HID projector fogs DIY. Again...

[hunds02]

Looks like I will be getting Valeos soon as I plan to do my HID fogs soon around Christmas time. Will either get the kit from TRS or from DDM.

Do the Valeos and depos look the same, physically? The pictures of the DEPOS looked sooo nice on eBay lol

[Ricky Bobby]

Physically they look the same, clear lens projector, housing lens is glass, etc. However if you shine the Depo and the Valeo side by side the beam output is slightly different, I'm a lighting aficionado so that is why I went with the Valeo's after I had an issue with the Depo. I also noticed the Depo's were not as wide of a range of up/down adjustment, even at the lowest I could not get my Depo fogs to be low enough to not blind oncoming traffic.

[Clockwork]

mine are fine for halogens. good idea
just going to order my valeo's from Gault BMW today.

[Clockwork]

I just installed my Valeo's last night with halogen bulbs and its an unreal difference over the DEPO brand. I know the \Valeo are at least twice the cost, but in my opinion, there is NO comparison to fit, finish and function of the valeo. The Depos even looked different when I compared the two. in every way. the black plastic opening is different, the exterior glass is different, the projector is not as clear, the bulb holder is CHEAP/not stable at all in the DEPO brand. just absolute crap when compared to the Valeo. Now when I turn on my Valeo's the cut off is insanely sharp and WIDE. Did I mention they are WIDE. holy moly!!!
I'd recommend to not cheap out on these parts. i'm a lighting nut like RB (and probbly X5SND to be honest) and would never ever settle for DEPO's again.

[pquast1]

So Valeo is the way to go!


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[X5SND]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

I just installed my Valeo's last night with halogen bulbs and its an unreal difference over the DEPO brand. I know the \Valeo are at least twice the cost, but in my opinion, there is NO comparison to fit, finish and function of the valeo. The Depos even looked different when I compared the two. in every way. the black plastic opening is different, the exterior glass is different, the projector is not as clear, the bulb holder is CHEAP/not stable at all in the DEPO brand. just absolute crap when compared to the Valeo. Now when I turn on my Valeo's the cut off is insanely sharp and WIDE. Did I mention they are WIDE. holy moly!!!
I'd recommend to not cheap out on these parts. i'm a lighting nut like RB (and probbly X5SND to be honest) and would never ever settle for DEPO's again.

I'm a little late to this party....but

It's for the same reasons that clockwork mentioned that I will be swapping out my modded DEPO's for the Valeo's. While I managed to solve my moisture build up, the notion of not having any extra vents in the housings is what appeals to me.

If theres anything to take away from all our mad scientist-ing escapades its that the valeos are definitely the way to go for the easiest "out of the box" results.

Oh, and clockwork....who do you think got RB hooked on them lighting upgrades lol.

[Ricky Bobby]

I must say mr. S is responsible for my lighting guru in training addiction lol!

Valeos are still going strong, no moisture issues, perfect beam pattern. Yes they are wide clockwork aren't they nice housings!

Glad you "saw the light" so to speak and are enjoying them as I'm sure on your X they look amazing, the entire production run of E53 should have had these housings IMO, much superior lighting.

Current pricing just checking ECS shows the Valeos at 107 apiece, I paid about 195 shipped from a dealership with discount. The Depo/TYC aftermarkets run about 120-150 for the pair, so it's not quite double the cost, but it is definitely double the lighting upgrade and quality!

[Clockwork]

X5SND, I know you did.
I should have inserted a smiley face after commenting about you in the brackets in my last msg honestly.

RB, I LOVE these valeo fog/driving projectors.
I wonder why BMW went with reflector housings? poor design compared to the projector housings!!

[Ricky Bobby]

I'm sure cost was a factor as was the air tube design on the N62 which I believe you have to move slightly to accomodate the Valeo's on the facelifts, right?

Those reflector housings are much cheaper to make I'm sure as well, BMW cost savings at its finest. Probably the reason why my '03 SPORT PACKAGE does not have SPORT SEATS, although I was under the impression Sport Package included sport seats, but I've found on some 2003's we got shafted for whatever reason.