gary_bizzo

OK, seriously.

I don't want to be another newb asking for info that's in an FAQ or could be Googled in seconds, but I've been scouring the interwebs for a week now and can't seem to find straight answers. Some sites show it as a 15-minute swap job while others insist it's insanely complicated

I've got a 98.5 A4 with original headlights, and I'm looking to move to HIDs (5000-6000K). What I'm trying to work out is:

- Is an HID ballast-and-bulb kit going to be enough, or do I need to replace the whole headlight assembly?

- Either way, what's the real difference between a $80-$180 ballast-and-bulb kit, or between a $180-$380 full-assembly kit?

- Do I need two sets of bulbs, one each for low and high beams?

Thanks!

Mancubus

I had E-codes (projectors) on my 98.5 that originally had halogens. I upgraded to HID (6000) using a PnP kit that I purchased online. There was only minimal drilling involved.

Based on my experience, I would say you would at LEAST need projectors in order to go HID so if you don't have them you'll need to start there. The problem with reflectors is that you'll end up blinding everyone due to light scatter inherit in reflective headlights.

Also, to answer your question regarding 1 or 2 sets of bulbs...in my set up I only changed the bulbs on my low beams while I kept the high beams as halogen.

As far as kits are concerned. I paid $200 for mine which at the time was very cheap, now kits can be had for as little as $45 and as high as $300. I'm sure there's some quality differences between the low and high end but I don't think it's that much to warrant paying 6x as much for them. All you need to be concerned with is that the ballast will wire to your existing bulb set up, i.e. H7's like mine were.

elevation

Stick with 5000K, 6000K is just too blue unless that is what your looking for. Every car I see with 5000K is much brighter.

Get the full assembly kit. These kits have there own fuse so if they are poor quality it won't wreck your electronics. Full assembly are generally better quality.

Just get a set for the low beams. High beams are rarely used.

I bought a $300 MTEC kit. It was nice to work with. Very thick guage wiring and high quality connections.

The install job is not an easy swap. It just takes time and diligence. If I can do it, you sure can! Good luck.

kf3506

i have been running a ddm kit that i bought online for 70 some bucks for close to two years now. instal is very straight forward and easy. I highly recommend this kit.

join up here Vancouver Audi Club • Index page and come to a meet. I'm sure they can give you advice in person