Introduction: HID (High Intensity Discharge Lighting):
Unlike halogen incandescent lamps, the HID lamp does not have a filament. Instead, it creates light from an electrical discharge between two electrodes in a micro-environment of Xenon gas, mercury, and metal halide salts that are hermetically sealed in a tiny quartz capsule. The arc tube is encased in a glass jacket to filter ultraviolet rays that could damage plastic parts. The light is emitted by an electrically energized gas formed and sustained between two electrodes. This is achieved with and electronic ballast that controls the arc ignition process.
Increased Light Output:
At least 70% more light at a lower wattage than traditional lamps. Higher Efficiency System than halogen alternatives. 91 lumens per watt (D2S) compared to 18 lumens per watt for a comparable halogen light source.
Power Wattage:
Less poser draw for the same light. HID produces 3200 lumens (D2S) from 35 watts (nominal), commander to 1000 lumens for a comparable 55w 9006 halogen light source.
So... The whole reason for an HID Conversion
So... Why do you want HIDs? You want to see at night? Want your headlights to have color like a BMW/Audi/Mercedes? Want to get noticed? Well.... DO YA?
Well... HIDs will definitely outperform any halogen headlights. I personally will NEVER drive a car that doesn’t have HIDs (That’s how good they are).
You want color like a BMW/Audi/Mercedes? Want to get noticed? Well, First they have OEM HIDs. Believe it or not there bulbs are 4300k (white) not 9000k or 5000k or 10000k or w/e the # might be. There projectors put out a pure white or a yellowish-white color BUT from a distance they give that pretty blue/purple flicker?!? This is all because of there "Projector". The way to bulbs light is reflected within the projector is what gives off the pretty blue/purple light from a distance.
The only way to get this is to use projectors made by Hella, Valeo or Bosche (from what i remember). * More information about this is below *
Information on Aftermarket Kits:
First... Ever notice that every outcome pic is the same on every auction? You know something is wrong just from that (If you didn’t notice). Not to mention most of the images they use are
"Photo-Chopped" (Trust me... I can tell, I' am good at adobe, ask the photo people).
Aftermarket kits are now illegal in the United States... Because of this high quality kits are very hard to find/in high demand. These kits are now costing more and are very hard to find. If a bulb burns out, You will need a lot of luck finding a decent replacement HID bulb. The whole selling point of aftermarket kits are to get the color to match OEM by altering the capsule or the salts inside the capsule... Anything higher then 4300k will be LESS bright then OEM. 6000k is pushing it... But to get desired color and decent visibility results this is the only color temp (k) worth getting (6000k regarding
ONLY Philips Ultinon Bulbs NOT aftermarket 6000k aftermarket bulbs)
Sellers on ebay:
A lot of sellers always mention how there bulbs are the best... This is simply because they want to get rid of it. There are tons of aftermarket kits on ebay but all of them are 110% CHEAP & waste of money.
Here is an example... XD7 8500K Conversion Kit
Quote:
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Our 8500K HID kits are much brighter, whiter and prettier than any other HID bulbs you've ever seen. This is the best HID you will ever own!!
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8500k Conversion kit... Well, you will definitely have color with this kit! BUT, Hardly any visibility. Yes, they will look "Prettier"... 8500k is seen to be purplish... Not white.
I learned the best way to Lie is to mix a little bit of the truth...
Quote:
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Clear Bulb that emits only true colors (Beware of cheap painted bulbs with false color)
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This is a quote from an ebay seller trying to sell a "12,000K Xenon HID Conversion Kit".
Clear bulbs such as OEM will give off a yellowish white or whiteish/10% blue (very little amount), these are 4300k bulbs. Bulbs that that have a higher temp rating have a color tint on the bulb. Think about it... How can a clear bulb give you blue, purple?
12000k would be PURE purple.
Misc:
HIDs will NOT melt the headlight/projector housing
Hella does not make bulbs...
Kits aren’t exactly Plug-In Play (depending on bulb size)
"We recommend professional installation" Oh, I thought it was easy though?
Quote:
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Beware of cheaper product that might seem like a great deal, but are low quality knockoffs with numerous problems.
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~ These quotes are all over aftermarket kits... Hmmm
OEM HIDs BMW/Audi/Mercedes 
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Well... You want real HIDs/Performance? Only way is called retro-fitting. This is really the only way to get what people really want. Retrofitting is basically taking projectors such as Hella, Valeo, Bosche, and putting them into your cars headlights. This is not an easy thing... And is not a "cheap" mod. Projectors range from $200-$400 *_* don’t forget you need bulbs, ballasts, wiring and tools as well! You get the idea...
(Info will be updated continuously)
For More info please visit
http://hidforum.com http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/headlamp-faq.htm 
***The Ultimate HID Thread*** [FAQ/Information] 
