Re-wiring headlights to support 100w

[Spidey]

Does anyone have a clue on how I could do this? My car is pretty much all apart and I have access to the main harness with the headlight wires.

I was thinking something along the lines of running beefy wires right off the headlights, to a relay or fuse maybe, and on the other side would be the stock wiring. If anyone can provide some specific info(like which relays or fuses, or if this would even work), I would greatly appreciate it.

-S

 

[Defiant]

I run 100W highs, all I replaced were the factory plugs at the bulb. The wires are holding up fine.

 

[Spidey]

I was running 100w lows for a while, and eventually melted the wires. A friend helped me run new wires to no avail. My low beams currently run off the high beam wires. This is the reason I'm looking to re-wire them completely, as well as let them support 100w bulbs.

Maybe I will just re-do them as stock, and get some fog lights, but I thought this would be a fun little project while the car is down.

[edit]Defiant, I'm sure you've seen the "heavy-duty headlight harnesses" out there, what do you think of these?[/edit]

 

[Defiant]

[edit]Defiant, I'm sure you've seen the "heavy-duty headlight harnesses" out there, what do you think of these?[/edit]

I'm not too keen on wiring projects. If someone else has them available, and they aren't too expensive, I'm for it. Maybe $40.

 

[gsx951]

Use your existing wiring for lighting to energize a relay. (just like a fuel pump re-wire)

http://www.partsexpress.com/pdf/500-001.pdf
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=330-070

 

[Spidey]

Forgive me for being electrically impaired, but I need some specifics if possible I checked out the pdf and I guess I'm supposed to be looking at the fog light wiring part. It seems I would run the current stock wiring to the relay somehow, and run a bigger off of that to the 100w bulbs? Please help me out here.

-Spidey

 

[tim_korn_99]

I know this doesnt really pertain, but where are you guys getting 100w bulbs at? I just bought some silverstars, and they are only 55w.
I'm not sure of what size relay you would need, i would think a 30amp relay would be sufficient. I think you need to read into how a relay works, and you would understand better.
-Tim

EDIT: i found the thread where Defiant posts 2 links about the 9005 conversion, but both links are down...

 

[Spidey]

I have projectors that use H3 bulbs, very easy to find 100w H3 bulbs. I guess I will look into how a relay works, and go that route.

For the 9005 conversion, all you really need to do is snip a few parts of the notches off. Hold the 9005 and 9006 bulb in your hand and compare them, you should be able to figure it out

 

[Defiant]

EDIT: i found the thread where Defiant posts 2 links about the 9005 conversion, but both links are down...

Eh, balls. Maybe this one will work:

http://web.archive.org/web/20010619154835/http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm

 

[Defiant]

I know this doesnt really pertain, but where are you guys getting 100w bulbs at?

eBay. I got a case of 100W, and a case of 85W. I don't like the dark when I'm driving too fast (which is any time I'm holding a steering wheel).

 

[tim_korn_99]

Eh, balls. Maybe this one will work:

http://web.archive.org/web/20010619154835/http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm

Wow, that's really easy. Too bad i just spent $40 on a pair of 9006 silverstars....
Oh well, when one burns out, i'll just upgrade to the 9005s.
Thanks
-Tim

 

[Detail]

for all of you wiring noobs...apc sells a upgraded wiring harness kit that attaches to your battery and then runs to the headlight locations. then you just plug in your old stock harness into the new apc harness. Blam, your done...

cost is about $20

Dan

 

[Xenocide]

I'd be interested in that wiring kit from APC; do you have a part # or a link to a retailer that sells it online?

 

[DSMvroom]

Eh, balls. Maybe this one will work:

http://web.archive.org/web/20010619154835/http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm

This link for the win!