As we all know, the stock headlights on the X-Types are abysmal at best, and polishing the lens, putting in the brightest bulbs I could find was not a significant enough improvement on a rainy night. I purchased a highly-rated HID conversion kit (Maxlux) and attempted to do the conversion with the headlights on my workbench. Unfortunately, the HID bulbs are larger with a thicker base than the Halogen bulbs and I could not figure out a way secure the HID bulbs in place with the existing clips. I did a search on the forum and found one post where it was stated that the clips were somehow modified to work. Can anyone recommend a workaround for this problem?

Thanks

HID bulb on the left, Halogen bulb on the right.

Halogen bulb clipped in place

HID bulb too wide for the spring clips to secure it

 

You probably didn't buy a h1 conversion kit


Maxlux "highly rated", lmfao, smh......

https://www.carbibles.com/best-hid-c...kits-reviewed/

https://www.caroutfitter.com/best-hi...n-kit-reviews/

https://10carbest.com/best-hid-conversion-kit

 

Hi Dell,

I did buy an H1 conversion kit). The round base fits on the opening properly, but the sleeve with the two wires is at an angle when the bulb is properly oriented in the opening of the reflector and only one of the two clips will latch. It seems pretty tight and secure with only one clip holding it, but I don't want to risk it (couldn't bend the second clip to fit).

 

Hi Dell,

Thanks for the links to those websites. Based on what I read, the MaxLux doesn't even show up in the top 10 - very disappointing. That said, the physical design of the H1 HID bulb seems to be pretty universal across all brands, which still leaves me with the same problem; making it work with the existing clips. The attached picture shows it best:

 

I had hoped that someone could help me with suggestions for fitting the replacement HID bulb into the existing reflector opening. Notwithstanding the manufacturer's claim that it fits an X-Type, the bulb base is too big for the retaining clips. I'm not inept (used to own a foreign car repair shop), but I could not find a way to keep the bulb in place with the retaining clips, even with bending them. Has anyone used an HID kit where the bulb is truly a direct replacement? Also, I've seen adapters online to fit HID bulbs to specific model cars and am wondering if that is the solution to this problem.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

May i suggest a crude but effective work around for this? I was faced with the same issues on my old Jag, i simply smeared a thin layer of silicone sealant the stuff that smells like venegar, around the lamp base and let it set. Strong enough to hold in place but weak enough to remove the lamp with a strong pull

 

Thanks, great idea.