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View Full Version : BMW E36er's: Relay needed for HID Install?



Kaos
12-13-2004, 11:11 PM
I have been reading up on installing HID's with Euro-spec headlights. Some of the instructions I am reading say that they use a relay, but I have been told that it should be fine without one.
I have all the necessary parts- PNP (Plug n' Play), ballasts etc...

This question is going out to the BMW guys.
Are any of you guys using relays for your HID's?


HELP ME PLEASE
I am eager to slap these in
:D

ZorroAMG
12-13-2004, 11:57 PM
Dunno about relays, but you need Igniters to accompany your ballasts and bulbs....

2m0a0x2
12-14-2004, 01:18 AM
Hey Kaos, what kit are you getting? My XTEC just plugged right in to my factory wiring.......using factory plugs....I am not using a relay I don't think it was just straight plug, stick ballast, play.

Kaos
12-14-2004, 01:34 AM
Originally posted by 2m0a0x2
Hey Kaos, what kit are you getting? My XTEC just plugged right in to my factory wiring.......using factory plugs....I am not using a relay I don't think it was just straight plug, stick ballast, play.

I got a philips H1 kit.
Plug everything in, crossed my fingers and all I hear is a click.
Not from the ballast (no misfire)
I hear it clicking from the fuse box.
All the fuses are in tact.
I put in 15 amp fuses where they belonged and still nothing but a click.

ryder_23
12-14-2004, 01:38 AM
Using stock harness's without relays, can damage your stock headlight wiring. I forget, but ballasts draw alot of initial current compared to stock

You can pick up a set of relays and build it urself. Just get 2 relays, soldering iron, and some extra wire :D

benyl
12-14-2004, 11:11 AM
You should use a relay. The power draw from the HID ballasts will fry you headlight switch over time.

Kaos
12-14-2004, 04:30 PM
Thanx for the info guys.
Ok so now I got it up and running.
No relay installed.
My friend is also using the same set-up as me (no relay) and he has had his for about half a year.
He has'nt experienced problems yet.
Am I safe for now or am I gonna regret it in the long run?

benyl
12-14-2004, 04:53 PM
long run you will regret it.

You can make your own. It will cost you like $10.

Here is why you should do it:

http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/headlamp-harness.html

2m0a0x2
12-14-2004, 09:55 PM
thanks for the heads up guys, I'm gonna do this over winter break

Kaos
12-14-2004, 10:30 PM
Originally posted by 2m0a0x2
thanks for the heads up guys, I'm gonna do this over winter break


:werd:

Thanx Benyl!!!!:thumbsup: