Recommend HID Light for my 2009 passat b6 ?

[saint70]

If you have halogens factory fitted, getting legal HIDs pretty much means the OEM HIDs, levelling motor and washer kit, plus a whole lot of wiring in between. Labour included will probably push you up close to $3k. Simply not worthwhile.

However, on the topic of proper HID, there are decent options out there. You can:

get OEM HIDs without motor and washer kit (still a fair bit of wiring to tend to, and will still cost ~$1.5k);
find a set of proper aftermarket headlights with proper HID projectors (PROPER ones including ballasts and bulbs should cost ~$800);
retrofit a set of proper projectors into your current headlight (have to open your headlights and do some cutting but will cost about ~$400).

By proper projectors, I mean ones with cutoffs like the top one below (except it should be flipped horizontally for RHD), and NOT any other cutoffs:



The costs quoted above are ex labour and remember all 3 options are still ILLEGAL in Australia - but they will not blind anyone. Considering how many idiots are running around out there with their eBay $50 8000k HID kits in reflector housings, I daresay you won't get into trouble if you had your HIDs set up properly.

This brings me to the next point, don't ever, I mean EVER, go over 6000k. 8000k is very obviously illegal AND reduces light output. I am willing to bet that your OEM halogens are brighter than any 8000k systems on the market. Cheaper 6000k kits with an obvious blue tint are also closer to 7000k and still quite dim. If you do buy aftermarket HID kits, I recommend Morimoto (about $160 for bulbs + ballasts) - and no NEVER buy a kit less than $150.

OEM HIDs are 4300k which has a slight yellow hue. Some aftermarket kits including Morimoto has a 5000k option which is pure white (which also means brightest output) and still has that blue flicker around the edges. This is the best option IMO.

Also pay attention to the projector / bulb fitment type. Generally it's not worthwhile to get aftermarket HID headlights with anything other than D2S projectors.

I recommend you take a look at The Retrofit Source online: headlight upgrades for all applications and also HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum. They are mostly angled towards the self-retrofitting option (opening up your current headlights) but you will learn alot about HIDs and what not to do.

thank you for your explanation..i am impressed.. i will not go for that upgrade...simply, not worth...I will find something else to play with

[Riker]

saint, you are right, is is simply not worth it.

Quick story, one of my Bro in Laws has a 2009 Nissan Patrol & is handy with electrics. He fitted HID's (bougt off ebay, no auto levelling or washers) & being the sma**t ar** he is didn't bother lowering the beam. Having him driving behind you at night was very dangerous even with the anti dazzle rear veiw mirror in my Passat. Anyway, 2 weeks ago he was pulled up by the Police slapped with a fine & a notice to remove the illegal HID's within 2 days.

thank you for your explanation..i am impressed.. i will not go for that upgrade...simply, not worth...I will find something else to play with