HID kit on a 2008 Accord Sedan

[tapanpatel88]

I have no knowledge when it comes to car lighting. I just want a decent looking white look for my 08 Accord sedan which tempts me to get the 4300k HID kit. I don't want any higher rated HID as the 4300k white look is good enough for me (gives better visibility than stock atleast). Will 4300k bulbs put me in the risk of getting pulled over by cops?

What's a good store/person to buy Japanese made HID kits from? How much do you think I should be spending? My budget is roughly around $150 + installation. Also, how much does installation cost? Any good/trusted installers around GTA? Preferably Mississauga... I was told to pick a professional installer as the way these lights can be installed can affect the relay attached with the Auto on/off headlights and the DRL. I certainly don't want that with my car.

I haven't seen any 08 accord sedans with aftermarket HIDs. I thought of getting TSX projectors from a junkyard or something but I was quoted around $400 just for the projector + lens. So I think I will settle for just an aftermarket kit installed in my stock halogen housing for now. If anyone has gotten this done in their Accords or has pictures of stock housing + HID, can you please post them? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Also, whats the life expectancy of these bulbs/kits?

[kkw3221]

As you might know already, Accord SEDAN does not have projector. Therefore, if you just install HID kit, then you will 100% blind others. Plus IMO, it does not look good as the light spreads out.

I highly recommand you to save some more money and get the retrofit (ex. TSX projector)

[tapanpatel88]

As you might know already, Accord SEDAN does not have projector. Therefore, if you just install HID kit, then you will 100% blind others. Plus IMO, it does not look good as the light spreads out.

I highly recommand you to save some more money and get the retrofit (ex. TSX projector)

I called Honda to get a price on Coupe projectors (even though they aren't HID projectors, they work fine with HID bulbs installed) and I was quoted about $400 each. So that's definitely not happening. I don't have that much money to spend on retrofits as the total cost will be somewhere around $650 including ballasts + junked TL/TSX projectors + lens + bulbs.

What if I were to stick to my non-retrofit idea and get the bulbs with shield covers? How much better is that than bulbs without the shield?

Also, will 4300k bulbs blind oncoming drivers as well? I thought that was the second lowest rated HID bulbs (3800k being the lowest)

[booblehead]

Here is a link to Toronto Honda for the HID kits they sell ... The Prolumen is a Made in Taiwan brand. These days, these HID kits are made in China, Taiwan & South Korea. If you are thinking of buying one that is Made in Japan, expect to pay about $500+ for a Panasonic one. They usually make them for OEM like Lexus, Infiniti, etc.

http://www.torontohonda.com/hid/

IMO, price wise is a bit higher than the outside aftermarket shop, by about $30. The typical labor installation would be in the range of $100; slightly higher at the dealer, probably they will ask for about $150 - $200 range. Please do your homework before doing this HID kit conversion. As for life expectancy, the better made ones should last for 5 years+; the really cheap ones will probably last a year or two.

[l69norm]

There is no such thing as "japanese" quality HID kits. There are almost all made either in China or Taiwan. Local resellers can buy them in quantity for like $40 each and the factory will print anything you want on them like "Made by the Toronto Maple Leafs" ballasts. Before getting one of these kits, ask around and see what they look like when installed. The results are very car model dependent and what works in a Civic might look horrible in an Accord.

Modern OEM headlamps like on your Accord are actually quite good compared to what was available even 10 years ago. The OEM bulbs are brighter (i.e. H11=1350 lm vs. 9006= 1000 lm) and the reflector design is better. Putting HID doesn't give as big a lighting "boost" as in older cars

Cheapest thing is to modify a H9 high beam bulb to fit into your existing H11 lo beam lamp (takes 5 min). It gives about 50% more lighting power (1350 vs 2100 lm) which is close to HID (3500 lm) without all the hassles of glare and ballast reliability. See:
http://tsxclub.com/forums/230371-post5.html

If you go with the HID retrofit plan, you can also get decent lower cost used HID projectors like E46, G35, E55, etc for about $100 a pair on sites like HIDplanet. Decent used OEM grade bulbs and ballasts for about $150 a pair. About a weekend's work to wire up and mount the projectors and ballasts ($30) if planned out properly = under $300 for a proper OEM grade conversion

edit - here's an ebay seller with an entire used OEM setup for $380 in Canada c/w free shipping if you don't want to buy parts piece meal = 2 Infiniti FX35 Projectors, 2X OEM Infiniti ballasts+ plugs as well as 2X OEM Philips 85122+ HID bulbs

[sweetadad]

I bought mine for $120 and it's been almost 14 months since i've had them and I couldnt be more happier.

[booblehead]

Whatever you are buying, just make sure it's a digital ballast

[CdTriX]

DO NOT DO IT.

i guess people are just too self centered and cheap to take into consideration that they are a HUGE safety risk.

Because i know HID in reflector housing is bad, i will advise people against it.

Because you don't know how HID work and it looks cool, it's okay if you blind people that share the road with you.

ignorance is bliss

I think it's best that we do not offer any help to those that are trying to do illegal things like put HID into reflector headlights.

i was sitting in the tim horton's at 403 and dundas and an is350 drives up, doesn't blind me because he's got proper projectors. Some 95 astro van pulls up with HID in something i cant even call a reflector blinds me and the rest of the people in the store because this idiot thinks it's cool.

Those of us that try to steer the user the correct way with retrofit or OEM housing get ignored because it's cheaper to just put HID and blind everyone.

[tapanpatel88]

I bought mine for $120 and it's been almost 14 months since i've had them and I couldnt be more happier.

do you have an 08 accord as well? Which kelvin rated bulbs are you using?

[tapanpatel88]

DO NOT DO IT.

i guess people are just too self centered and cheap to take into consideration that they are a HUGE safety risk.

Because i know HID in reflector housing is bad, i will advise people against it.

Because you don't know how HID work and it looks cool, it's okay if you blind people that share the road with you.

ignorance is bliss

I think it's best that we do not offer any help to those that are trying to do illegal things like put HID into reflector headlights.

i was sitting in the tim horton's at 403 and dundas and an is350 drives up, doesn't blind me because he's got proper projectors. Some 95 astro van pulls up with HID in something i cant even call a reflector blinds me and the rest of the people in the store because this idiot thinks it's cool.

Those of us that try to steer the user the correct way with retrofit or OEM housing get ignored because it's cheaper to just put HID and blind everyone.

This is why I posted a thread to ask people for their opinions. I am not being ignorant, but just being curious.

How are aftermarket projector lens compared to OEM ones? OEM ones are pretty expensive so would you recommend going with aftermarket projector lens kits available on eBay for about $120-$150? Thanks

[booblehead]

Now, if you want to change your headlights entirely from reflective to Projector type, then check out this site for general cost & references ...

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/index.php?VN=4294967169+4294967031+4294966926++&Nr=AND(universal:0)&N=0&Ntt=Projector%20Headlight

[CdTriX]

there were some aftermarket headlights with ccfl halos with projectors. i was looking to see what kind of projectors they are but no luck.

http://www.revotec-usa.com/product/headlight/02-AZ-HA08-PBC-4D-RF-A.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-09-HONDA-ACCORD-4DR-CCFL-LED-PROJECTOR-HEADLIGHTS_W0QQitemZ130310032700QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item1e571 54d3c&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

[l69norm]

....How are aftermarket projector lens compared to OEM ones? OEM ones are pretty expensive so would you recommend going with aftermarket projector lens kits available on eBay for about $120-$150? Thanks

The projectors in those aftermarket headlight kits are pretty bad. They are designed mainly for looks, not lighting performance. Some aftermarket kits even have "fake" projectors (i.e. are reflectors with a fake lens)

Some people buy them for the lighting housings only and will take them apart, throw away the aftermarket projector, then replace it with a OEM projector. They end up with a fancy looking HID headlight assembly that actually works like it's suppose to.

[Paolo]

don't get hids unless ur getting projectors

[evoviii]

You get what you pay for.

[SkylineR34X]

Here are some advice:

1. Do not go to stealership for any parts, unless it cannot be found anywhere else. I only go there for wiper refills and oil filters...
2. Look on ebay and kijiji for projectors. Anything along the line of TSX/FX/E46 will do. And no, they will not cost $400 per side. More like $200-400 for both.
3. Look for a reputable shop that does HID installation/retrofit...

[DLFB]

make sure you get the high beam disabled because it's mad annoying on the streets.

[tapanpatel88]

There is no such thing as "japanese" quality HID kits. There are almost all made either in China or Taiwan. Local resellers can buy them in quantity for like $40 each and the factory will print anything you want on them like "Made by the Toronto Maple Leafs" ballasts. Before getting one of these kits, ask around and see what they look like when installed. The results are very car model dependent and what works in a Civic might look horrible in an Accord.

Modern OEM headlamps like on your Accord are actually quite good compared to what was available even 10 years ago. The OEM bulbs are brighter (i.e. H11=1350 lm vs. 9006= 1000 lm) and the reflector design is better. Putting HID doesn't give as big a lighting "boost" as in older cars

Cheapest thing is to modify a H9 high beam bulb to fit into your existing H11 lo beam lamp (takes 5 min). It gives about 50% more lighting power (1350 vs 2100 lm) which is close to HID (3500 lm) without all the hassles of glare and ballast reliability. See:
http://tsxclub.com/forums/230371-post5.html

If you go with the HID retrofit plan, you can also get decent lower cost used HID projectors like E46, G35, E55, etc for about $100 a pair on sites like HIDplanet. Decent used OEM grade bulbs and ballasts for about $150 a pair. About a weekend's work to wire up and mount the projectors and ballasts ($30) if planned out properly = under $300 for a proper OEM grade conversion

edit - here's an ebay seller with an entire used OEM setup for $380 in Canada c/w free shipping if you don't want to buy parts piece meal = 2 Infiniti FX35 Projectors, 2X OEM Infiniti ballasts+ plugs as well as 2X OEM Philips 85122+ HID bulbs

I think this is the eBay item you were referring to:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HID-KIT-FX35-FX45-BI-XENON-Bi-Xenon-Projector-FX-35-45_W0QQitemZ350250750046QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518c92505e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

If I were to get something like this, how difficult is it to fit these in my headlight housing? I have heard that it involves baking the lights to soften the glue, detaching the assembly and drilling holes in order to custom fit the new projectors.

I am certainly not going to do all that by myself mainly because I just don't trust myself with it. How much do you think I should pay to some professional installer in GTA? Thanks

[l69norm]

I think this is the eBay item you were referring to:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HID-KIT-FX35-FX45-BI-XENON-Bi-Xenon-Projector-FX-35-45_W0QQitemZ350250750046QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518c92505e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

If I were to get something like this, how difficult is it to fit these in my headlight housing? I have heard that it involves baking the lights to soften the glue, detaching the assembly and drilling holes in order to custom fit the new projectors.

I am certainly not going to do all that by myself mainly because I just don't trust myself with it. How much do you think I should pay to some professional installer in GTA? Thanks

Check out the forums at www.hidplanet.com. The university forum has tutorials:
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/

1. The "for sale" forum at HIDplanet probably has the best prices although you have to piece meal everything
2. It has great advice for first timers (university, pics/vids sections)
3. A few GTA installers hang out there and can give you prices
4. This guy is probably your best bet in Mississauga:
http://www.youtube.com/user/linuxglobal

Edit- for DIY, once you have everything planned out, a first timer can put a retrofit system in over a weekend. The hardest part is getting the housing open which is easy for cars but could be very hard for others.

BTW, it depends on the goal you want to achieve. If it's just better lighting, I would try the H9 mod first ($30) as it's dirt cheap, fast and easy, then add a relay harness ($30). You could get almost a 75% increase of lighting power over stock for about $60

(for others, similar interchange mods for light bulbs are 9007>9004, 9005>9006, 9012>9006, 9011>9005)

[Qube]

DEFINITELY source a projector first (see our Plea (http://hidcanada.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=16)). Don't be one of those guys that blind everyone because they couldn't care less!

Local resellers can buy them in quantity for like $40 each and the factory will print anything you want on them like "Made by the Toronto Maple Leafs" ballasts.

Almost true. Price, not so much. After taxes, import shipping, misc, it's not that cheap. It's like saying BestBuy can get 52in Sony Bravias for $900. That's great, but after shipping, stock, 30 day return policy, warranty, it's not that price to the consumer :)

Oh by the way, we do have partners for projector and HID install ;)

[Qube]

BTW, it depends on the goal you want to achieve. If it's just better lighting, I would try the H9 mod first ($30) as it's dirt cheap, fast and easy, then add a relay harness ($30). You could get almost a 75% increase of lighting power over stock for about $60

(for others, similar interchange mods for light bulbs are 9007>9004, 9005>9006, 9012>9006, 9011>9005)

In case anyone else is reading this line, be VERY careful. Read up on the respective forums on your vehicle to ensure that the stock bulb socket can sustain a higher wattage. If there's more than a few folks reporting melting harnesses, I'd hold off. There has been an instance of 9005>9006 that started to melt the OE socket (my own 02 540). That has since been changed to a ceramic socket. The other case, a friend owned Ford Focus had the same issue. Of course, it could be hit and miss, but just be wary that this may happen nonetheless.

On that note, I've done two 08 Imprezas (STi and 2.5) and an 89 535 with no problems (9005>9006). Your mileage may vary, just be safe.

[vickyvictoria]

try Speedstar in markham :cheesygri

[VorteC]

Get an eBay kit. They are cheap and are as good as any kit out there.

I suggest you do the install yourself and save a ton of money. It's just plug-n-play.

4300K is good, you won't get pulled over. It's the same colour as most Acura/BMW/Merc/Audi/etc come with stock, so no problems there. It's pure white, no blue whatsoever.

If you can't afford good projectors for a retrofit, that's okay. Don't buy one of those ricey ******** eBay headlamps with halo's and stuff, they're garbage.

[CdTriX]

Get an eBay kit. They are cheap and are as good as any kit out there.

I suggest you do the install yourself and save a ton of money. It's just plug-n-play.

4300K is good, you won't get pulled over. It's the same colour as most Acura/BMW/Merc/Audi/etc come with stock, so no problems there. It's pure white, no blue whatsoever.

If you can't afford good projectors for a retrofit, that's okay. Don't buy one of those ricey ******** eBay headlamps with halo's and stuff, they're garbage.

actually it's not okay if you can't afford retrofit projectors... unshielded HIDs in reflector housing is dangerous.

please don't say it's okay when it's obviously not.

[mwong168]

I have no knowledge when it comes to car lighting. I just want a decent looking white look for my 08 Accord sedan which tempts me to get the 4300k HID kit. I don't want any higher rated HID as the 4300k white look is good enough for me (gives better visibility than stock atleast). Will 4300k bulbs put me in the risk of getting pulled over by cops?


A 4300k HID kit will not give you better visibility in your stock reflector light housing. HIDs are meant to be used with projectors and you will achieve that "white look" but at the same time blinding on coming traffic. You will most likely get pulled over by a cop and in the end it's just not worth the hassle considering you gain absolutely nothing out of it besides the appearance of whiter light and poorer light output. If you want to have whiter lighting you could check pacific mall and buy a set of PIAA super white bulbs but I will warn you some of these bulbs run at a higher wattage and over time your wiring harness or plugs will melt and need replacing. They also don't last very long from my experience over 10 years ago when HID kits were not as readily available or cheap.

To the OP, if you are going to do it, do it right.