Genuine HID & "Fake" HIDs - Few Questions

[macspring]

Have quick look through these relatively short inter-related threads below on the issue of genuine HIDs and Fake/Chinese HIDs, and the bulbs in particular.

While the non oem Chinese HID kits work and are now very inexpensive, I was still keen to know if anyone has gone to the trouble of stripping out genuine oem HID parts from a crashed car that had HIDs as a factory fit ?

And if so, how did they get on ?

What was involved ?

Any photos ?

Would they do it again ?

Was it worth the effort ?

Whats the price difference between German Phillips bulbs and aftermarket any brand name bulbs ?

http://www.motorgeek.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=44524&view=unread#unread

http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=3004545

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...b-Guide/page2&


Thanks for any comments either way.

[mcandmar]

I have seen crooked bulbs like this from Chinese sources, complained and got another set sent out to replace them. You can buy a set of HID bulbs on ebay for ~£7, where as any Philips bulbs are around £47, the same cost of an entire HID kit from china. Are they worth the extra cost one has to wonder?

[JP]

I've been running a chinky kit in my S6 now for 50k miles / 4yrs without any issues whatsoever, always starts without any probs. It cost me around £60 back in the day. Whereas my mates 2006 Audi every once in a while has to switch his lights of and on again to start em both up. Obviously his are a year older so mine may develop the same issue in another year. Either way I wouldn't spend big bucks on a setup.

Only thing I'll say though is that there is two size powerpacks on the market and the smaller ones have been known to develop issues over time. Will try and get a brand-name in the next couple of days of the one I'm running if you want.

[mcandmar]

I have the above issue too, but always lights on the 2nd try. I have a suspicion the fault is inside the switch, basically instead of switching from off to on cleanly, it flicks on, then off and on confusing the igniter. Swapped the bulbs and packs around and problem stayed on the drivers side which sort of supports my theory. They always bench tested fine too so its something in the car causing it.

[Greg_S]

About 7 or 8 years ago I did a HID conversion with Darron (OldSynth) who is on classic audi mainly now and used BOSCH ballasts from an audi A6 and custom bulbs. Had no problems at all, aside from the bulb check triggering, so I added a set of relays to power the ballasts and all has been fine. I was trying to find the original thread, but think its too old to be on here now lol.