HID Conversion
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
i love how this guy is on here for answers and all you guys do is complain. i have a p1 with aftermarket HIDs , THERE is absolutely no complaint in the 1 year i have them from oncoming motorist. Especially since we have projector beams. Just corny. Mtec i heard is the cheaper of brands, try xenonking.com, 12 months strong.
I have P2 Bi-Xenons, therefore no real interest in the conversion kits but reviewing the thread for entertainment and educational purposes only. But the logic that the oncoming traffic doesn't complain so it is OK isn't logical as a gauge to say they are OK or not. In reality, how likely would an oncoming driver passing you be able to turn around, catch up and complain?
Last edited by golfster; Oct 19, 2011 at 06:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
2014 S550, 2014 Porsche Turbo S, 2013 Bentley GT Speed W12
i love how this guy is on here for answers and all you guys do is complain. i have a p1 with aftermarket HIDs , THERE is absolutely no complaint in the 1 year i have them from oncoming motorist. Especially since we have projector beams. Just corny. Mtec i heard is the cheaper of brands, try xenonking.com, 12 months strong.
I see only one negative critic in this thread and it's not u..lol
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Actually, it appears no one here understands color temperature. Colors above 5000k are considered "cooler" colors (more blue-ish) below 5000k colors are considered "warmer" (reddish) The color temperature has to do with the color spectrum. Her is a brief definition:
Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in lighting, photography, videography, publishing, manufacturing, astrophysics, and other fields. The color temperature of a light source is the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of comparable hue to that of the light source. Color temperature is conventionally stated in the unit of absolute temperature, the kelvin, having the unit symbol K.
Color temperatures over 5,000K are called cool colors (blueish white), while lower color temperatures (2,700–3,000 K) are called warm colors (yellowish white through red).[1]
Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in lighting, photography, videography, publishing, manufacturing, astrophysics, and other fields. The color temperature of a light source is the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of comparable hue to that of the light source. Color temperature is conventionally stated in the unit of absolute temperature, the kelvin, having the unit symbol K.
Color temperatures over 5,000K are called cool colors (blueish white), while lower color temperatures (2,700–3,000 K) are called warm colors (yellowish white through red).[1]
My facts didn't work and neither will yours. The only thing that'll help is these guys getting a ticket, having an accident (or causing one) or failing inspection. All three are in their future.Maybe they'll get lucky and that crap will just melt their wiring harness.
I know a local cop that will stop, ticket and impound cars with "unsafe and non-conforming" equipment like HID kits or 5000k+ bulbs. To date he has a 100% conviction rate.
I'm not sure how somebody can see the tests that I linked to and still think it is OK to install this crap.
BTW, I've forgotten more about lighting than anyone here will ever learn. I've seen the results of these installs and I understand the science behind color temps, glare and vision. Daniel Stern and I often don't see eye to eye but in this case he is spot on.
Last edited by CEB; Oct 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use.
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light.
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind.
5) Not many folks actually care either way.
6) Taxes are inevitable
7) Death is inevitable
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun.
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use.
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light.
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind.
5) Not many folks actually care either way.
6) Taxes are inevitable
7) Death is inevitable
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
[quote=ImInPA;4881899]The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights[/quote]
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights
[/quote]
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
2011 E350, 2008 ML350
I have P2 Bi-Xenons, therefore no real interest in the conversion kits but reviewing the thread for entertainment and educational purposes only. But the logic that the oncoming traffic doesn't complain so it is OK isn't logical as a gauge to say they are OK or not. In reality, how likely would an oncoming driver passing you be able to turn around, catch up and complain?
Also i have a ballast set that i bought that IS BI-XENON.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
2011 E350, 2008 ML350
The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use.
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light.
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind.
5) Not many folks actually care either way.
6) Taxes are inevitable
7) Death is inevitable
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun.
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use.
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light.
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind.
5) Not many folks actually care either way.
6) Taxes are inevitable
7) Death is inevitable
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun.
Standing ovation for this . Love it.
after i wrote my reply to this i was pulled over by a cop and was literally asked how i changed my headlight to HID and also LED for my city lights (parking) apparently the cop did also have a p1 eclass.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
2011 E350, 2008 ML350
[QUOTE=CEB;4882324]
my neighbor has a honda civic with 10 or 12k HIDs that appear Pink/Purple, yet to be pulled over for his headlight, tinted windows is a different story lol.
The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights[/quote]
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights
[/quote]
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
2011 E350, 2008 ML350
[QUOTE=CEB;4882324]
Pink Xenon lights did pass a NYC inspection. my neighbor is proof.
The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights[/quote]
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights
[/quote]Don't try bringing facts into this discussion. My facts didn't work and neither will yours. The only thing that'll help is these guys getting a ticket, having an accident (or causing one) or failing inspection. All three are in their future.
Maybe they'll get lucky and that crap will just melt their wiring harness.
I know a local cop that will stop, ticket and impound cars with "unsafe and non-conforming" equipment like HID kits or 5000k+ bulbs. To date he has a 100% conviction rate.
I'm not sure how somebody can see the tests that I linked to and still think it is OK to install this crap.
BTW, I've forgotten more about lighting than anyone here will ever learn. I've seen the results of these installs and I understand the science behind color temps, glare and vision. Daniel Stern and I often don't see eye to eye but in this case he is spot on.
My facts didn't work and neither will yours. The only thing that'll help is these guys getting a ticket, having an accident (or causing one) or failing inspection. All three are in their future.Maybe they'll get lucky and that crap will just melt their wiring harness.
I know a local cop that will stop, ticket and impound cars with "unsafe and non-conforming" equipment like HID kits or 5000k+ bulbs. To date he has a 100% conviction rate.
I'm not sure how somebody can see the tests that I linked to and still think it is OK to install this crap.
BTW, I've forgotten more about lighting than anyone here will ever learn. I've seen the results of these installs and I understand the science behind color temps, glare and vision. Daniel Stern and I often don't see eye to eye but in this case he is spot on.
Pink Xenon lights did pass a NYC inspection. my neighbor is proof.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
[QUOTE=CEB;4882324]
3) Actually, these systems are all of the same wattage, so the load on the electrical system will be the same regardless of, using the Philips example, 5000K or 6000K. The actual output may vary, but the load on the system will be the same.
The industrial cutting lasers that I had in mind would have targeting based on the Nav's GPS and voice commands (it is a Mercedes after all). Of course, I cannot condone your suggested use for this technology, but, would certainly encourage you to explore the system's versatility.
The facts are as follows:
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights[/quote]
1) These kits are all technically illegal for street use. Correct
2) The likelihood of getting caught for this illegality is right up there with winning the loto. Depends on the jurisdiction.
3) Color Temperature has to do with the color of the light....not the intensity of the light. Correct - but to get the same lumens, you'll need more power. The electrical system isn't set up for that
4) While some folks may find cheap kits blinding, in reality, few actually go blind. True, but many have been distracted enough to hit an immovable object and have died as a result.
5) Not many folks actually care either way. Unfortunately true. Since ignorance is bliss there are lots of happy people here.
6) Taxes are inevitable Depends on where you live
7) Death is inevitable True, but it may depend on your definition of "death." The Boston PD uses the term "found with an absence of life" to describe a dead body and some religions believe that it is merely another stage of life.
8) Front mounted industrial cutting lasers would be far more fun. Absolutely correct. Especially if you could aim them at the guys with those illegal lights
[/quote]The industrial cutting lasers that I had in mind would have targeting based on the Nav's GPS and voice commands (it is a Mercedes after all). Of course, I cannot condone your suggested use for this technology, but, would certainly encourage you to explore the system's versatility.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
[quote=ImInPA;4882470]
3) Actually, these systems are all of the same wattage, so the load on the electrical system will be the same regardless of, using the Philips example, 5000K or 6000K. The actual output may vary, but the load on the system will be the same.
The industrial cutting lasers that I had in mind would have targeting based on the Nav's GPS and voice commands (it is a Mercedes after all). Of course, I cannot condone your suggested use for this technology, but, would certainly encourage you to explore the system's versatility.
Right. The same wattage gives you less output. To achieve the same output you'll need higher wattage - which can cause problems - including melted housings and wiring harnesses.
3) Actually, these systems are all of the same wattage, so the load on the electrical system will be the same regardless of, using the Philips example, 5000K or 6000K. The actual output may vary, but the load on the system will be the same.
The industrial cutting lasers that I had in mind would have targeting based on the Nav's GPS and voice commands (it is a Mercedes after all). Of course, I cannot condone your suggested use for this technology, but, would certainly encourage you to explore the system's versatility.
