Advice on H.I.D on projector lights for MK4 Golf

**JonZo** · 13-03-2011, 04:09 PM

Hi All,

Just want to be sure that its ok to install H.I.D lights on these sets of headlight projectors:

99-04 VW Golf IV Mk4 LED HeadLights BLACK Projector - eBay (item 290429107856 end time Mar-21-11 22:15:26 PDT)

Its just because there was a sticker saying that " NO HID LIGHTS ALLOWED" and im just curious to see its just a policy thing but we can install HID at our own will? or will it damage the headlights in the log run? Sorry if its a noob question but it was a pain in the ass to install them and i dont want to wreck them....

Cheers John

**sirmoe** · 14-03-2011, 04:07 PM

Remember these are american, so they are designed for LHD cars.

Meaning the light beam is bias towards those driving conditions. Hopefully it has a switch on the back to make it neutral otherwise they will be blinding people on incoming traffic.

Best place to get them online is from the UK

**Manaz** · 14-03-2011, 08:42 PM

It is not legal to install HIDs in this country as an aftermarket accessory without meeting some quite stringent criteria - you need auto-levelling installed to start with, and HIDs must have been offered as an option on the car (you may get away with this due to the R32 having HIDs).

LHD beam patterns spray all their light to the right - which would likely dazzle oncoming drivers here, so you need to ensure any projectors you get can provide a RHD-suitable beam pattern. HIDs also require projector-style headlight assemblies - but not all projectors are suitable for putting HIDs in. You're unlikely to find appropriate headlight assemblies cheaply on ebay.

**D3bb4** · 15-03-2011, 12:08 AM

I'd also recommend replacing the halogen projectors for HID ones... which would involve a full retrofit of the new lights, so you may as well retrofit your current ones with projectors, save yourself some money if you can live with the down time.

**gavs** · 15-03-2011, 03:49 PM

Like Manaz said, it is illegal, full stop.

To give you an idea of what you need to make them legal:
-Auto levelling motors able to pivot the projector lense to keep up with road irregularities
-Headlight washers that can work independantly of windscreen washers
-Pitch sensors in the front of the vehicle
-Pitch sensors in the rear of the vehicle
-Accelerometers to measure the speed of the pitching motions
-HID ballasts
-HID DC to AC conversion
-HID globes
-Projector lenses that are UV resistant on the lighting side, HID lights give off some UV radiation

That is just what goes on the new Polo GTI for the Xenon upgrade, hence why it is a $1600 option. People used to say to me it was a pipedream to think of putting a worked Mk4 GTI engine in my rally because I could just buy a GTI, which I didn't want. I think it would cost you more to legally convert your headlights to HID than it would for me to convert a Mk4 Rally engine to a GTI engine, but if it's your goal, I say go for it, but please do it legally!

**Manaz** · 15-03-2011, 03:50 PM

The ADRs don't specify headlight washers. Otherwise, pretty much spot on.

**JonZo** · 15-03-2011, 09:24 PM

Thanks for all your input and opinions guys! it was really helpful! more than i wanted to know =]

Cheers! John

**Treza360** · 16-03-2011, 07:31 PM

Note that they don't say who actually makes them nor do the photos show any manufacturers markings. Thus I would say their el-cheapo Chinese made knock offs and thus an pile of you know what in terms of build quality and lighting. Avoid avoid avoid and if you are going to do it. Get Hellas or an actual reputable brand from a reputable seller.
Cheers,
Trent

**Manaz** · 16-03-2011, 09:09 PM

I've hooked one member here up with good quality Hella Celis projectors (new, from overseas). Would have gotten a set myself at the time had they made them for the Bora, believe I need to go to Bosch in the UK for those (and Bosch in the UK have been tricky to get hold of).