HIR for Headlights -- INSTALLED --

[Dreamcast18]

Have tried the 9005/9006 'xenon' and as Norm told us, they just don't work well enough. Since the Black Kat is now a daily driver, we're looking to upgrade the lights. Either Scott's HID way or the 'cheaper' HIR way:

http://www.bmwcca.org/members/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Let_There_Be_E36_Light&page=2

http://foohbar.com/light_bulb_saga.cfm

Anyone here with experience on the HIR?

[Scott Drolet]

Hey DC, after my first HID ballast failed, and before I installed my new Philips kit, I replaced all four of my bulbs with Bosch high-output bulbs at about $20.00 a piece. They are brighter, but nothing like HID. I ended up getting HID's again because I was spoiled by my first kit. I'm using two of them as high beams now, and I have the two I replaced with HID's somewhere out in my garage. I'll find them and let you have them next time I see you.

In reading your article, the ones I have are high output, but NOT HIR, so it would be interesting to see if anyone has tried them. It says they are used in Vipers. Any Viper owners out there that can attest to their brightness level?

Scott

[Dreamcast18]

Well...decided to try out the HIRs. Placed an order today. Hope you get it to install next week. I doubt it will look as good as HIDs, but hoping it will at least be 50% better than the stock lights (which are horrendous in my opinion).

[Scott Drolet]

Allright, Let me know when you get them. I'm really interested in how they turn out. I'd be happy to come by this weekend to either help or stay out of the way.

Scott

[Dreamcast18]

Thanks Scott! I'll save the offer for a HID install! The HIR should be easy enough (just trimming tabs)...the HID sounds beyond my mechanical capabilities :wink:

[Dreamcast18]

So on the last legs (hours) of the long weekend..I finally managed to squeeze in some time to install the new HIR bulbs:

Original:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n275/dreamcast18/Prowler/HIR001.jpg

9011 HIR on the left and 9005. Notice the difference in the top tab. That needs to be trimmed to work in the Prowler.


After Trimming:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n275/dreamcast18/Prowler/HIR003.jpg

Using nail clippers, the tab is trimmed. I was too lazy to use a file. Close enough I say!


Conclusion:

1. The mod is easy enough.

2. The mod is economical enough.

3. The mod is not the 'white' xenon-HID light that I really want. I guess nothing beats the real thing.

4. The mod DOES WORK. It is ALOT brighter than any of the 9005 replacements out there.

5. I recommend it if you do some night time driving in the Prowler and don't want want to go the HID way.

6. Sorry, no night pictures. Might do some when we have both kats out for a comparison.