HID's and Mot

[Leesfarm07]

Got an Mot booked tomorrow and I've recently fitted an 'HID directs' 35w kit. I know the mot requirement is auto adjusters and headlamp washers, both of which I havent got, but was hoping it wouldn't be noticed. Anyone been failed on this yet? Don't really want to have to re'fit the halogens just for the test

[ranski]

I've had HIDs installed in my OEM halogen headlights for 4 years and passed all MOT's, albeit I do have the headlight washers

I dont think you have anything to worry about, if it fails just put back in your old bulbs for the retest

[Scooba_Steve]

I can pull the reference if you want - essentially you must have washers and levelling. Where a component cannot be tested then you get the benefit of the doubt, so as the burners can't be seen behind the lens and the levelling can't effectively be tested, you should pass.

I've passed 2 with no issues. It also helps that the beam pattern is good.

[Leesfarm07]

[quote=ranski

I dont think you have anything to worry about, if it fails just put back in your old bulbs for the retest
[/quote]
Yes im half expecting to do that... I have the facelift bumper with the washer cut outs but the caps are bonded shut

[Leesfarm07]

I can pull the reference if you want - essentially you must have washers and levelling. Where a component cannot be tested then you get the benefit of the doubt, so as the burners can't be seen behind the lens and the levelling can't effectively be tested, you should pass.

I've passed 2 with no issues. It also helps that the beam pattern is good.

Thats interesting to know.
So far just seeing the light output on the drive they look so much better than halogens

[Scooba_Steve]

I very much doubt the screen washer is run enough times to check the headlamp washers work, so benefit of the doubt again.

[MACK]

I know when a lot of MOT tester's see a car and know its actually got HID's retrofitted they "play dumb" on this. Most notice the difference if it a decent kit giving decent light but don't think its a big deal. Unless you get a real stickler for the rules you'll probably be fine. One thing I will say is if it does fail its could be awkward taking it to another station "around the corner" and playing dumb. As soon as they enter your cars details on the system they have access to previous MOT history/fails etc so might see what your doing. Then again they might not be bothered anyway!

[Darkangelv2]

MOT passes fine on mine. Our cars have the same correct projectors on both halogen and xenon lights so the beam pattern is good either way. Perfectly safe in my opinion.

[Scooba_Steve]

I know when a lot of MOT tester's see a car and know its actually got HID's retrofitted they "play dumb" on this. Most notice the difference if it a decent kit giving decent light but don't think its a big deal. Unless you get a real stickler for the rules you'll probably be fine. One thing I will say is if it does fail its could be awkward taking it to another station "around the corner" and playing dumb. As soon as they enter your cars details on the system they have access to previous MOT history/fails etc so might see what your doing. Then again they might not be bothered anyway!

I'm not sure they play dumb per se - I know from the output when a lamp has HIDs fitted, so expect testers to know too, but as they can't dismantle to prove and the manual says to give the benefit of the doubt for the washers and levellers, believe that's what they do. If the beam was all over the place it would defo fail - think a Barry boy Corsa with reflector lenses.

[MACK]

I know when a lot of MOT tester's see a car and know its actually got HID's retrofitted they "play dumb" on this. Most notice the difference if it a decent kit giving decent light but don't think its a big deal. Unless you get a real stickler for the rules you'll probably be fine. One thing I will say is if it does fail its could be awkward taking it to another station "around the corner" and playing dumb. As soon as they enter your cars details on the system they have access to previous MOT history/fails etc so might see what your doing. Then again they might not be bothered anyway!

I'm not sure they play dumb per se - I know from the output when a lamp has HIDs fitted, so expect testers to know too, but as they can't dismantle to prove and the manual says to give the benefit of the doubt for the washers and levellers, believe that's what they do. If the beam was all over the place it would defo fail - think a Barry boy Corsa with reflector lenses.

I agree, if the patterns all over the place and they can't correct it then's its failing anyway. Hopefully as Darkangel's said the projectors are the same on zeds so he should be OK (fingers crossed for the OP!)
Seen this happen first hand at my mates garage when a customer brought in a car with halogens he had somehow managed to wedge the wrong type of bulb in it damaging the headlight fitting and need a replacement. Beam pattern was terrible, surprise, surprise. I guess its all down to circumstances and the attitude of the tester. I've never heard of a tester ever been taken to task by the Police/VOSA over a HID issue and I suppose all the would have to do is say "they weren't fitted when I tested it" or "it wasn't obviously fitted with aftermarket HID's" etc

[Leesfarm07]

It's just gone in and as it's been standing for 6 months I'm expecting maybe a few niggles. I'm up at Severn Valley motorsport in Telford where I always go. They've got some pretty impressive GTR's here

[Ducklakeview]

You'll be fine. In the Zed, as it uses projectors, rather than a traditional reflector to shape the beam. I find on mine, with 55w HID's fitted, the beam pattern is perfect, and they are actually really good compared to the OEM candles...

Mine does have washers, but TBH I'd be surprised if the tester spots yours.

Mike

[Leesfarm07]

These are quite an old set from HID's direct so only 35w. Haven't been able to see the 'on the road' difference but if they're better I might invest in some 55w

[Leesfarm07]

Dam and Blast. failed on brake pipes front to rear and advisories on other brake pipes...headlights ni probs