Quote:
Originally Posted by mam4.6
(Post 945835)
Thanks... Also, how much rewiring is involved if I would install bi-xenon? And do I have to upgrade to 55W ballast if I go with bi-xenon?
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hey man, no pics yet as I'm still acquiring all parts, but I can send you some threads to reference on HIDPlanet, but X5SND has upgraded his hella projectors, and Miniz guy has also done a retrofit on the same housings I am getting, but he used Hella RS6 Bi-Xenon projectors instead of the EvoX-R I am using.
The EvoX-R, and the RS6 Bi-Xenon, and the Hella E55 projector are all the same sizing, bolt pattern, etc as our stock E39 low beam projector, so yes, they are a direct drop in, same mounting points and all. The EvoX-R are replica projectors but they are great quality, come with a clear lens (for sharper and more colorful output), and a nice warranty from theretrofitsource.com. The RS6 projectors can probably be had for half the price if you wanted a set, those will not come with a clear lens or chromed bowl however.
No re-wiring or altering of factory wiring if you go bi-xenon, the EvoX-R and RS6 projector just have power and ground for the bi-xenon solenoid that need to be tapped into the high beam wiring. If you are on TRS website, they actually sell the "high beam splitters" as they are called, for 10 bucks. Then you literally plug one end into the projector solenoid, one end into your stock high beam bulb, and the other end into the high beam plug from the car, so when you flick your stalk for high beam, not only will the high beam bulb go on but that power will trigger the solenoid and open up the bi-xenon shield, so you will effectively have "dual high beams", with no modification.
As long as your stock ballasts are in good shape, I would re-use them (I am doing so with mine), 35w ballasts are plenty for the output you get out of the projectors. In my extremely humble opinion, 55w ballasts are overkill, and not only create more heat and shorten bulb life, but they are unnecessary if you are running 4300k or 5000k bulbs. I see 55w ballasts used a lot in 6000k applications, trying to squeeze extra lumens out of higher kelvin bulbs in order to get past the shortcomings of the 6000k output. Also, you need to get bulbs that are meant to be powered by 55w ballasts, usually those bulbs have fatter capsules with more salts in them.
So in short, stick with your 35w ballasts if they power up fine, get yourself a nice pair of projectors and high beam splitters, do your research on other guys who have done retrofits and have a fun weekend upgrading your lighting output. One thing that is a must though? Buy yourself a new set of D2S bulbs, after almost 10 years your light output is about half of what it was when the bulbs were new. That is a must in order to appreciate a new projector (or just to appreciate the light output you had when the car was new!)
hope that helps on your quest,