Smart 451 (H7) H.I.D Installation- Step by Step instructions with pictures

[braddman]

We just installed a H7 8000k HID kit on our new Cabrio, and we decided to document the whole thing with instructions. Although any HID kit will do, we chose the ultra-slim ballast 8000k kit. It came to about $85.00 with shipping. It looks awesome!

Here's how we did it....enjoy!!

Brad and Jenna

[braddman]

AT THIS POINT, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF USING THE RUBBER GROMMET THAT CAME WITH THE KIT, TO PASS THE WIRES THROUGH THE RUBBER CAP ON THE PROJECTOR. IF YOU DON'T USE THE GROMMET LIKE WE DIDN'T, BE SURE TO SILICONE SEAL THE WIRES AS THEY EXIT THE RUBBER CAP!

[braddman]

[SylenThunder]

I went with the 4300K for the white look... have 6000K on my Vue and wanted the whiter and brightest light for the smart.

Word of warning... do not do the high beams... I did... Bad idea.
It's great if you don't mind the bulbs taking a minute to warm up and drive long country back roads all the time. but if you ever plan to flash someone.... FAIL!

I recommend the Sylvania Silverstars for the high beams... They are almost as bright as the 4300K HID's, probably a bit brighter than the 8000K's and close to equal to the 6000K's. I'll be installing my SilverStars tomorrow and will have a set of 4300K HIDs up for sale that are only slightly used.

BTW... awesome install pics.... a bit more to it if they are like mine and have the bolt-in mounting brackets. Although you could always add the double-sided sticky.

[braddman]

Originally Posted by SylenThunder

I went with the 4300K for the white look... have 6000K on my Vue and wanted the whiter and brightest light for the smart.

Word of warning... do not do the high beams... I did... Bad idea.
It's great if you don't mind the bulbs taking a minute to warm up and drive long country back roads all the time. but if you ever plan to flash someone.... FAIL!

I recommend the Sylvania Silverstars for the high beams... They are almost as bright as the 4300K HID's, probably a bit brighter than the 8000K's and close to equal to the 6000K's. I'll be installing my SilverStars tomorrow and will have a set of 4300K HIDs up for sale that are only slightly used.

BTW... awesome install pics.... a bit more to it if they are like mine and have the bolt-in mounting brackets. Although you could always add the double-sided sticky.

We live in Los Angeles so we never use high beams. The only bummer is the person we bought the car from didn't get fog lights. I wanted to do HID's in the fogs as well. If I can get ahold of the fogs I might do it myself.

[VinceLA]

Good job, Brad and Jenna!!

And you folks did that in the apt garage?

[chieftmc]

Bob & Jenna,
Great job! What an AWESOME instructional ! I know it's a PITA to document your installs; I've done plenty. I just want to thank you for your time and effort and those of use yet to do the install applaud you!

[The Silver Pellet]

Okay ... I'm ignorant.

Why does the last picture say "Button up the car, and after about 1 hour you have HID lighting"?

What takes an hour? Waiting for something to charge up? Is this a one time wait?

[braddman]

Originally Posted by The Silver Pellet

Okay ... I'm ignorant.

Why does the last picture say "Button up the car, and after about 1 hour you have HID lighting"?

What takes an hour? Waiting for something to charge up? Is this a one time wait?

LOL. Installation time takes an hour.

[Surfrder007]

are the high beam lights seperate ? Why no high beams ?