pretty sure they're actually HID

zj96sc
01-27-2012, 08:16 AM
what is the yellow housing, if separate from the projectors?

Hermes
01-27-2012, 11:36 AM
what is the yellow housing, if separate from the projectors?

This:

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/BMW-E46-M3-E39-M5-03-05-330i-330Ci-YELLOW-FOG-LIGHTS-/00/$(KGrHqR,!h!E3u4+mtE6BOG3FHrSlg~~0_12.JPG

zj96sc
01-27-2012, 12:18 PM
Ah, so....if you're burning 3000k or 2500K HIDs, why would you want to further filter the light?

Hermes
01-27-2012, 01:20 PM
What he has are likely 4300-5000k with yellow filters, it comes out deeper than a 3000k HID, more like a 2500k. He tried 3000k with yellow filters and it surprisingly turns out green because of how HID light spectrum works. Also, I don't know of a 2500k HID bulb. Have you seen any that I might have missed?

EDIT: in his last message he said they are halogen bulbs in a Bosch projector + yellow lens housing... So confused

imola red zhp
02-18-2012, 07:05 PM
My left fog light went out, troubleshooting replaced bulb no help, checked wiring seems good, ballast??? Suggestions right is working fine

sent from Dennis' Droid using tapatalk

cakM3
02-19-2012, 08:37 AM
...troubleshooting replaced bulb no help, checked wiring seems good, ballast???

Sounds like its your ballast

HokieZHP
09-23-2012, 12:42 PM
Reviving this thread. My passenger foglight has cracked, even though my overlay which kind of pissed me off since I thought it was supposed to prevent that sort of thing. Anyways, looking to get an HID kit in the next week or so and was looking for a definite answer about the foglight housings.

Is a projector housing necessary for these or not?
http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html

Hermes
09-23-2012, 10:41 PM
^ For that kit it is not necessary but it won't be as clear as if you got the projector housing. Basically the beam won't be a focused light but it will still work. If your housing has cracked (so you need to buy a new one anyways) I would just buy the projector housing if I was you

HokieZHP
09-23-2012, 10:43 PM
Ok but will that kit be easy to fit into say the DDM tuning hid projector housings?

Also would you guys suggest me getting the lifetime warranty for the hid kit for $20?


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Hermes
09-24-2012, 07:00 AM
it should fit right in since I'm assuming the housing is designed for a 9006 bulb and the kit uses a HID bulb in a 9006 shape. I don't think $20 for a warranty sounds bad, I would do it

midlandtech
01-23-2014, 04:46 PM
sorry to bring back a dead post. I am looking at the same HID kit mentioned by Hokie. Do I need to buy the canceler, relay et al to make it a clean install? Also how much will and HID conversion for the fogs affect light output. I am wanting them to supplement the crap zkw bowls I currently have to aid in light production until I am able to decide on what solution I want to go with for headlight replacement.

Avetiso
01-23-2014, 04:54 PM
sorry to bring back a dead post. I am looking at the same HID kit mentioned by Hokie. Do I need to buy the canceler, relay et al to make it a clean install? Also how much will and HID conversion for the fogs affect light output. I am wanting them to supplement the crap zkw bowls I currently have to aid in light production until I am able to decide on what solution I want to go with for headlight replacement.
Joop bought a kit off TRS. Says it was no-error, and light output was much improved. He made a thread somewhere.

midlandtech
01-23-2014, 05:21 PM
Joop bought a kit off TRS. Says it was no-error, and light output was much improved. He made a thread somewhere.

I tried to find that post but this was as close as I came

taptalk + Note 3

Johnmadd
01-23-2014, 05:31 PM
sorry to bring back a dead post. I am looking at the same HID kit mentioned by Hokie. Do I need to buy the canceler, relay et al to make it a clean install? Also how much will and HID conversion for the fogs affect light output. I am wanting them to supplement the crap zkw bowls I currently have to aid in light production until I am able to decide on what solution I want to go with for headlight replacement.

Its not a dead post lol, I still haven't got the hid figs lol. Actually it was just meant to be a discussion/questions thread. :thumbsup

trancenation
01-23-2014, 05:36 PM
For some cars, I believe you need to have your car coded for keeping foglights ON when you turn high beams on. You may start to blow fuses if the car is not programmed with this feature because of the high current draw/surge.

midlandtech
01-23-2014, 05:37 PM
:word I am not looking to go trifecta lighting at this point. I am more curious as to if this kit is sufficient to provide the additional output I'm after



http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html

Johnmadd
01-23-2014, 05:45 PM
:word I am not looking to go trifecta lighting at this point. I am more curious as to if this kit is sufficient to provide the additional output I'm after



http://www.hidnation.com/9006hidkits.html

Looks good, I may order it myself.

midlandtech
01-23-2014, 05:57 PM
cool I just pulled the trigger. seemed like a heck of a deal maybe I will install my replacement angel eyes while I'm in the vicinity

ryankokesh
01-23-2014, 08:10 PM
Did you go with 12000k? :shifty


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midlandtech
01-23-2014, 08:25 PM
Nope 3000 I like the yellow look and function in bad weather

taptalk + Note 3

328ioc
01-24-2014, 06:02 AM
Just to ad to this thread.....I recently placed an order with TRS for a set of projectors that should fit into the OEM fog housings.

This will eliminate glare from the HID's to on coming drivers.

Will post up more once I get going on it.

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ELCID86
01-24-2014, 06:14 AM
Just to ad to this thread.....I recently placed an order with TRS for a set of projectors that should fit into the OEM fog housings.

This will eliminate glare from the HID's to on coming drivers.

Will post up more once I get going on it.


Please do. Link to source?

328ioc
01-24-2014, 06:20 AM
I'll be using this thread:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2034979

As well as the light works info that is linked within that thread.

As for the projectors I found a set of generic ones in the clearance section of TRS.

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ryankokesh
01-24-2014, 07:33 AM
I was wondering if you'd get better light output without projectors. I have them with HID's and wish they were brighter. :dunno


Sent from my iPhone

328ioc
01-24-2014, 07:34 AM
I was wondering if you'd get better light output without projectors. I have them with HID's and wish they were brighter. :dunno


Sent from my iPhone

This is what I am hoping.

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ryankokesh
01-24-2014, 07:36 AM
Anyone want a set of projectors for their oem setup? You know, for science.


Sent from my iPhone

midlandtech
01-24-2014, 08:34 AM
I was wondering if you'd get better light output without projectors. I have them with HID's and wish they were brighter. :dunno


Sent from my iPhone

I don't know about more output maybe more focused light.

taptalk + Note 3

JKO_ZHP
01-28-2014, 05:09 PM
I was wondering if you'd get better light output without projectors. I have them with HID's and wish they were brighter. :dunno


Sent from my iPhone

I know now that you would need 55W to have the fogs be of any practical use.
I compared the stock fog lights' output to what I have now, a pair of projectors from Khoalty with 35W Morimoto ballasts and HID kit, and the output is terrible. Looks like decorative lights.
It may also be the projectors though. I heard somewhere that Khoalty's fog light projectors are actually not projectors....

ryankokesh
01-28-2014, 05:32 PM
I know now that you would need 55W to have the fogs be of any practical use.
I compared the stock fog lights' output to what I have now, a pair of projectors from Khoalty with 35W Morimoto ballasts and HID kit, and the output is terrible. Looks like decorative lights.
It may also be the projectors though. I heard somewhere that Khoalty's fog light projectors are actually not projectors....

Is 55w safe in that small of a space?


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Rovert
01-28-2014, 05:41 PM
I've used 35 watt in my fogs for years to supplement my crappy burnt out ZKWs. They do the job and don't put me in a position to have to fix the ZKWs. I've directly had my 35 watts to the fog light wiring harness and not used a relay. I usually get my RPMs to 2,000-2,500 before igniting them. Not sure if that helps.

Do not use 55 watt and directly wire to the existing fog light wire harness. Make sure you use a relay for something that powerful. My friend's LCM was toasted after switching from 35 to 55 and directly wiring.

JKO_ZHP
01-28-2014, 05:52 PM
I've used 35 watt in my fogs for years to supplement my crappy burnt out ZKWs. They do the job and don't put me in a position to have to fix the ZKWs. I've directly had my 35 watts to the fog light wiring harness and not used a relay. I usually get my RPMs to 2,000-2,500 before igniting them. Not sure if that helps.

Do not use 55 watt and directly wire to the existing fog light wire harness. Make sure you use a relay for something that powerful. My friend's LCM was toasted after switching from 35 to 55 and directly wiring.

Definitely. Even swapping to a Morimoto, I got a fitting harness for it.
I think definitively then, that the problem is Khoalty's projector fog lights for our E46s are not real projectors, just glass. I had a hunch for the longest time but admittedly, looked the other way....

Time for another lighting project.

Or putting back in the stock fog lights.

Rovert
01-28-2014, 07:31 PM
HIDs in the standard OEM housings don't seem to get much attention from other people. No one oncoming has been irritated by it. I have also aligned their light to be low to the ground so they may only receive a little bit of ground glare instead of ground and direct glare. Mine have replaced my ZKWs....as when the headlights are on it's only for decoration. haha

sillieidiot
01-29-2014, 01:33 AM
I know now that you would need 55W to have the fogs be of any practical use.
I compared the stock fog lights' output to what I have now, a pair of projectors from Khoalty with 35W Morimoto ballasts and HID kit, and the output is terrible. Looks like decorative lights.
It may also be the projectors though. I heard somewhere that Khoalty's fog light projectors are actually not projectors....

they are, but they are halogen projectors with a frosted lens. so that's why the outputs crap. I used to have them. then I took them out and opened them up to see haha. I don't use the fogs at all nowadays, so I got lazy to retrofit new projectors into them.

ryankokesh
01-29-2014, 11:17 AM
I gotta get some oem fogs.... :facepalm

Anyone know the best place to pick some up?

328ioc
01-29-2014, 11:18 AM
My back up plan if these don't work is to just run HIDs in the OEM reflectors.

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ryankokesh
01-29-2014, 11:19 AM
My back up plan if these don't work is to just run HIDs in the OEM reflectors.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

I'm thinking that's the best solution.

328ioc
02-06-2014, 08:48 AM
Ok. So after looking into this more I am not sure it is worth it.

It looks like I will lose the ability to aim my fog lights.

But I will look into it a bit more this weekend.

On another note.....does anyone know how to make a 9006 to h1 adapter?

The new bowls are H1 fitment and I want to test them with a halogen bulb before I pop for the HID kit.

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das boots
02-06-2014, 11:38 AM
Any of you guys heard of the Bimmian.com's Weisslicht Spektrum LED fog lights?

http://www.bimmian.com/WeissLicht-LED-Fog-Light-Bulbs-for-BMW-E46-3-Series


Edit: I got this installed on the ZHP. Looks good. No contrast between the Zenons and foggies.

328ioc
02-06-2014, 12:07 PM
Well shit......now I need to look into these....as led is what I originally wanted.

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328ioc
02-06-2014, 01:20 PM
Any of you guys heard of the Bimmian.com's Weisslicht Spektrum LED fog lights?

http://www.bimmian.com/WeissLicht-LED-Fog-Light-Bulbs-for-BMW-E46-3-Series


Edit: I got this installed on the ZHP. Looks good. No contrast between the Zenons and foggies.

I just saw the video. Looks like they output zero light.

I am after mega output. Back to hids.

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sillieidiot
02-06-2014, 03:13 PM
Ok. So after looking into this more I am not sure it is worth it.

It looks like I will lose the ability to aim my fog lights.

But I will look into it a bit more this weekend.

On another note.....does anyone know how to make a 9006 to h1 adapter?

The new bowls are H1 fitment and I want to test them with a halogen bulb before I pop for the HID kit.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

just use test leads. i usually connect a female 9006 connector with wires attached to it. put the positive on the prong that is sticking out. the ground is the rest of the base

Johnmadd
02-06-2014, 03:29 PM
just use test leads. i usually connect a female 9006 connector with wires attached to it. put the positive on the prong that is sticking out. the ground is the rest of the base

Sounds right to me.

328ioc
02-07-2014, 05:09 AM
just use test leads. i usually connect a female 9006 connector with wires attached to it. put the positive on the prong that is sticking out. the ground is the rest of the base

Duh....never even thought of that. Thanks guys.

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JupiterBMW
02-07-2014, 05:57 AM
I'm thinking that's the best solution.

I have 35W 3000K HID fogs in the OEM housings... I can run just them and drive with them... In fact, lemme find a pic...

ryankokesh
02-07-2014, 05:59 AM
I have 35W 3000K HID fogs in the OEM housings... I can run just them and drive with them... In fact, lemme find a pic...

I have 3000k in "projectors" and they're more or less worthless.


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midlandtech
02-07-2014, 06:00 AM
I have 35W 3000K HID fogs in the OEM housings... I can run just them and drive with them... In fact, lemme find a pic...

That's reassuring to hear as that was a motivator in me buying mine

taptalk + Note 3

JupiterBMW
02-07-2014, 06:01 AM
This...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/IMG_1344.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/IMG_1344.jpg.html)

328ioc
02-07-2014, 06:03 AM
Sorry guys but I forget. Why cant we run 55 watt xenon's?

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midlandtech
02-07-2014, 06:05 AM
This...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/IMG_1344.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/IMG_1344.jpg.html)

Awesome

taptalk + Note 3

Rovert
02-07-2014, 08:27 AM
Sorry guys but I forget. Why cant we run 55 watt xenon's?

Just don't run 55 watt directly as you risk hurting your LCM, run it via a relay harness to have it powered by the battery

Extra heat could be an issue but haven't seen many threads complaining about melting components. Maybe someone can help out on that.

I've never had an issue with 35 watt in the many years of night driving. I think super dense fog (40mph on a 70mph interstate), 55 watt would be overkill and you'd have to turn them off unless there's a better way of directing the light more accurately.

328ioc
02-07-2014, 08:29 AM
Gotcha. Ok. I was just curious.

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sillieidiot
02-08-2014, 05:34 PM
I know now that you would need 55W to have the fogs be of any practical use.
I compared the stock fog lights' output to what I have now, a pair of projectors from Khoalty with 35W Morimoto ballasts and HID kit, and the output is terrible. Looks like decorative lights.
It may also be the projectors though. I heard somewhere that Khoalty's fog light projectors are actually not projectors....

no not really. 35w is fine. after working on your car, your projector fogs are even worst than what I've experienced. and this is due to the very bad alignment. it's so low you can't see it, should be aimed higher. I didn't want to break your fog light covers so i didn't adjust it.


Definitely. Even swapping to a Morimoto, I got a fitting harness for it.

um no you didn't LOL. it was only an extension from the connector to the ballast.

WOLFN8TR
02-08-2014, 08:47 PM
Check these guys out. They have some quality lighting options.

http://www.retro-solutions.net/ (http://www.retro-solutions.net/)

terraphantm
02-09-2014, 09:52 PM
Not worth it. Seems they all eventually fry an LCM or the cluster. I tried using OEM ballasts with mine, and my cluster still freaked out on occasion. I just switched back to halogens since I really don't need the fogs. My friends always complained that they had too much glare too

Harness doesn't help. Fog light already runs off its own relay anyway

JKO_ZHP
02-10-2014, 04:29 PM
no not really. 35w is fine. after working on your car, your projector fogs are even worst than what I've experienced. and this is due to the very bad alignment. it's so low you can't see it, should be aimed higher. I didn't want to break your fog light covers so i didn't adjust it.



um no you didn't LOL. it was only an extension from the connector to the ballast.

Pretty sure I'm going to just end up deleting the fog lights at this point.....but I need to see if it's even possible to have the inner Mini H1s on at the same time with the low beams. eas already did some coding (took less than 5 minutes but they charged me $95.......) but this is a little different.

sillieidiot
02-10-2014, 06:37 PM
Pretty sure I'm going to just end up deleting the fog lights at this point.....but I need to see if it's even possible to have the inner Mini H1s on at the same time with the low beams. eas already did some coding (took less than 5 minutes but they charged me $95.......) but this is a little different.

if we rewired them to as fog lights then yes it can be on at the same time. lows + fogs (in your case the MH1s) operate like that in their normal fashion. it's highs + fogs that usually doesn't work and needs the coding which you've already done.

Tnhl1989
04-09-2014, 06:40 PM
How about these?

BMW X5 LED Fog Lights (http://www.theretrofitsource.com/closeouts/bmw-x5-led-fog-lights.html)

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1a8932787757a8ae4cbc8144a20b336f/b/m/bmw_led_fog-3366.jpg

Getting these to work would be awesome :)

sillieidiot
04-10-2014, 01:49 PM
yeah it's probably possible. i thought about doing the same thing. but now i'm just going to delete my fogs cause i don't use them at all.

WOLFN8TR
04-26-2014, 01:26 PM
What do you guys think about these?

2001-2006 BMW E46 330CI/330I BUMPER FOG LIGHTS (50W-6000K HID)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371049142775?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Rovert
04-26-2014, 02:58 PM
50 watt bulbs are not ideal. If you directly wire them they will play havoc to destroy your expensive LCM as my friend experienced. We both haven't had issues with 35 watt directly wired in. I always bump up to 2000RPM on HID fog igniting but not sure if that's necessary.

Santacruzslick
04-26-2014, 05:40 PM
I've been running DDM hid's in my cars for years with zero problems. We put the DDM hid's in all of our customers cars as well and have never had a single one come back, last I checked they have a lifetime warranty on the ballasts as well and for under $40 you can't beat it.

sillieidiot
04-26-2014, 10:44 PM
Found This:

DIY Facelift Coupe Angel Eyes "Baking" (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=595976)

wrong thread?

cakM3
04-27-2014, 04:58 PM
Not worth it. Seems they all eventually fry an LCM or the cluster. I tried using OEM ballasts with mine, and my cluster still freaked out on occasion. I just switched back to halogens since I really don't need the fogs. My friends always complained that they had too much glare too

Harness doesn't help. Fog light already runs off its own relay anyway

I find this interesting Terra because I've been running 35W HID fogs for 5 years now on my ///M and going on 3 years on my ZHP w/o any issues. No glitches on my cluster... nothing.

I did add a seperate wiring harness for the fogs on my ///M last year and am getting ready to do the same for my ZHP as an added measure this year.

Not sure why people are frying their LCM's using HID lighting in their fogs :scratchinghead

Regarding the use of 55W lighting in fogs... I have read from other forums not to do this because it creates added load to the fog light circuits, which eventually causes major electrical issues (LCM most likely). The bulbs running off of 55W ballasts also create substantial heat inside the fog enclosures and causes them to melt in time.... at least that's what I have read.

sillieidiot
04-28-2014, 07:37 AM
It takes longer on some cars to have the lcm go (others show signs instantly). But eventually they all will start to show signs.

cakM3
04-28-2014, 01:04 PM
It takes longer on some cars to have the lcm go (others show signs instantly). But eventually they all will start to show signs.

If that's the case then I'd better start sourcing some spares in case I develop issues...

330i ZHP
06-12-2014, 04:54 PM
I picked up a set of 2013 X5 LED foglights and we be swapping the internals into the M foglights - will report with results

328ioc
06-12-2014, 04:55 PM
I picked up a set of 2013 X5 LED foglights and we be swapping the internals into the M foglights - will report with results
did you get them from trs?

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330i ZHP
06-12-2014, 04:57 PM
yes

328ioc
06-12-2014, 04:58 PM
yes
cool. I saw those a while ago.

interested in the results.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

cakM3
08-23-2014, 08:10 PM
Stuart helped BP install these into his fog enclosures. I'm sure if you send BP a PM he will tell you his impressions Devlin.

ELCID86
01-29-2015, 05:58 PM
Bump based on recent discussions. I'm leaning toward 5000k HID for Colin's car. I need to pull the ones on my car to verify that's what they are (it came with them )


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

cakM3
01-29-2015, 06:01 PM
Bump based on recent discussions. I'm leaning toward 5000k HID for Colin's car. I need to pull the ones on my car to verify that's what they are (it came with them )


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Thanks Shawn for showing me your car tonight. The lighting on your car is amazing!!! Can't wait to catch up with you guys again :thumbsup Hopefully sooner but then maybe when I have either of my BMWs with me during the trip :) Of course we will have to find another place to eat due to my lowered car...:)

derbo
01-29-2015, 06:42 PM
I want to do LED fogs too.


Sent from iPad Mini

az3579
01-29-2015, 07:59 PM
I want to do LED fogs too.


Sent from iPad Mini

Do it.
Even if retrofitting isn't your thing, CREE LED bulbs will get the job done just fine.


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derbo
01-29-2015, 08:12 PM
Do it.
Even if retrofitting isn't your thing, CREE LED bulbs will get the job done just fine.


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Oh yea, forgot about those. 9006 right?

az3579
01-29-2015, 08:15 PM
Oh yea, forgot about those. 9006 right?

Yes, 9006.


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ryankokesh
01-29-2015, 08:23 PM
I want to do LED fogs too.


Sent from iPad Mini

Do they help you see at all?

derbo
01-29-2015, 08:29 PM
Do they help you see at all?

Helps me see potholes. :)

az3579
01-29-2015, 08:32 PM
Do they help you see at all?

Front fog lights in general really are pointless. Nobody needs to see directly in front of their car because by the time said object is in view of the fog light's output, it's too late to avoid it anyway.


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danewilson77
01-29-2015, 08:35 PM
I don't want to avoid it. I just wanna see it before I smash it :)

"No flamesuit required"

az3579
01-29-2015, 08:42 PM
I don't want to avoid it. I just wanna see it before I smash it :)

"No flamesuit required"

:thumbsup


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derbo
01-29-2015, 09:04 PM
Front fog lights in general really are pointless. Nobody needs to see directly in front of their car because by the time said object is in view of the fog light's output, it's too late to avoid it anyway.


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I've thought about deleting my foglights. Then I need to find an euro faceplate with just rear fog button..and auto... -_-

ryankokesh
01-30-2015, 03:34 AM
:rofl


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Rovert
01-30-2015, 10:03 AM
I can drive with just my HID fogs in the city at night no problem. They're sooooo bright......until I turn on my working AL headlights and they show the rest of the world. LOL

ryankokesh
01-30-2015, 11:44 AM
Hahaha...

derbo
02-04-2015, 01:59 PM
I can drive with just my HID fogs in the city at night no problem. They're sooooo bright......until I turn on my working AL headlights and they show the rest of the world. LOL
If only US regulations made sense with city lights.

sent from my phone

cakM3
02-04-2015, 03:03 PM
I'm okay using my HID fogs....it's additional lighting for oncoming traffic....that's how I see it. The real lighting comes when I engage TriFecta lighting :)

say TriFecta and then look at my sig pic....that's how I feel every time I say TriFecta :p