[s-cars] OEM European HID Lights

[Igor Kessel]

Sean Douglas wrote:
> Hi Bob and Igor:
>
> I'm considering the following:
>
> Option 1: Hella euro-lights with a HID upgrade (such as lltek). Cost $600 +
> $600 = $1200
> Option 2: OEM Hella HID. Cost $2,000
>
> How would you say the two compare with regard to quality, light output and
> ease of installation?
>
> Looks like the wiring is a little more difficult, as I would have to source
> the proper plugs to mate with the OEM ones. Did you wire in the levelling
> motors which are controlled by the switch in the console?
>
> Also, the FA says that the HID bulb is not available separately ("not a
> spare part"). Is this available in the aftermarket should one fail?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sean Douglas

Sean,
the best nad safest approach off course is the factory one. You get the
whole pre-focused assy with the D2S dead centre in the focus of the
projector.
The D2S is available separately. Just check e-bay.

If the aftermarket kit can place the filament (although there is no
"filament" per se in the HID bulb) in the same exact spot where the 9006
  filament used to sit, then you stand to save $1400.
However, and that is a big however. If the HID bulb is farther or closer
to the reflector than the OEM filament used to sit, your end result will
be light scattered all over the place and quite possibly worse off than
before you started.
There is another issue that bothers me with the aftermarket approach. It
is the availability of the spare HID bulbs grafted onto the 9006 (or H1,
or H7) OEM base.

There is no easy decision. You  have to weigh in the pros and cons.

--
Igor Kessel
two turbo quattros