I recently purchased a 2003 mini that doesn't have Xenon light. I immediatly purchased a set of H7 kit from hidkit.com ($79.99). During the installation, I noticed that the light sheild is in the way... so.. thinking it wouldn't be a big deal, I removed the sheild by cutting it off. It light light worked but I think by removing the light sheild may contribute to the poor range I'm getting. Is that true?

Also, the engine compartment is so tight that I can't really find a spot to store the ballast. Any suggestions?

 

I had to cut the shield too, there is no other way as the bulb is much longer than the OEM halogens.

Here is where I placed my ballasts. Lots of trial and error to guess the right place. Hope this helps.

 

When you guys say "light sheild", do you mean the structure INSIDE the headlamp or behind the assembly in the engine bay?

Reason I'm asking is because I'm going to be installing some this weekend too .

 

Mike S: Thanks for the info. I worked on the my car soon after the post and found the exact same spot as you to stored the ballast except mine is attached to the bracket and secured to the nut holding the headlight. Big thanks.

It the other hand, I made adjustment to the headlight (up and down) and the beam line seems to be a little bit better. However, I do think the light shield.. more precise, is a bulb shield, has to do with proper reflection of the light beam. I'm searching online for replacement H7 bulb shield (I think is a universal part) made for HID headlamp. If I come across with one.. I'll post it here.

MancUnited1: I’m talking about the shield that is inside the halogen unit. If you look closely, that shield is part of the clip that is holding the H7 bulb. If you going to cut if off, be careful not to yank it out because I made a mistake by doing so and the entire piece (the section with a latch) fell off . Luckily I found the part and clamp it back in.

Hey maybe you should try installing it without cutting the shield. I recall the tip of HID bulb touches the shield but probably about 1/8” off from sitting correctly inside the bracket (assuming HID bulb touching the shield woudn’t be an issue but I’m just guessing ) and you are still able to close the clamp. If that can be accomplished, test it out on the road and see if the light beam is in a good range. FYI, mine lighten up only 10 feet of road which is not a lot. I was driving in the rain last night and it was horrible. I adjusted the angle when I got home and I will find out tonight if it improved.

 

No problem, glad I was able to help!

 

Is there any way you could illustrate what you're talking about? I'm interested in doing this too, but you lost me with your descriptions.