DS5: Swapping HID to halogen headlights?

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yason
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DS5: Swapping HID to halogen headlights?

Unread post by yason »

Does anyone know if there are complications in replacing HID headlights with a pair of halogen ones on a DS5?

Usually, in PSA land, usually the outside connector is the same regardless of the headlight type, all taking 12V in.

Might require changing some headlight parameters in BSI so that the car doesn't expect the presence of side-to-side turning bulbs (I think only HID bulbs turn, not necessarily halogen ones but not sure about DS5 though?)

However, I do wonder how the vertical aim could be made to work. Usually with halogen headlights there's manual aim control which I'm obviously missing. With HIDs there are level sensors. Both will ultimately drive the beam up and down but it might be too optimistic to venture if BSI could realize it still has the sensor readings to drive the halogen headlights up and down? It might work if there's a pair of wires for the vertical aim motor and BSI drives them but if BSI just sends the height info to the HID module which then internally drives the motor then that will never work.

I have switched between HIDs and halogens on my C5 but that model is easier because the whole car is self-leveling and there's no need for any vertical aim specifically :)
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mickthemaverick
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Re: DS5: Swapping HID to halogen headlights?

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

Out of interest why are you swapping? :)
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
yason
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Joined: 30 Nov 2021, 09:12
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Re: DS5: Swapping HID to halogen headlights?

Unread post by yason »

mickthemaverick wrote: 19 Jan 2026, 22:52 Out of interest why are you swapping? :)
My HID reflector bowls are worn out so I need either new bowls (they're generally not sold as parts), new aftermarket reflector-projector units (if I find a compatible one that only requires slight modifications), or completely new headlights (makes your wallet very thin!). Already replaced the xenon bulbs... Went through this ordeal with one of my previous cars just to get back to square one, i.e. decently working lights.

Now, in contrast, I also have years of experience with quality H4/H7 led bulbs (Philips Ultinon series, we've checked they don't emit a glare so they're traffic friendly for real) and those give illumination equal or better to xenon lights, are easier to change, and all in all much cheaper and more manageable option. They also don't seem to dim down as quickly as xenons. Thus, if it could be done I wouldn't hesitate switching over to halogen headlights with led bulbs (already legal in some EU countries).