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RS model cars come with a DRL lamp assembly that is auto-on during the day. If you place a modded HID bulb in this lamp, it will glare into oncoming drivers if modded to turn on at night. (P13W bulb)
Non-RS model cars come with a Fog lamp assembly that has a switch. The lens reflector "minimizes" oncoming glare by directing the light to the ground. Also, the assembly has screws for aiming.
(5202 bulb)
Both housings are plastic. After months and many bad P13W LEDs replaced back in 2010, I replaced my RS DRLs with OE fog assemblies and replaced the harness. Modded the OE fog harness with heavier gauge power wires for HID, while retaining stock connectors to revert to 5202 bulbs. Used a dual relay adaptor wire harness and ran a switch into the cabin. Purchased 5202 25-watt HID 5K bulbs/ballast and never looked back. Been running this setup for almost 2-years without problems. Very bright and aimed toward the ground. No melting of the front lens and matches RS headlights(5K D1S).
I have it setup to run auto-on(DRL) during the day. Manual switch operates only at night(non-DRL mode), but leave it on so basically they are always on when the car is running. The harness was a single relay version 1 sold by a former C5 member, Fieldgoal. I modded it for dual relay use. I believe he sells his new version dual relay harness on another forum.
I entertained projectors, but didn't want to butcher the front. Wanted to revert to OE if needed. I got tired of d1ck1ng around with LEDs constantly blowing. Decided to do it "right", one-step short of replacing with projector style lamps.
You take your chances with 35-watt HIDs. Changing the p13w bulbs alone will not allow it to run at night. Need to mod the wiring. Also, the OE harness wires are too small for the higher current use. Lastly, the DRL are used as beacons/markers during the day. If used at night, the DRL lens reflector will produce glare for oncoming drivers if you use a high output light.
Food for thought. Do a search on Fieldgoal posts for history.
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