Marc's X7, C3 Aircross, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

[Gibbo2286]

I suspect it may have a different 'tolerance' if that is the right word to use - I mean the alarm ECU is the same, so I can only assume that there must be something different or why else go to the bother and expense of requesting 2 versions? It would be useful to know if nothing - else just for curiosity.

Probably something as simple as the length of the wire.

[EDC5]

Yeah, that would make sense. Perhaps on certain engines they need to route the wire around something hot so they need a longer wire?

[GiveMeABreak]

Not much other place for it to go - it's just secured to the chassis next to the driver wheel arch where it joins the other harness plug - but that's a possibility I suppose in not having spare wiring flapping about the place. I'm wondering if I should tale the chance on the other one now.....

[GiveMeABreak]

I've just looked at the other part number and that looks like the same length! So have bit the bullet and gone to order a new one from the dealer - closed at 4:00 on a Friday!

[Paul-R]

Surely the circuit diagram should give an electrical representation of what type of switch it is?

Just a 'Switch' Paul:

alarm switch.PNG

I agree that it looks like a simple push to make switch so I wire in a temporary microswitch if possible.

Perhaps even simpler would be to bridge the wires so that the system simply thinks the bonnet is always closed. It's what I'd do. And then, assuming this "cures" the fault, then I'd look seriously at making a new switch up.

[Zelandeth]

I assume it's not as simple to work around as on the Xantia where simply disconnecting the bonnet switch often cures the spurious triggering...

[GiveMeABreak]

Correct Zel, - unlike the C5 (X7) which has the bonnet contact switch on one of the corners where the bonnet comes down on a bump stop and depresses the switch underneath - the C3 allows for no experimentation as the switch itself is very thin and slides precariously onto a thin sliver of the inside of the bonnet catch plate. It has a precise location or the bonnet 'hook' won't make contact and push the nipple in. Everything is so compact on the C3 MK II there is no room to put anything.

I've pinched and edited a diagram on C3 Owners below but drawn the actual sensor as it was difficult to make out as you can see against the original. The yellow sensor slides behind the plate where I have drawn the black dotted lines. So there is no room for anything and it has to fit at the exact location and 'clips' into place using the green runners.

Original courtesy of C3 Owners	Modified to show the Alarm Bonnet Sensor

[GiveMeABreak]

I've now replaced our bonnet sensor and written up a 'How To' here for this:
C3 Alarm Bonnet Sensor Replacement

[GiveMeABreak]

Decided to order a 'Pocket Money' DAB solution for the C5, which arrived yesterday - although the item was stated to be in the UK, it was obviously shipped from China, so was a bit miffed at that.

Full write up of how to install with pictures here:

DAB Radio Install for C5 X7

Interestingly, those suppliers of these units who actually do have them in the UK, seem to charge extortionate (in some cases triple) the amount for one that comes from the Far East. So shop around for these and allow 7+ days for delivery if getting it from overseas.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I decided to write to the DVSA concerning the oft asked topic about Xenon upgrades and the like on cars that were not fitted with them originally.

After a few weeks, I had a response back and this has more or less confirmed that there is a distinction between the MOT side and the Legal road use side.

As far as the MOT goes: Headlamp cleaning systems are only tested where fitted on vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009. They also cannot determine the luminous intensity of headlamps, so would not be able to determine if these are over 2000 lumens. It is worth pointing out that the requirement for headlamp levelling and wash for HID headlamps only applies if their luminous intensity exceeds 2000 lumens.

However, as far as road legal use is concerned, it is a different matter:

I put a specific scenario to the DVSA:

• A person has a standard vehicle fitted with standard halogen headlamps.
• The individual replaces the complete headlamp unit (not a bulb conversion) with an original Manufacturer part Xenon headlamp version. They may make some wiring adaptations to fit it for example.
• The individual does not fit a headlamp wash system
• The individual does not fit a levelling system

To quote the summary from the response I had in relation to this scenario:

So to summarise; in relation to your scenario of a standard vehicle fitted with standard halogen headlamps that has had the complete headlamp unit (not a bulb conversion) with an original Manufacturer part Xenon headlamp version with no headlamp wash system or automatic levelling system – this vehicle would be not meet the legal requirements for HID headlamps (assuming the unit was more than 2000 lumens), but would pass the MOT test.

DVSA August 2018

The relevant extract from the guidance on aftermarket HID Headlamps follows; the full link is:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... -headlamps

3. HID headlamp unit requirements
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the aftermarket should:

• be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component
• when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place)
• comply with RVLR as far as “use” is concerned

In practice this means:

• the headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be “e-marked” to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. - who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory
• once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have “self-levelling suspension” and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam
• the headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly in the same way as any other headlamp
• Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

In summary: it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

Supporting regs:
ECE Regulation 48
ECE Regulation 45

So although the car may pass the MOT, it would not be road legal and therefore void car insurance, be subject to a fine if ever caught - but more importantly if in an accident and the oncoming driver was dazzled by the lights, then game over.

At least I now have a post to refer back to those thinking of undertaking this without fitting the levelling and washer systems.

[EDC5]

Very interesting and nice to have it in writing. Just one question I have:

So to summarise; in relation to your scenario of a standard vehicle fitted with standard halogen headlamps that has had the complete headlamp unit (not a bulb conversion) with an original Manufacturer part Xenon headlamp version with no headlamp wash system or automatic levelling system – this vehicle would be not meet the legal requirements for HID headlamps (assuming the unit was more than 2000 lumens), but would pass the MOT test.

Does this mean that if you fit the original xenon headlamp but install a 1999 Lumen bulb you can avoid the need for the washers? It seems strange that they would stipulate the lumen rating when listing the requirement for self leveling and washing.

[GiveMeABreak]

I doubt you will find any HID bulbs under 2000 lumens Elis as the lowest I can see are about 2400, but technically, if they were under the limit that would be true - although not much point. I think mine are about 3200, which I bought as upgrades to replace the stock D1S HID bulb.

However, when I win the lottery, I will be buying a set of OSRAM's latest laser replacement HID bulbs for the D1S at just under £200. These provide about 200% more light than the standard HID and are about 20% whiter in colour.

[white exec]

Current HID are more than able to produce dazzle, so what is the justification for 200% more light (= 3x as bright) . . . unless all that light can be directed to fall on the ground when dipped - and there's little evidence on the roads that that can be done at the moment.
Also intrigued by "20% whiter". Whiteness is simply the spectral balance obtained by RGB being mixed, to produce what we now often refer to as a 'white balance'. The white obtained can be adjusted as desired (warm or cool, or biassed towards the green, for example), but it can't become 'whiter'. What it can become is brighter, simply by adding more power.
What I think the marketing guys are actually offering is bluer - and that certainly isn't whiter. I suspect it has more to do with a fashion statement than good and safe science.

[Paul-R]

2000 lumens, eh. Made me wonder what the +130% etc bulbs throw out. A quick scan gives me Osram Night Breaker Unlimited - 1500 and Philips X-treme Vision +130% - 1500 ±10% so still some way to go.

[GiveMeABreak]

Current HID are more than able to produce dazzle, so what is the justification for 200% more light (= 3x as bright) . . . unless all that light can be directed to fall on the ground when dipped - and there's little evidence on the roads that that can be done at the moment.
Also intrigued by "20% whiter". Whiteness is simply the spectral balance obtained by RGB being mixed, to produce what we now often refer to as a 'white balance'. The white obtained can be adjusted as desired (warm or cool, or biassed towards the green, for example), but it can't become 'whiter'. What it can become is brighter, simply by adding more power.
What I think the marketing guys are actually offering is bluer - and that certainly isn't whiter. I suspect it has more to do with a fashion statement than good and safe science.

Here you go Chris - this is the brightest xenon light yet apparently: They are still only 3200 lumens, but they put more Xenon gas into them. They are not like the bluish tinted things that are not as bright of course and tend to have the higher colour temperature in the 8000k ish range.

https://www.osram.com/am/ecat/XENARC%20 ... P_4058323/