e46 vs rs6/a6 bixenons vs e55
Bixenon Projector info (e46,rs6/a6,e55,maxima, TL, FX, valeo, tsx, s2000, evo)
For those of you that have retrofitted bixenon projectors into you maximas (independent of generation) what are your impressions in terms of beam patterns, (width and length of illumination, light output, sharp and colorful cutoff vs blurry and uncolorful), size and fitment into the headlights, etc.
I am specifically wondering about 4th gens size issues since I may attempt this soon but am debating betwee the projectors above as well as the TL bixenon.
I have researched on hidtech forums and from what I've read, the RS6/A6 has the brightest, most colorful beam pattern compared to the E55 but the E46's have a sharper cutoff, more illumination immediately in front of the vehicle and more even distribution. Many people have started to switch from their E55's to E46 or RS6/A6 so I am tempted to say that this is because of performance issues?
If possible, could you all post beam patterns as well of pictures of fitment inside of the headlamps? Hopefully this thread will become a good comparision of the different options.
thanks.
I am specifically wondering about 4th gens size issues since I may attempt this soon but am debating betwee the projectors above as well as the TL bixenon.
I have researched on hidtech forums and from what I've read, the RS6/A6 has the brightest, most colorful beam pattern compared to the E55 but the E46's have a sharper cutoff, more illumination immediately in front of the vehicle and more even distribution. Many people have started to switch from their E55's to E46 or RS6/A6 so I am tempted to say that this is because of performance issues?
If possible, could you all post beam patterns as well of pictures of fitment inside of the headlamps? Hopefully this thread will become a good comparision of the different options.
thanks.
Originally Posted by Rowan
For those of you that have retrofitted bixenon projectors into you maximas (independent of generation) what are your impressions in terms of beam patterns, (width and length of illumination, light output, sharp and colorful cutoff vs blurry and uncolorful), size and fitment into the headlights, etc.
I am specifically wondering about 4th gens size issues since I may attempt this soon but am debating betwee the projectors above as well as the TL bixenon.
I have researched on hidtech forums and from what I've read, the RS6/A6 has the brightest, most colorful beam pattern compared to the E55 but the E46's have a sharper cutoff, more illumination immediately in front of the vehicle and more even distribution. Many people have started to switch from their E55's to E46 or RS6/A6 so I am tempted to say that this is because of performance issues?
If possible, could you all post beam patterns as well of pictures of fitment inside of the headlamps? Hopefully this thread will become a good comparision of the different options.
thanks.
I am specifically wondering about 4th gens size issues since I may attempt this soon but am debating betwee the projectors above as well as the TL bixenon.
I have researched on hidtech forums and from what I've read, the RS6/A6 has the brightest, most colorful beam pattern compared to the E55 but the E46's have a sharper cutoff, more illumination immediately in front of the vehicle and more even distribution. Many people have started to switch from their E55's to E46 or RS6/A6 so I am tempted to say that this is because of performance issues?
If possible, could you all post beam patterns as well of pictures of fitment inside of the headlamps? Hopefully this thread will become a good comparision of the different options.
thanks.
02 audi a6 Hella Bi-xenon
Fitment
Output
I like them but i could use some more color.
Im using the Z4s (same thing as the E55, but a tad more color), both projectors have a very wide beam pattern but not as bright as the TL projectors. Mainly because the reflector bowl isnt AS reflective. The three you are comparing are all very similar, but if you want the best ones, the TLs are the best to get, but prepare to open your wallet wider.
I'll admit I wish I had gone with the TL projectors, but I really think mine do a great job how they are. ANY bi-xenon projector will give you a huge difference in lighting over halogen lights.
I'll admit I wish I had gone with the TL projectors, but I really think mine do a great job how they are. ANY bi-xenon projector will give you a huge difference in lighting over halogen lights.
George,
Your car as always looks bad a$$
Your output on low beam seems a little weak compared with some of the RS6/A6 output shots on hidtech. Maybe it's just the lighting? Are yours aimed low?
George's sick car:
The fitment is pretty sweet though! It looks pretty compact in the back of the headlight the way you mounted it!
Will the E-Class shrouds and bezels fit on the A6/Rs6 projectors? Also, to get more color in them I read that you can "SLIGHTLY" bend the shield in the direction of the the bulb or you can shave some screws or something. Maybe you can try that? I'm not sure the washer mod works for the A6/RS6 bixenons.
Your car as always looks bad a$$
Your output on low beam seems a little weak compared with some of the RS6/A6 output shots on hidtech. Maybe it's just the lighting? Are yours aimed low?
George's sick car:
The fitment is pretty sweet though! It looks pretty compact in the back of the headlight the way you mounted it!
Will the E-Class shrouds and bezels fit on the A6/Rs6 projectors? Also, to get more color in them I read that you can "SLIGHTLY" bend the shield in the direction of the the bulb or you can shave some screws or something. Maybe you can try that? I'm not sure the washer mod works for the A6/RS6 bixenons.
My E39 projectors should be here tomorrow. WOOOHOOO!!!!!
Geo: What type of bolt/washers did you use, and how do they stay slanted like that? And since you have that metal box in the back, how is the clearance with the black headlight mount that mounts behind the headlight?
Geo: What type of bolt/washers did you use, and how do they stay slanted like that? And since you have that metal box in the back, how is the clearance with the black headlight mount that mounts behind the headlight?
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Posts: n/a
wow looks really sick. i am thinking of doing this but is there a write up? I want a Bi-xenon projector so i can have both low nad high beams. thanks guys. And what does something like this usually cost to do and the projects are Xenon right?
thanks
vasiliy
thanks
vasiliy
Originally Posted by vsamoylov
wow looks really sick. i am thinking of doing this but is there a write up? I want a Bi-xenon projector so i can have both low nad high beams. thanks guys. And what does something like this usually cost to do and the projects are Xenon right?
thanks
vasiliy
thanks
vasiliy
Love seeing projectors in a Max and would love to get a set myself with some angel eyes but start to finish was quotes costs would be around $500, I figured I'd stick with my 9004 for now. . .
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,879
imho sometimes things are getting carried away. I'd like to see some documentation where E55 owners attempted to switch their headlamps to E46's. Does that make sense to you guys? The typical E55 owner is working 65-80 hours a week, I doubt they have time to change their HID's or even care. My friend said the xenons in his 325i stink. There is so much fascination with LED's and HID right now on the forum. 5 years ago it was clearing out the lenses and how Amsoil pyramid oil selling was superior to Mobil 1. Amazing. I guess it's all about thinking the grass is greener.
Originally Posted by Frank Fontaine
imho sometimes things are getting carried away. I'd like to see some documentation where E55 owners attempted to switch their headlamps to E46's. Does that make sense to you guys? The typical E55 owner is working 65-80 hours a week, I doubt they have time to change their HID's or even care. My friend said the xenons in his 325i stink. There is so much fascination with LED's and HID right now on the forum. 5 years ago it was clearing out the lenses and how Amsoil pyramid oil selling was superior to Mobil 1. Amazing. I guess it's all about thinking the grass is greener.
Frank Fontaine,
I think you misunderstood me. Actuallly, on hidtech forums, there are people who already retrofitted E55 projectors into whatever car(Honda, Toyota, Chrysler,etc) but then switched to E46's because of a supposed more even beam spread and better cutoff (though less ultimate distance of illumination).
I think my obsession with my lighting stems from the fact that 9004 simply blows. Compared to my fiancees 97 honda, my stock illumination sucked!!!
Also, even with my HID's in stock 9004 lenses, the beam pattern sucks albeit it's still way better than stock. Hotspots are clear to me and I am causing way too much glare then I am comfortable with. (Even after lowering).
The reason it's the new "fad" is that clearing out lenses and Amsoil are old news. Everyone knows how to do that. Projectors in Maximas are still a relative rarity.
Nismo3112, please post beam picks when you install your on this thread! I would love to see the differences compared to the Hella's.
BlueC, did you have 9004 HID kit in your car before the projector? I am wondering how much of an improvement over a HID kit, projectors are. (I am hoping a lot since I plan on doing the retrofit
)
I think you misunderstood me. Actuallly, on hidtech forums, there are people who already retrofitted E55 projectors into whatever car(Honda, Toyota, Chrysler,etc) but then switched to E46's because of a supposed more even beam spread and better cutoff (though less ultimate distance of illumination).
I think my obsession with my lighting stems from the fact that 9004 simply blows. Compared to my fiancees 97 honda, my stock illumination sucked!!!
Also, even with my HID's in stock 9004 lenses, the beam pattern sucks albeit it's still way better than stock. Hotspots are clear to me and I am causing way too much glare then I am comfortable with. (Even after lowering).
The reason it's the new "fad" is that clearing out lenses and Amsoil are old news. Everyone knows how to do that. Projectors in Maximas are still a relative rarity.
Nismo3112, please post beam picks when you install your on this thread! I would love to see the differences compared to the Hella's.
BlueC, did you have 9004 HID kit in your car before the projector? I am wondering how much of an improvement over a HID kit, projectors are. (I am hoping a lot since I plan on doing the retrofit
)
I bought 2 Audi bi-xenon projectors (dont recall which though) 2 philips ballasts, 2 philips d2s bulbs from maximabest (hes on the site) for $370 shipped to me. A really good price (atleast i think it was), & happy with the outcome.
Originally Posted by Rowan
BlueC, did you have 9004 HID kit in your car before the projector? I am wondering how much of an improvement over a HID kit, projectors are. (I am hoping a lot since I plan on doing the retrofit )
)
So I found some pretty usefull projector measurement info...
Courtesy of EunosTT on Hidplanet forums...
Courtesy of EunosTT on Hidplanet forums...
So, I've been sick for a past few days and been going crazy with my digital caliper. Here are a few dimesions of different projectors that I have kicking around. Hopefully, this will be useful for others to determine if a specific projector fits. PS: Length was measured with a D2S in there and is measured to the end of the bulb. Diameter was measured for shroud fitting purposes and is a measure of a housing right on the edge, closest to the glass lens.
Hella 2nd Gen Bi-Xenon (aka E55):
Diameter = 79.80mm
Height = 96.95mm
Width = 106.15mm
Length = 163.35mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 58.80mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 83.90mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 77.25mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 93.25mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 58.90mm
Stanley Bi-Xenon (aka TL):
Diameter = 80.25mm
Height = 95.95mm
Height(with solenoid) = 117.15mm
Width = 111.60mm
Length = 171.85mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 56.90mm
Length(seat of the lens to end of solenoid) = 89.25mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 95.80mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 82.55mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 90.85mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 71.40mm
Bosch Bi-Xenon (aka E46):
Diameter = 78.30mm
Height = 84.10mm
Width = 105.00mm
Length = 166.95mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 66.65mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 80.70mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 82.00mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 95.10mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 62.10mm
Valeo Bi-Xenon D1S:
Diameter = 82.55mm
Height = 96.00mm
Width = 106.20mm
Solenoid(sticks out by) = 9.40mm
Solenoid Length(from mounting holes) = 69.05
Length = 156.20mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 49.45mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb w/D2S) = 84.25mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 72.20mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 70.95mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 78.20mm
Hella Low Beam Only (from pre-2002 Audi A6):
Diameter = 71.90mm
Height = 103.65mm
Width = 110.55mm
Length = 159.00mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 55.40mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 84.45mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 67.85mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 82.35mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 87.95mm
Hella 2nd Gen Bi-Xenon (aka E55):
Diameter = 79.80mm
Height = 96.95mm
Width = 106.15mm
Length = 163.35mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 58.80mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 83.90mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 77.25mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 93.25mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 58.90mm
Stanley Bi-Xenon (aka TL):
Diameter = 80.25mm
Height = 95.95mm
Height(with solenoid) = 117.15mm
Width = 111.60mm
Length = 171.85mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 56.90mm
Length(seat of the lens to end of solenoid) = 89.25mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 95.80mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 82.55mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 90.85mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 71.40mm
Bosch Bi-Xenon (aka E46):
Diameter = 78.30mm
Height = 84.10mm
Width = 105.00mm
Length = 166.95mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 66.65mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 80.70mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 82.00mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 95.10mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 62.10mm
Valeo Bi-Xenon D1S:
Diameter = 82.55mm
Height = 96.00mm
Width = 106.20mm
Solenoid(sticks out by) = 9.40mm
Solenoid Length(from mounting holes) = 69.05
Length = 156.20mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 49.45mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb w/D2S) = 84.25mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 72.20mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 70.95mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 78.20mm
Hella Low Beam Only (from pre-2002 Audi A6):
Diameter = 71.90mm
Height = 103.65mm
Width = 110.55mm
Length = 159.00mm
Length(seat of the lens to mounting holes) = 55.40mm
Length(mounting holes to end of bulb) = 84.45mm
Width(between top mounting holes) = 67.85mm
Width(between bottom mounting holes) = 82.35mm
Height(between mounting holes) = 87.95mm
Here are some more lense shots:
Since I had a few in my pocession, I thought I take a few pictures so people can distinguish them. These were taken exaggerated such that the lens finish could be seen. I have also measured each lens on four parameters: Overall Diameter=Dt, Curved Diameter=Dc(dia. of the curved part of the lens, without the flat edge), Center Thickness=Tc, Edge Thickness-Te. All Measurements are in Millimeters. I have not measured focal lengths, unfortunately, as I may need an optical bench for this. Why the measurements? May be someone wants to make super clear custom lenses?
Hella Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=74.67mm
Dc=69.96mm
Tc=22.69mm
Te=3.65mm
Bosch DOT Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=73.70mm
Dc=70.46mm
Tc=21.41mm
Te=3.00mm
Stanley Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=74.64mm
Dc=69.88mm
Tc=22.28mm
Te=3.36mm
Valeo Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=76.71mm
Dc=71.95mm
Tc=26.96mm
Te=3.33mm
Hella Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=74.67mm
Dc=69.96mm
Tc=22.69mm
Te=3.65mm
Bosch DOT Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=73.70mm
Dc=70.46mm
Tc=21.41mm
Te=3.00mm
Stanley Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=74.64mm
Dc=69.88mm
Tc=22.28mm
Te=3.36mm
Valeo Bi-Xenon Lens:
Dt=76.71mm
Dc=71.95mm
Tc=26.96mm
Te=3.33mm
e46 bixenon cutoff pic
or
highbeam e46
old (left) vs new e46. The new one is slightly bigger, has a different solenoid design, a sharper cutoff but slightly less impressive high beam.
new e46 pics:
or
highbeam e46
old (left) vs new e46. The new one is slightly bigger, has a different solenoid design, a sharper cutoff but slightly less impressive high beam.
new e46 pics:
Infiniti FX bixenon projector and beam pattern
front
beam
farther out
other "blurry" or "fisheyed" FX projector
and
I notice 1) yellow color (maybe they are better for fog?), 2) amazing width of the beam, 3) why the he11 is there one sharp cutoff projector and one fuzzy one? What were they thinking?
front
beam
farther out
other "blurry" or "fisheyed" FX projector
and
I notice 1) yellow color (maybe they are better for fog?), 2) amazing width of the beam, 3) why the he11 is there one sharp cutoff projector and one fuzzy one? What were they thinking?
) why the he11 is there one sharp cutoff projector and one fuzzy one? What were they thinking?
Yea all of those are nice, but the new 04 Lexus LS430 are just the best I have ever seen. The widest, longest, brightest beam pattern. I dont know if they are bi-xenon though. Also maserati projectors arent that bad either but both definately better than all those mentioned above
Certified Beast,
Do you have any information regarding those Lexus projectors? ie all the stuff I was comparing above? If you could post cutoff, beam pattern, size of projector, etc etc. that would be great!
thanks.
Do you have any information regarding those Lexus projectors? ie all the stuff I was comparing above? If you could post cutoff, beam pattern, size of projector, etc etc. that would be great!
thanks.
Originally Posted by kevlo911
LS430 are Reflector style(02-03 max)
A pic of the beam pattern would still be helpful though!
Originally Posted by Cant_Get_Ryte
as for setting up projectors is there a how to or recommendation for what ones to use? im interested but lost 
newbie<====
newbie<====
S2000 projectors are pretty sweet. The cutoff is one of the sharpest ive seen. They also appear very colorful from far away due to the S2000's tight suspension going over bumps. (Not sure if they're bi-xenon though) Anybody every retrofitted on a 5th gen?? I think those would look good with a single beam projector if done right.
I bought my projectors, bulbs, ballasts, and igniters for $380 shipped. Look on ebay, there are tons of them, but make sure you dont get projectors that are made for halogens, they are different from hid projectors.
the s2000's are considered one of the best if not THE best single xenon projectors out there. Unfortunately for us, you lose your high beam unless you figure out a way to get another bulb/reflector/projector in for the high beam.
Nismo3112, how's the project going?
Nismo3112, how's the project going?