55w HID upgrade?

AndrewC1989 · 07-18-2018, 11:30 PM

Anybody attempted upgrading the oem bulbs and ballasts from 35w to 55w?

ipeefreely · 07-19-2018, 09:34 PM

why...? Are the stock headlights not sufficient?

atlas · 07-19-2018, 09:42 PM

I thought the headlights are LED?

AndrewC1989 · 07-20-2018, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ipeefreely

why...? Are the stock headlights not sufficient?

They are, I was just curious. Always looking for new projects.

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlas

I thought the headlights are LED?

All Pre-LCI cars in the USA (MY 16+17) have Adaptive Xenons.

LCI/LED didn't arrive here till MY 18. Might've been different in Australia.

Bee Pee · 07-20-2018, 03:23 AM

Can you buy reliable [Osram/Philips] 50w+ D1S bulbs ?

~ 6:45mins into YT vid shows a delta between 35w v 50w retrofitted HID ie separate ballasts as believe bulbs are the same, its the ballast that's swapped for higher wattage.

AndrewC1989 · 07-20-2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bee Pee

Can you buy reliable [Osram/Philips] 50w+ D1S bulbs ?

~ 6:45mins into YT vid shows a delta between 35w v 50w retrofitted HID ie separate ballasts as believe bulbs are the same, its the ballast that's swapped for higher wattage.

Already saw that video coincidentally, lol.

Bulbs need to be changed as well AFAIK.

Just need to find a compatible kit (something like this):

https://headlightrevolution.com/star...-000k-hid-kit/

Main reason I'm asking about it here is I need to know if a mod like this is plug and play or if I need to code something to accommodate for the voltage changes (so I don't melt anything or get a bunch of warnings/lights etc.)

Bee Pee · 07-20-2018, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewc89

Already saw that video coincidentally, lol.

Bulbs need to be changed as well AFAIK.

Just need to find a compatible kit (something like this):

https://headlightrevolution.com/star...-000k-hid-kit/

Main reason I'm asking about it here is I need to know if a mod like this is plug and play or if I need to code something to accommodate for the voltage changes (so I don't melt anything or get a bunch of warnings/lights etc.)

You'd need to know 2 things from the supplier:-

- Is the Starr 55w ballast true PnP into OEM harness ? ie no wire splicing or connector changeovers ?

- Once fitted, does canbus need coding to amend any parameters and or remove any errors ?

tenkies · 07-23-2018, 12:15 PM

I did a similar swap to my S2000 when the OEM ballast crapped out on me. Most kits are not plug and play and usually require a separate digital ballast/igniter to accommodate for the larger initial power draw. But I must say the 55w bulbs lit up the streets much better.

I bought my kit from:

http://retro-solutions.com/

I am in no way affiliated with the company

07-18-2018, 11:30 PM	#1
AndrewC1989 Brigadier General 10915 Rep 4,550 Posts Drives: 2015 328d xDrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NoVA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 328d xDrive [8.90]	55w HID upgrade? Anybody attempted upgrading the oem bulbs and ballasts from 35w to 55w?
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07-19-2018, 09:34 PM	#2
ipeefreely Private First Class 137 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW XM, 2024 M2, 2022 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	why...? Are the stock headlights not sufficient?
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07-19-2018, 09:42 PM	#3
atlas Lieutenant 383 Rep 583 Posts Drives: F10 535i, M2 LCI, G05 X5 40i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I thought the headlights are LED?
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07-20-2018, 03:23 AM	#5
Bee Pee Brigadier General 1776 Rep 4,512 Posts Drives: AW M2 DCT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SW London iTrader: (3)	Can you buy reliable [Osram/Philips] 50w+ D1S bulbs ? ~ 6:45mins into YT vid shows a delta between 35w v 50w retrofitted HID ie separate ballasts as believe bulbs are the same, its the ballast that's swapped for higher wattage. __________________ Fettled M135i EB AT then AW M2 DCT - both gone but not forgotten: Current '22 X3M LCI..
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07-23-2018, 12:15 PM	#8
tenkies Second Lieutenant 147 Rep 266 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	I did a similar swap to my S2000 when the OEM ballast crapped out on me. Most kits are not plug and play and usually require a separate digital ballast/igniter to accommodate for the larger initial power draw. But I must say the 55w bulbs lit up the streets much better. I bought my kit from: http://retro-solutions.com/ I am in no way affiliated with the company
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