I installed some HIDs a few years ago when the ballasts were just getting small enough to fit in the light housing. One ballast stopped working and I got another set less than 1 year ago. These had a super slim digital ballast. One didn't work from the getgo and they sent me a replacement. I should have sent it back as it would flicker when it came on. Now it works intermittently leading to my being pulled over by Barney Fife in Franklin VA. You'd have thought he was doing a felony stop. I guess I must look quite intimidating with my polo shirt, grey hair and beard and nerd glasses. I went to Advance Auto and bought some Halogens. It was just about the only mod I have made to my car. Oh well.

 

Wow, that is bad luck. I have installed HIDs on my 993 and my van, neither have ever had a problem with the ballasts, and that was over 4 years ago.

 

IIRC, there is/was a 10 unit group buy on the OEM Litronics upgrade kit; at a very good price (less than what I paid from Sunset Imports)

FWIW, i've got the OEM kit and have been very happy to date.

 

The HID kit I bought (thru ebay) for the 993 has worked well, no issues. Admittedly that car does not see a lot of night driving though. My '97 M3 I put new headlamp assy's w/ HID in them and one side has given me a great deal of problems lately. I ordered a new pair of bulbs/ballast for it so I will have 1 spare set for future issues.

 

Got mine from Gert, definitely not the least expensive option but the install couldn't have been easier and they're still going strong without issue 2.5 years and 30k miles later... Probably at least half of those miles during nighttime hours.

 

I did the Vertex group buy about 5-6 yrs. ago and finally replaced them with the $35 kit from DDM. Best money I ever spent on the car, never been pulled over for it.

 

I'm also doing an unmod on my non-OEM slim ballast HIDs. Two sets, one from DDM. Both unreliable.

 

My DDM systems have worked great for the past 18 months, albeit turned on fairly rarely.

 

Interesting post as the other night as I pulled out of the garage, the right HID was not lit. It came on after a few minumtes and have not had an issue since. Maybe the ballasts go bad?

Bill, are you using the same ones as you installed in mine?

 

There are advantages to the KISS principle. (KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid)

There are also advantages to OEM. In many cases, I find aftermarket stuff lacking in quality, fit, finish, etc. and I end up being disappointed. I don't need the .

 

Alex - Off topic, but just checked out your Porsche tech page. Nice little DIY page and should come in handy for some winter projects.

 

I just put in Philips X-treme Vision H1 halogens both low and high beam...much better than the originals and more than enough light for me.

 

Any of them in particular?

Should something not be clear and if you have any questions, PM me.

 

I never believed that stuffing the ballasts inside the headlight enclosure was a very good idea. Mine were mounted outside and so far so good. I suppose ordinary headlights burn out too so you have to consider that. There is no doubt that many mods have unwanted side effects and I have thought about undoing a few of them too.

 

I suppose if you run all day at the height of summer you may have a point there. personally I only turn them on at night or if the weather conditions require them.