Upgraded my 2012 XUV5OO headlamps to HID without the shadow problem
Quote:
Originally Posted by peterjim13 Thanks for sharing this. But would love to know whether this HID would go into the older 2012 models without hassles like the shadow problem. |
I have been reading multiple articles and posts within tbhp ever since we had our XUV5OO starting 2012. I never realized the need of good quality lighting until cars became my daily affair post 2014, and especially with my Ecosport which had some terrible headlamps. I could live with XUV5OO's stock set up as the alternate high beam clubbed with the halogen projector solved lighting issues on drives.
During this lockfdown, I stumbled upon this link from fellow bhpian on the fog lamp HID update for his Ecosport and I went the same way as well through a vendor called Blaze India.
Link to the article (DIY: HID Bi-Xenon projector foglamps in our EcoSport)
This gave me opportunity to understand more about HID's and of course get a feel of its capability, and on top of everything since I am back in my hometown I could stick to my preferred FNG to help in the same.
Before even making a purchase I kept talking to my advisor there who ran the Garage.
> Fast forward 2 months when Blazeindia guy told me about a couple of HID's that can be used on my XUV5OO to upgrade, I started thinking of it and after a few research and discussion - I finalized on the same OEM HID's from Blaze India who told me that shadow issue may not be there. There were a few videos to support this as well.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8480.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060852d1687419094t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8480.jpg)
Received my shipment within 4 days of order and behold the H7 HID 5500K lamps 55W from the same manufacturer as that of my EcoSport HID's. AES. This time it is made in Taiwan and better packed.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8481.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060853d1687419094t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8481.jpg)
The package had three smaller boxes as always, where there were ballasts with all wiring in 2 boxes each, and both the HID's in the other box.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8482.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060854d1687419094t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8482.jpg)
Since I have been reading this thread on the shadow issue which were there in P8 and Osram HID's the light somehow looked a bit different - over to you all for further comments on whether this is normal or not. I am not the expert here
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8483.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060855d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8483.jpg)
Ballasts - this is the top side. Looked neat in the black finish. I was not sure of finding the right spot to place them inside the already packed XUV5OO hood. But didnt have any issues.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8485.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060856d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8485.jpg)
The back side of the same ballast which would go on to my car with 3M tapes provided by the seller.
Unlike the ecosport's bulky silver ballasts, this one was smaller and looked neat.
And now for the installation. As I am evidently not a DIY guy and the max DIY for me is the latest TurtleWax trim restorer I applied on my car beyond Wiper repacement
Off to FNG near my home for their expertize. They were not confident on working on wiring with XUV5OO as they cautioned me of the numerour sensors and wiring challenges inside the car, and since they did not have the iSmart system or its equivalents with them - they suggested to wait until they open the headlamps and find sufficient couplers to put the light in place.
Thankfully, this was purely plug and play - except for the hole they put on the headlamp cover to place the light inside - like abirnale has done on his car as well. I took screenshots of the post and kept them handy to help the mech's there.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8622.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060860d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8622.jpg)
Did not cover the whole process on cam, however the image after the bulb and cap is inserted. The seal that came along with the wiring proved quite sufficient to handle dust and water.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8623.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060861d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8623.jpg)
The RHS ballast went into the front right suspension mount and looked safe and secure there. Held all the adjoined wiring with secure wiretags as the space was tight.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8624.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060862d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8624.jpg)
The LHS ballast went on top of the fuse box cover, and here again we had to remove the battery first to fix the lamps and had to ensure that there is zero contact with the battery and also to ensure that the fuse box can be easily opened. The wire lenght was sufficient for this action.
Now for the real test, there was zero adjustment, pure plug and play.
Throughout the process I had the shadow issue in mind, and I kept on assuring myself that even if there is any shadow I would still use it - given that I've come this far.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8625.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060863d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8625.jpg)
RHS
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8628.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060864d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8628.jpg)
LHS
To my shock both the light had a shadow on the headlamp glass. If you can look closely you can find them in the above 2 pictures, this gave me the shock I was expecting but somehow could not find anything on the illuminated area. I was still not sure since that was within the Garage and that too around 3 PM in the evening. I thought I'd rather confirm on my night test drive.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8630.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060865d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8630.jpg)
For the first time since 8 years - the Silver Cheetah now runs on HID headlamps.
And to the level of satisfaction - this is a pure surprise even though it is expected. The photos I have taken was at my favorite place inside my car parking and the same place where I tried pics of my EcoSport with HIDs.
The outcome is brilliant, I am yet to take this to long drives specifically to take snaps, but the time I drove it around and couldnt resist my happiness.
Anyhow sharing a few pics from my phone camp but the pics doesnt do any justice.
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8632.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060866d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8632.jpg)
Stock Fog Lamps
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8633.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060867d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8633.jpg)
Stock Fog lamps with HID low beam
![XUV500 with HID setup - And a shadow problem-img_8634.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/2060868d1687419130t-xuv500-hid-setup-shadow-problem-img_8634.jpg)
Fog Lamps + HID Low Beam + Halogen High Beam
Will add photos to the same on the road to see the through and sure will help you understand the cut off, the carpet area etc.
Problem solved?