HID projector fogs DIY. Again...

[hunds02]

Thank you. I did do a search prior to my post but I don't think I came across that thread. I will def take a look at it.

[Clockwork]

RB, you finally gave up on the DEPO brand too huh? I'm feeling your pain and feel I will just go to VALEO projectors too, just to save me time and patience.
I may as well now that I created a harness for face lift to pre-face lifted fogs for hallogens in the fogs and and also since I have an H3C set of bulbs for an HID set-up too.
now I just have to sell these DEPO brand projector fogs to someone for a rediculously cheap price

[Clockwork]

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...celift-x5.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...free-form.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ctor-fogs.html

Plus search for a few threads RB and X5SND have started lately. GREAT reads about the problems of dealing with DEPO brand projectors for SOME PEOPLE. Some of these DEPO kits seem to be perfect from factory... some need to have their cutoff shield modified and X5SND shows/describes how to do so and also how to avoid the fog build up inside the lens IF you do remove it from the housing...

great threads

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

RB, you finally gave up on the DEPO brand too huh? I'm feeling your pain and feel I will just go to VALEO projectors too, just to save me time and patience.
I may as well now that I created a harness for face lift to pre-face lifted fogs for hallogens in the fogs and and also since I have an H3C set of bulbs for an HID set-up too.
now I just have to sell these DEPO brand projector fogs to someone for a rediculously cheap price

You know what to be honest, I would have kept with the Depo brand, however I did have one of mine with a defective cutoff. In all my research, I also noticed TYC does make a replacement projector fog, comparable in price to Depo, and TYC has always been good quality in my experience.

As well, the main reason I got rid of the Depos was because of the condensation issues I had with them. you may recall if I mentioned in the threads that I would get "fogging" on the inside of the lenses, not from a bad seal, but breathability/heat issues, just as X5SND did, but he rectified his by installing multiple vents to equalize the pressure. As a test, I purchased a $20 "junkyard" Valeo projector fog housing on ebay, to see if the issue was replicated, as up until that point, not a single soul had mentioned their projectors "fogging up" after the lights were running, and everyone installed with the grommet sealed in the back of the cap.

Low and behold, I plugged the Valeo in with the same H3C bulb, and not a single lick of moisture after running for an hour or so, previously the Depos would fog up after 15 minutes.

I did notice serious quality differences between the Valeo H3 projector and the Depo H3 projector when they were next to each other, the Depo is definitely more "tinny", and has a shield affixed to the lens holder, while the Valeo has a shield built into the projector bowl, and is much more sturdier. For the 90% of us on the boards, the Depos may be the way to go, as long as they don't fog up. However, I needed a new set anyway, and after my "moisture test" was complete and proven, I would have been stupid not to buy a new set of Valeos from the dealer. I paid $200 shipped for a set, and love them. The cutoff is wide, sharp, and minimally colorful from the factory (for what its worth, my stock low beams with new Philips bulbs are more colorful, and they are Fresnel lenses!) However, the clear lens on the valeo fogs makes the cutoff nice and sharp on the fogs, which is what we need!

Good luck Clockwork

[hunds02]

Are the DEPO projectors the ones sold on Ebay from Latvia? Seems like the OE Valeo ones are a better choice...

[Ricky Bobby]

Yes the ones from Latvia are no different. Just come from Latvia as opposed to a warehouse in California lol.

[Clockwork]

ok screw this, I'm buyin Valeo's then.
I'm tired of having amessed up cuttoff and slanted cut off too. just cheap cheap cheap craftsmanship if you ask me

[Ricky Bobby]

Valeo is dead straight sharp and colorful I can attest to that having both.



This is the "junk housing" with the TRS bulb, Valeo with a chipped lens. Much better than my Depo output ever was.

[Clockwork]

thanks for making my decision RB. now what to do the with DEPOs? they are in perfect shape, maybe I can play with the shield a wee bit and then sell them.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

thanks for making my decision RB. now what to do the with DEPOs? they are in perfect shape, maybe I can play with the shield a wee bit and then sell them.

I sold mine to a kid on HIDPlanet, who wanted projectors with 2" lenses, so he could do a custom project with them. Do yours not project a halogen bulb correctly or just an HID? if they project halogen just fine i'd leave them intact and see if you can recoup some cost on the forum.

I ended up getting 60 bucks for my Depo pair, half price of what I paid but its better than not getting anything!