[audi4t]

There are plenty of instructions and videos of how to install HID lighting systems so rather than
duplicate those I want to show how the the slim ballast HID kits can be incorporated inconspicuously into the CT.

The kit from DDM comes with all plug and play connectors.

The kit appears well made, robust and the connectors are well sealed.

I extended the 12 volt feed that plugs into the original headlight plug by about 8" to give me
more flexibility in mounting.

The red wire in the kit has to go to the violet wire on the original headlamp connector.

All the other connectors can only be installed one way so you don't have to worry about polarity.

I searched around for a convenient location to mount the ballast and chose the metal strip directly beneath the
plastic cover above the radiator. You can see all the components sitting on top of this cover in the next picture.

I then took industrial grade velcro with an adhesive back and secured the ballast to the metal frame under
the plastic cover. You will see in next three pictures the slim profile of the ballast is covered by the overhang of the plastic cover.

When the ballasts have been located the wiring can be run toward each headlight and hidden from view.

I also secured the high voltage connector block to the metal frame.

I used nylon cable ties in appropriate places to keep the wirring tidy.

The most difficult part of the process was installing the passenger side bulb since there is very little space
to get your hand in and install the HID bulb.

It helps a little if you unclip the plastic filler neck for the coolant overflow tank and just
move it slightly.

Everything worked first time and tonight when its dark I'll check out how much the lighting is improved over stock.

 

[jimmyc13]

Thanks for sharing. Will that install location be prone to a lot of engine heat or is it far enough away?

 

[dgstan]

You know, I had absolutely no interest in this mod, but after reading your posts, I've got to do this. Thanks for posting the pics and info.

Question: Are you concerned at all about going with 55W as opposed to 35W? Is 35W insufficient? Are you sure 55W won't be too hot?

I'm leaning toward 35W @ 6000K, but if you say 55W isn't an issue, I might go with that

 

[dgstan]

Another stupid question: How does this affect the high-beams?

 

[audi4t]

This mod has no impact on the high beams.

I've had no problem with heat the headlight housing volume is pretty large so the heat should be dissipated easily.
HID sellers advise not installing 55 watt units in small volume fog light enclosures.
I figured if I was going to effort of installing HID I would get the maximum brightness and the premium was only an additional $15.
The OEM bulbs are 55 watt so the wiring has adequate rating.

 

[dgstan]

I ended up going with the DDM 35W kit @ 5000K. Took about 30 minutes to install, despite the fact there were no instructions.

The only thing I'd add here is that the radiator overflow reservoir easily lifts up and out of the way after you remove the two mounting bolts. Once it's out of the way, you have tons of room and there's even a nice flat surface down there to mount the ballast.

 

[jimmyc13]

I ended up going with the DDM 35W kit @ 5000K. Took about 30 minutes to install, despite the fact there were no instructions.

The only thing I'd add here is that the radiator overflow reservoir easily lifts up and out of the way after you remove the two mounting bolts. Once it's out of the way, you have tons of room and there's even a nice flat surface down there to mount the ballast.

Thanks for sharing that tip. So there's actually room/a gap under there to fit the ballast?

So....how do the bulbs look!?

 

[dgstan]

Thanks for sharing that tip. So there's actually room/a gap under there to fit the ballast?

So....how do the bulbs look!?

No so much directly under the reservoir, but just in front of it. Plenty of room.

The lights look great. 5000K is pure white. It does make the DRLs look yellow, but it's a nice contrast.

 

[jimmyc13]

No so much directly under the reservoir, but just in front of it. Plenty of room.

The lights look great. 5000K is pure white. It does make the DRLs look yellow, but it's a nice contrast.

Cool, can't wait to see it in person once I get mine in. Interesting feedback on the yellowing of the DRL's after this. Very hard to believe considering how bright/white the LED's are by themselves, but I believe you!

 

[audi4t]

You can see in this pic how the drl's have a yellow tint compared with the HID's.

It's much more obvious when viewing live.

 

[dgstan]

Here's another shot with my 35W / 5000K setup. The color is quite different. There's enough of a contrast where it doesn't look too bad (to me anyway).

 

[ultran00b]

How hard is it to install the HIDs??? People have been telling me that it is amazingly simple. I hate how the halogens look... Might have to order some from DDM.

 

[audi4t]

How hard is it to install the HIDs??? People have been telling me that it is amazingly simple. I hate how the halogens look... Might have to order some from DDM.

Check out youtube - several videos showing generic install.

Search CT forum - specific instructions

This is purely plug and play - you need to decide 35 or 55 watt and color temp of bulbs

 

[OZ-CT200H]

I am about to order on of these DDM Tuning HID slim kits for my CT.
What do they mean by Mail Order Only for 55w kits? I am in Australia.

HID Kits, BMW Aftermarket Bumpers & Lighting, DEPO - DDM Tuning

I am clear on the wattage, bulb type and colour (55w, H11, 5000K).

What about any of the following? Is any of the below required to make the install on the CT200H plug and play?

HID harness?
Error eliminator?
Adaptor cables?

Thanks in advance.

 

[audi4t]

I am about to order on of these DDM Tuning HID slim kits for my CT.
What do they mean by Mail Order Only for 55w kits? I am in Australia.

HID Kits, BMW Aftermarket Bumpers & Lighting, DEPO - DDM Tuning

I am clear on the wattage, bulb type and colour (55w, H11, 5000K).

What about any of the following? Is any of the below required to make the install on the CT200H plug and play?

HID harness?
Error eliminator?
Adaptor cables?

Thanks in advance.

Mail order only because DDM doesn't stock the 55W ballast.

The stuff comes directly from China so you should receive yours sooner than shipping to the US.

No need for error eliminator, this is for vehicles like BMW's with a CAN bus.

The base kit is totally plug and play without the relay harness and any adapter cables.

I did buy H11 male connector cables (ebay) to extend the length of harness that came from DDM. But that was my choice if you mount the ballasts close to the headlights you don't need to do this. You can see where I extended the leads in the picture below.

However, I just ordered the relay harness (should arrive 6/28/11) since I did notice one time the driver side headlight on my wife's car didn't ignite.

That was two weeks ago and it hasn't happened since so I will not install the harness unless it happens again. The relay harness is only $15 so you may want to purchase it in case you need it later.

The relay harness allows the OEM headlight feed to trigger a relay that supplies a "strong" 12 volt feed to the HID ballast.

 

[jimmyc13]

However, I just ordered the relay harness (should arrive 6/28/11) since I did notice one time the driver side headlight on my wife's car didn't ignite.

That was two weeks ago and it hasn't happened since so I will not install the harness unless it happens again. The relay harness is only $15 so you may want to purchase it in case you need it later.

The relay harness allows the OEM headlight feed to trigger a relay that supplies a "strong" 12 volt feed to the HID ballast.

Yeah, mine hasn't done it again yet either. Maybe it's because the ballast or bulb had to "burn in" as they call it?

 

[Sloppy2nds]

The relay harness is cheap insurance in my eyes. It only takes another 5mins or so to install and cost around $15. I've always used a relay harness on every car that ive installed HIDs in.

 

[Probie]

Audi4t,

Just got finished with the mod and it really was not too tough to do. I only really had space issues on the passengers side. Moving the reservoir out to one side really did help. I screwed up a bit by taking out the high beam bulb on the passenger side and then realized it by slowing down and looking at the difference between what I had already taken off the drivers side. The space to put the ballast and the power supply "box" was a bit of an issue. I, like you, used industrial strength velcro to put things where I wanted them. On the passenger side I ended up "stacking" the ballast with the high power box on top. I can't wait to try them at night. Those little "pop top" things that hold the plastic covers down can be a real pain however. I see a trip to the Lexus parts counter in my future to "resupply". Again, your pictures really helped, thanks a million. For about $60 and my labor I get HID lights!

 

[LxTxNx]

Doing this voids any warranties?

 

[Sloppy2nds]

Doing this voids any warranties?

Seriously?

http://www.ct200hforum.com/forum/le...im-looking-go-non-hid-hid-voids-warranty.html