Interesting. Let us know how it turns out tonight 
Headlight madness.. a DIY mod, look inside
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Headlight madness.. a DIY mod, look inside
We all know the headlights on the C5 suck. They look great but don't put out enough light. We have a few options.... but they are either ineffective or too costly. I got excited about the HID setup that just came out for the C5. But for $1500 or even $1100, thats just too much. I imagine over time the price will come down when others get into the market.
I didn't want to put high wattage bulbs in because of the wiring and most high wattage bulbs are either illegal or have those dumb colored coatings to make them dim...
So here is what I just did. I used the high beam 9005 bulbs in the low beam side. This is not just a plug and play, you need to modify the 9005 socket and plug to make them work. It was fairly easy and took me about an hour to do. The bulbs are physically the same size except the stock 9006 puts out 1000 lumens and the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens and only uses 10 more watts! So no problem with wiring.
I used the sylvania silverstars so I get the clearest whitest light for the money. Cost me $37 for two bulbs.
Here is the site and info on how to do this mod. I can't take credit for it, but I applied it to the C5.
I won't know how well they do until tonight, but my inital impressions in the garage tell me they are MUCH brighter! Will see... more to come..
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
I didn't want to put high wattage bulbs in because of the wiring and most high wattage bulbs are either illegal or have those dumb colored coatings to make them dim...
So here is what I just did. I used the high beam 9005 bulbs in the low beam side. This is not just a plug and play, you need to modify the 9005 socket and plug to make them work. It was fairly easy and took me about an hour to do. The bulbs are physically the same size except the stock 9006 puts out 1000 lumens and the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens and only uses 10 more watts! So no problem with wiring.
I used the sylvania silverstars so I get the clearest whitest light for the money. Cost me $37 for two bulbs.
Here is the site and info on how to do this mod. I can't take credit for it, but I applied it to the C5.
I won't know how well they do until tonight, but my inital impressions in the garage tell me they are MUCH brighter! Will see... more to come..
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
Last edited by C6~Missle; Oct 15, 2005 at 02:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by newyiddy20
NOTHINGS like HID lights,i dont recall spending that much on mine,the whole set up including install was about 350.00. hardly anything like shining them while driving the left lane,drivers disburse 
This mod I have just completed will help get the most out of the stock system without blinding other drivers.
I plan to do HID's.. when they market a descent product at a reasonable price without the corvette tax.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by C5~Missle
We all know the headlights on the C5 suck. They look great but don't put out enough light. We have a few options.... but they are either ineffective or too costly. I got excited about the HID setup that just came out for the C5. But for $1500 or even $1100, thats just too much. I imagine over time the price will come down when others get into the market.
I didn't want to put high wattage bulbs in because of the wiring and most high wattage bulbs are either illegal or have those dumb colored coatings to make them dim...
So here is what I just did. I used the high beam 9005 bulbs in the low beam side. This is not just a plug and play, you need to modify the 9005 socket and plug to make them work. It was fairly easy and took me about an hour to do. The bulbs are physically the same size except the stock 9006 puts out 1000 lumens and the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens and only uses 10 more watts! So no problem with wiring.
I used the sylvania silverstars so I get the clearest whitest light for the money. Cost me $37 for two bulbs.
Here is the site and info on how to do this mod. I can't take credit for it, but I applied it to the C5.
I won't know how well they do until tonight, but my inital impressions in the garage tell me they are MUCH brighter! Will see... more to come..
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
I didn't want to put high wattage bulbs in because of the wiring and most high wattage bulbs are either illegal or have those dumb colored coatings to make them dim...
So here is what I just did. I used the high beam 9005 bulbs in the low beam side. This is not just a plug and play, you need to modify the 9005 socket and plug to make them work. It was fairly easy and took me about an hour to do. The bulbs are physically the same size except the stock 9006 puts out 1000 lumens and the 9005 puts out 1700 lumens and only uses 10 more watts! So no problem with wiring.
I used the sylvania silverstars so I get the clearest whitest light for the money. Cost me $37 for two bulbs.
Here is the site and info on how to do this mod. I can't take credit for it, but I applied it to the C5.
I won't know how well they do until tonight, but my inital impressions in the garage tell me they are MUCH brighter! Will see... more to come..
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
This mod has been around for awhile, I didn't think it helped much myself, so I just upgraded to the T-84 Ecodes. I compared this back to back with a HID system on an Infiniti SUV last night. Properly aimed but slightly higher than factory(still not blinding any oncoming traffic), I could see further down the road than the Infiniti setup(granted the factory setup is pointed down too low, and it is brighter ten feet from the front of the SUV)And this is only with 55/65 watt APC bulbs. I plan one putting Higher wattages soon, it should be like a night and day difference(no pun inteneded). This is an option DEFINITELY worht considering....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by The Nuts
This mod has been around for awhile, I didn't think it helped much myself, so I just upgraded to the T-84 Ecodes. I compared this back to back with a HID system on an Infiniti SUV last night. Properly aimed but slightly higher than factory(still not blinding any oncoming traffic), I could see further down the road than the Infiniti setup(granted the factory setup is pointed down too low, and it is brighter ten feet from the front of the SUV)And this is only with 55/65 watt APC bulbs. I plan one putting Higher wattages soon, it should be like a night and day difference(no pun inteneded). This is an option DEFINITELY worht considering....
I own a 05 mini cooper S and ordered it with xenos.. These lights are just awesome.. I made up my mind to get them when they are available for the vette at a reasonable price. The xenons on the mini were a $550 option.. worth every penny...
Successful Plumber
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From: Top of the hill, 3rd mailbox on the right. Texas
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
NCM Member '09
Originally Posted by C5~Missle
I won't do HID's until I can do it right. That means projectors. Putting HID's in a reflective housing meant for halogens is not my idea of an HID setup.
This mod I have just completed will help get the most out of the stock system without blinding other drivers.
I plan to do HID's.. when they market a descent product at a reasonable price without the corvette tax.
This mod I have just completed will help get the most out of the stock system without blinding other drivers.
I plan to do HID's.. when they market a descent product at a reasonable price without the corvette tax.
I've priced parts for an HID set and the bulbs are $100 a piece, the ballasts are $250 each and Brian says his optics come from Germany so they can't be cheap - even if it's $200 for the projector lens, that's a $1000 for the set without the housing and the wiring.
If you're waiting for an HID set for under $1100 you're going to be waiting for a long time. There's a lot that goes into a quality set-up. That's why it's a $1500 option on most high end cars.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by BuckyThreadkiller
I ordered NOT-MEE's Vette-HID set-up. The things that sold me are that it's DOT certified so it'll pass a state inspection. It's a system engineered for the C5 so the headlight doors open and close they way they are supposed to. The harness is built so the lows stay on when the high beams are on and the things come with a 3 year warranty. That's what I call a system done right.
I've priced parts for an HID set and the bulbs are $100 a piece, the ballasts are $250 each and Brian says his optics come from Germany so they can't be cheap - even if it's $200 for the projector lens, that's a $1000 for the set without the housing and the wiring.
If you're waiting for an HID set for under $1100 you're going to be waiting for a long time. There's a lot that goes into a quality set-up. That's why it's a $1500 option on most high end cars.
I've priced parts for an HID set and the bulbs are $100 a piece, the ballasts are $250 each and Brian says his optics come from Germany so they can't be cheap - even if it's $200 for the projector lens, that's a $1000 for the set without the housing and the wiring.
If you're waiting for an HID set for under $1100 you're going to be waiting for a long time. There's a lot that goes into a quality set-up. That's why it's a $1500 option on most high end cars.
Some prices and why I passed on the C5 setup coming out.
Audi A4 projectors for $200, the TSX for $250 and the Acura TL Bi-xenon projectors for about 300-325. The S2000 projectors are currently at $350. The S2K lights are considered the finest available.
Brand new OEM factory Philip s HID Bulb and philips ballast setup same as used in the kit you are getting cost $250 retail.
Successful Plumber
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 43,830
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From: Top of the hill, 3rd mailbox on the right. Texas
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
NCM Member '09
No, they aren't bi-xenons, the high beam is the euro bulb you have in your homemade system. Legally you can't sell bi-xenons for the Vette because the DOT standard FMVSS108 requires it to have the same number of bulbs in the replacement set as it does stock. Bi-xenons won't let that happen.
The weight is more than stock US but less than the E-spec GM euro system. Plus with the GM euros the weight is in the glass lens vs. these where the weight is set back in the lamp assembly with the igniter and the much smaller projector lens. I'm betting it will actually be EASIER on the gears because the weight distribution will be closer to the pivot point in the housing and not out on the front of the assembly
I too have done a bit of research on this as I've been waiting for a true HID system engineered for the C5 and this is it.
I believe you misunderstood Alex, check with him again, as I have an email from him that clearly states that the housings and the projectors are manufactured in Asia (by the same plant that manufactures for Hella Europe) but his lenses and optics do indeed come from Germany. The units are actually assembled in the USA.
BTW- He is the designer/manufacturer, not the distributor. NOT-MEE is the distributor and he says his forum pricing is not far from wholesale cost.
The weight is more than stock US but less than the E-spec GM euro system. Plus with the GM euros the weight is in the glass lens vs. these where the weight is set back in the lamp assembly with the igniter and the much smaller projector lens. I'm betting it will actually be EASIER on the gears because the weight distribution will be closer to the pivot point in the housing and not out on the front of the assembly
I too have done a bit of research on this as I've been waiting for a true HID system engineered for the C5 and this is it.
I believe you misunderstood Alex, check with him again, as I have an email from him that clearly states that the housings and the projectors are manufactured in Asia (by the same plant that manufactures for Hella Europe) but his lenses and optics do indeed come from Germany. The units are actually assembled in the USA.
BTW- He is the designer/manufacturer, not the distributor. NOT-MEE is the distributor and he says his forum pricing is not far from wholesale cost.
Last edited by BuckyThreadkiller; Oct 15, 2005 at 07:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
The results
Well I just got back from a nice drive in the dark. This mod is worth the effort. The lighting is now up to par with most other cars.
I drove on the Hwy, backroads and my neighborhood. Everything looks much better. I do not see any ill effects from this mod.
It looks like a 30% improvement in brightness. Considering how easy and inexpensive the mod was, it seems like a good investment.
I will go to HID's someday, but now I am in not as big a rush... Since I have more patience than money, I can wait for HID's.
It's only a matter of time before they get cheaper, better and widely available.
I drove on the Hwy, backroads and my neighborhood. Everything looks much better. I do not see any ill effects from this mod.
It looks like a 30% improvement in brightness. Considering how easy and inexpensive the mod was, it seems like a good investment.
I will go to HID's someday, but now I am in not as big a rush... Since I have more patience than money, I can wait for HID's.
It's only a matter of time before they get cheaper, better and widely available.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by SeaLawyer
Good to know... Looks like I will be doing this soon then - between that and my new PIAAs, HIDs would probably be unnecessary...
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by C5~Missle
Well I just got back from a nice drive in the dark. This mod is worth the effort. The lighting is now up to par with most other cars.
I drove on the Hwy, backroads and my neighborhood. Everything looks much better. I do not see any ill effects from this mod.
It looks like a 30% improvement in brightness. Considering how easy and inexpensive the mod was, it seems like a good investment.
I will go to HID's someday, but now I am in not as big a rush... Since I have more patience than money, I can wait for HID's.
It's only a matter of time before they get cheaper, better and widely available.
I drove on the Hwy, backroads and my neighborhood. Everything looks much better. I do not see any ill effects from this mod.
It looks like a 30% improvement in brightness. Considering how easy and inexpensive the mod was, it seems like a good investment.
I will go to HID's someday, but now I am in not as big a rush... Since I have more patience than money, I can wait for HID's.
It's only a matter of time before they get cheaper, better and widely available.
I'm not sure if I follow what you did.
You modified the lo beam socket to accept a hi beam bulb, is that right?
So when you are driving down the road, in effect, you are driving around with your hi beams on all the time?
What happens when you DO put the hi beams on?.....do the hi beams you have in the lo beam sockets go out and then the real hi beams come on? What's the point in that, if I may ask?
Would make more sense if you'd rewire the thing so that all FOUR lights are on in hi-beam mode.
Just my opinion, of course.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
I'm not sure if I follow what you did.
You modified the lo beam socket to accept a hi beam bulb, is that right?
So when you are driving down the road, in effect, you are driving around with your hi beams on all the time?
What happens when you DO put the hi beams on?.....do the hi beams you have in the lo beam sockets go out and then the real hi beams come on? What's the point in that, if I may ask?
Would make more sense if you'd rewire the thing so that all FOUR lights are on in hi-beam mode.
Just my opinion, of course.
You modified the lo beam socket to accept a hi beam bulb, is that right?
So when you are driving down the road, in effect, you are driving around with your hi beams on all the time?
What happens when you DO put the hi beams on?.....do the hi beams you have in the lo beam sockets go out and then the real hi beams come on? What's the point in that, if I may ask?
Would make more sense if you'd rewire the thing so that all FOUR lights are on in hi-beam mode.
Just my opinion, of course.
I am not out there blinding people.... its just a way of getting more light in the low beam pattern.