Sorry, this isn't just another 1pc. vs 2pc. or HID conversion topic

Right now I've got Depo 2pc halogen projectors with an HID kit that came with my car when I bought it. The bulbs are 8000K, and the light output is pretty crappy IMO, and the lenses are fogging and one of the vertical adjustment screws is no longer functional. So I'm looking into purchasing a new set of headlights on which I can perform a proper HID retrofit - using high quality projectors like FX-R Bixenon projectors from TRS.

How many have actually performed this type of retrofit on B5 headlights?
I've got retrofit experience from a 1997 Camry (probably THE most difficult headlights to retrofit) using E46 projectors (likely the most difficult projector to retrofit with). I'm not concerned about my abilities here...

However, I am concerned about which headlights to go with, without spending too much money also. Last night I did some general searching on headlights mostly on AudiForums. From what I read it seems that 1pc headlights don't support weight as well as 2pc, due to the 3rd screw location when fitting facelift lights in pre-facelift cars. Quality bixenon projectors will be heavier than standard xenon or halogen projectors.

It seems that headlights with halogen projectors are cheaper. Here's what I've been looking at:
http://www.parts4euro.com/DCShop/pro...roducts_id=685
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...#ht_4613wt_858

Opinions/suggestions are welcome, as are links to cheaper (chrome) headlights

Also, just thought I would throw it out there, I have these on the way:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AUDI-...#ht_3028wt_939
And plan to run 6000-8000K H3 HIDs in them.

 

There was a guy on here (dragonrage i think his name was) who kept talking about this, but I don't remember if he actually did the retrofit or not? From my own experience, I can tell you that you're right: the 2-piece headlights I swapped out seemed like they were in there way more solidly (i think i just made that word up?) than the 1-piece housings due to that extra bolt holding them on. I'm interested to see how this turns out. Good luck!

 

you say that you got 2 piece depo lights on your car right now. one of the links you gave ( http://www.parts4euro.com/DCShop/pro...roducts_id=685 ) also is the 2 piece depo light. why would you buy something you already have?

 

That adjustment screw is actually broken as is another of the inner mounting points, and they probably couldn't support the extra weight of a bixenon projector. Those headlights would be my backups in case anything went wrong though.

Found 'em cheaper:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AUDI-...ht_6348wt_1165

Then there's also the R8 style, what is the general consensus on these? They seem like they could be a bit hokey but cool at the same time. And although they are 1pc it looks like they are pre-facelift, so I wonder what their mounting screw positions are like and if they require fender trimming.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-01...ht_6002wt_1165

 

Well today I FINALLY completed the retrofit after too many hours.

Here's what I went with:
S5 LED 1-piece pre-facelift headlights
Silver Chrome turn signal bulbs
Morimoto Mini H1 HID bi-xenon projectors except I paid $135 for mine a week ago
DDM Tuning 5K H1 HID bulbs from their Huntington Beach sales office which is a whopping 20mins from me

Couple issues that should be noted:
-These headlights use single filament signal bulbs, which means the factory turn signal wiring/connector won't work.
-The LEDs are set up to activate with the foglight switch.

So I extensively rewired things. I tapped into all 3 wires that go to the turn signal, so my turn signals work, and the LEDs are set as running lights/parking lights/corner markers.

Since the stock projectors in the headlights are e-code, and I knew I wanted HIDs, I went with the retrofit option. Personally I really hate the e-code cutoff when using HIDs... it is still more than capable of blinding people. And these projectors I bought have fantastic output and fit perfectly inside the headlight housing, only requiring an adapter plate to fit them to the stock projectors' mounting points.

Eventually (once my fogs finally arrive...) I will wire up the LEDs to a relay so they turn on when the ignition is on Could anyone tell me where the IGNITION ON wire is?

And pics will be forthcoming!

 

Sounds like quite the little project, I'm interested to see pictures.

Those bi-xenon projectors look pretty nice.