Halogen to Xenon full headlight conversion (not just the bulbs)

warwick2001

Hello all,

Just a few questions, I've spent a while trying to get answers searching the internet, but with no luck.

So, I have a 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta (don't laugh....), with standard halogen bulb headlights. I have been offered a full set of xenon headlights (this includes both full headlight assemblies, the ballasts and all wiring etc). My question is has anyone done this conversion (probably not on a Giulietta, but maybe another car)? Is it difficult? I have wired in full stereo/amp/sub systems before, so I'm not scared to get my hands dirty and play around with the electrics, but if this involves remapping electronic systems etc then that's a bit out of my expertise. 

I believe if you have a xenon system, you must have auto-levelling bulbs, something that I assume is built in within the headlight assembly unit, but again, not too sure?

Does anyone on here have the answers, I'd be forever in your debt. Or say thanks, whichever is easiest.

ontheroad1970

I believe with Xenon you need both auto levelling and washers also.

k3lvc

Given the specific nature of the car I'd have thought www.alfaowner.com would be better qualified to answer

BOWFER

Why would anypone laugh at an Alfa Giulietta?
Lovely car, as are most Alfas (had several 156 and a 159)

unforeseen

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aftermarket-hid-headlamps/aftermarket-hid-headlamps

k3lvc

unforeseen said:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aftermarket-hid-headlamps/aftermarket-hid-headlamps

But OP is suggesting he has the full, correct, Alfa headlights and is looking to retrofit, not just an (illegal) aftermarket kit

born_again

If it is a factory fitted light unit with the correct markings then it wil lbe OK. If someone has simply taken a old unit and modified it for different bulbs. Then it should fail the mot.

AdrianC

Your biggest issue is likely to be persuading the car's body computers of the upgrade. Everything else is just bolting the right parts on.

warwick2001

Just to re-confirm after some of the comments, I would be using official Alfa parts, full headlight replacements, etc etc. It wouldn't just be a dubious legality replace-the-bulbs-type conversion. I was just wondering if anyone had done on their car, and how difficult it is.

@AdrianC I suspect that could be the stumbling block, I know from past experience official Alfa repair centers do not like playing with the car's computers. They remapped the DNA system many years ago during a service, made it less responsive (and less fun to drive when in the dynamic mode), and then refused to map it back to the original settings. "Can't do it guv, Alfa won't let us play with the ECU unless they tell us to do it" I believe was the response.

warwick2001

BOWFER said:

Why would anypone laugh at an Alfa Giulietta?
Lovely car, as are most Alfas (had several 156 and a 159)

Obviously I agree, as I bought it, but I've had plenty "Why'd you buy that, its only a repackaged FIAT" type comments. I tend to ignore them

k3lvc

warwick2001 said:

@AdrianC I suspect that could be the stumbling block, I know from past experience official Alfa repair centers do not like playing with the car's computers. They remapped the DNA system many years ago during a service, made it less responsive (and less fun to drive when in the dynamic mode), and then refused to map it back to the original settings. "Can't do it guv, Alfa won't let us play with the ECU unless they tell us to do it" I believe was the response.

I wouldn't be going anywhere near an 'Official' Alfa repair centre with something like this - there are enough speciaists dotted around that will do as you ask them rather than what Alfa tell them