I searched around on the topic, didnt find what I was looking for. I'm in the market for an aftermarket HID kit for my 02 MC. I prefer nothing higher than 8000k, in fact I really dont want anything that bright, I almost want a stock HID look, BMW-brightness if you will, can anyone help a fellow motorER out?

 

You're probably already aware of this, but a higher color temperature does not mean a brighter bulb.

The color temperature of OE MINI/BMW HID systems is around 4100-4300K. 8000K is very blue and puts less useful light on the road than stock HID.

 

Oh yeah I'm fully aware about all of that, I kind of like the blue-ish look. My mind is set on a product between 6000-8000k, preferably 7000k, I'm looking for advice on the right product with the right price tag.

 

In before the Daniel Stern Lighting links.

 

I don't get it

 

bump

 

I think i hear Chows sprinting like a gazelle over to the thread now!

 

If you searched the "Electrical Modifications" portion of this forum you would find tons of threads on this topic:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...archid=2115853

 

go to hidstore.com they have super nice kits.

 

daniel stern is getting old...lets go with picture PROOF

In terms of installing popular HID KITS (usually cheap on ebay etc)in stock halogen housings...here is why you need to install HIDs in HID housings ONLY.

(in both pics, the headlights were aimed properly...the HID kits REALLY are THAT BAD)

This is an HID kit in a halogen housing...notice that there is a ton of glare above the line that its aimed...and notice how uneven the coverage is on the ground. You will find that these ktis provide LESS light than your stock halogen bulbs. (in summary: its a stupid idea, its an unsafe idea, its very inconsiderate to other drives)



Now here is the same car, same location but now with HID PROJECTOR housings...notice the sharp cutoffline to avoid glare and blinding other drivers...also notice how much more light is on the ground in this picture and look how far ahead it goes. This is the only way to properly install HIDs in your car.

 

if pictures werent enough here is a few videos to show proof

In this one...the last car has one HID kit (in a halogen housing) and one stock light bulb (in the same halogen style housing)...notice how much glare the HID kit is giving off, and also notice that the stock light is putting out more light
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcX63...search=Hidding

Here is an in car...notice that the beam pattern is basically two pencil shapes instead of actually fanning out? And also notice that it isnt even brighter than a stock car??? YAY FOR HID KITS with terrible beam patterns and less light than stock....hey atleast they are blue and that's cool right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Rdi...search=Hidding

 

also...do realize that 8000k is LESS bright than the BMWs which are 4300k. That number is the temperature (which changes the color) but after you pass about 5300k you begin LOSING lumens (which is the measurement of how bright they are.)

So what you are looking for is 4300k maybe 5000k. In order to do it properly, you will need to buy 2 xenon housings (about $1300 new, 500-800 used) and if you are looking to get auto-levelling and washing (required by law...but some dont install it), look to spend about $900 + labor hours for the install.

 

eeek!!

 

Maybe I can go to a junk yard and find them??

 

possibly.....new cars such as the MINI are usually parted out rather than just thrown away in a junkyard.

Just watch ebay...that may help out.