HID/Lighting Laws

[WhiteSpy9]

I'm assuming there are laws as to how bright/what color your low/high bulbs can be.

Anyone here know what those laws are?

[DrWebster]

I can't quote any laws, but my understanding with HID's is that they're only really legal if they came from the factory, because of leveling and focusing issues. If you go with an aftermarket kit, you're best to use it with projector headlamps (like all 3's have), as this will make sure the light beam doesn't blind other drivers (provided the lamps are aimed properly). Without projectors, the beam becomes too wide and the glare can affect other drivers' vision.

[WhiteSpy9]

Thanks Colin.

I'm looking to do 3k low beams. I guess I'll just have to find out if they attraction "too" much attention.

[dmention7]

As long as you stay towards the lower temp range (more yellow/white) you shouldn't have a problem. It's when you start getting the crazy ricer 12000K purplish bulbs that you're going to attract attention. Around 4500K is the optimal temp for visible light output anyways.

[WhiteSpy9]

Nice. from what I read 3k puts out some night lighting during bad weather. We sure get enough of that around here. Wind+Rain/Snow.

If anyone sees a group buy going on else where for some HIDs please send me a PM.

[DrWebster]

Yeah, really as long as you're installing them in your MS3 and don't go with blue/purple, you won't have any trouble. Aftermarket HIDs look great in the 3's headlights, because they have projectors. I may do an HID kit when my current bulbs die.

[dmention7]

Is this relevant to your interests? http://www.mnmazda.com/forum/showthread.php?p=40597

[YSOSLO]

3000K is pretty yellow for headlights IMO.

http://www.xenonlink.com/images/color.jpg

The factory temp for Mazda3 HIDs is 4300K I think, which is about as white as it gets.

[keke]

You should do 4-5000k for low beams and the 3000k for the fog lights.

And here's another groupbuy for you: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=116444.0

I had the DDM kit (not anymore, 6000k = too blue for me) and I would order them again.

[WhiteSpy9]

I want 3k. Need to see a few more set ups, but I think it will light up the road just fine. (I hope I find out if I'm wrong before I install them.)

Thanks for the link guys, I thought that GB was only for the MSP lights.

Anyone who finds pics of 3k low beams, please post up.

[YSOSLO]

http://www.vivaperformance.com/s60r/fogs/hid_fog2.jpg
http://www.hidexpert.com/gallery/3light5b.jpg
http://www.smarthid.com/images/3k/3600k1.JPG
http://www.xenonking.com/cat_images/vision3000k.jpg

[Slim]

Andy, same place I purchased from. Exceptional service from Donny who runs the site for products on my 6 and now my MS3.

Quality kits for $115 w/ lifetime warranty. See here (http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=122&products_id=336)

[WhiteSpy9]

Thanks Tim! lifetimewarrenty ftw.
Never mind.... it is major yellow.
Some of Jay's carbon fiber hood must have gotten under my finger nails or something....

http://www.bolt.co.jp/bike-headlight/img/hid_auto-35w-3000_3.jpg

[YSOSLO]

Yeah, I think it would be pretty obvious you weren't rolling with the generally acceptable color of headlight. It sounded above like your main concerd was excellent lighting during bad weather conditions. If that's the case, then anything in the 4000-6000K range would be an excellent choice IMO. I have the stock HIDs in my GT and they blew my mind when I first started driving with them and the intensity of the light doesn't seem to diminish much regardless of what the weather is like. I remember Tim was extremely happy with the HIDs he bought through a GB from mazda3forums, and any of the links others have posted above would be comparable.

[WhiteSpy9]

ya. I'm ultimately just concerned w/ getting the best light output for night/bad weather. Going to go 4.5k 55 watt.

Thanks for your help guys!


Yeah, I think it would be pretty obvious you weren't rolling with the generally acceptable color of headlight. It sounded above like your main concerd was excellent lighting during bad weather conditions. If that's the case, then anything in the 4000-6000K range would be an excellent choice IMO. I have the stock HIDs in my GT and they blew my mind when I first started driving with them and the intensity of the light doesn't seem to diminish much regardless of what the weather is like. I remember Tim was extremely happy with the HIDs he bought through a GB from mazda3forums, and any of the links others have posted above would be comparable.

[alton]

Hi to all,
HID Conversion Kit is a revolutionary concept in automotive light that provides 3 times more light on the road compared to traditional halogen headlights. Each light uses a tube of Xenon gas, and small amounts of other noble gases, placed between two high-voltage electrodes that emit a bright bluish/white light then electrodes are activated. Quality German made ballasts are used to regulate the flow of electricity providing a high intensity beam that never fluctuates.