turning high beams into DRL

[lga714]

Is there a way to have my high beam lamps illuminated without destructing oncoming traffics' view and still having the functionality of the high beams when I need them? At the same time having them on with my lowbeams?

Has anyone done it? I remember a couple years ago on bf.c a member with an e21 had done it and it looked so clean. I can't find the guy anymore of course.

I'd really like to get this done.

[StereoInstaller1]

a relay, a high powered resistor (I would think you want about 6V to the bulbs) or two is all you need.

[lga714]

So I'd just be using the existing high beam bulbs?

[StereoInstaller1]

Well, isn't that what you said you wanted?

Do you want DRLs or "City" lights?

[lga714]

No, I just want the high beam lens to be illuminated but not obstructing oncoming traffics view, the little city lights look lame IMO. What I'm looking for is turning the entire high beam lens into a low beam headlight but still being able to have high beams. Make sense?

Take for example my old 2001 Dodge Durango. The headlamps were in the same housing as the high beams.


See what I mean? Both high beam and low beam were both in there.

[JTapper]

See what I mean? Both high beam and low beam were both in there.

Yeah I think you'd have to modify your grills to fit that.




































The durango uses a dual-filament bulb, so no, you won't be able to get that effect without a dual filament bulb, which will not fit.

[lga714]

Shitty, well is there a way to turn the high beams into just low beams? I don't mind ditching the functionality of the high beams, my projectors aim pretty high anyway.

[antil33t]

Get low beams and stick them in the high beam hole?

[JasonC]

This is the first time i've heard someone wanting to have DRL in their car. Most people want them off. Unless you're an 80yo man that likes to drive around with his headlights on in broad daylight.

[StereoInstaller1]

Look, a high beam on half power is not gonna be bright at all, that is why I said use a resistor...but you are gonna need a fairly burly one, like heavier duty than a sand cast resistor, but like a metal one with a heat sink...maybe that would be overkill for 2 55W bulbs, but it will do fine.

So, let me get this straight: you want the high beams on dimly whenever the ignition is on, right?

You would want to be able to flash the highs when driving with the lights off, right?

You also want the dim highs to shut off when you turn your headlights on, because 4 low beams is illegal and will get you pulled over.

Of course, the highs need to come on when you switch over to them too, right?

I just wanna make sure of the design of your circuit, as all the wiring changes when you change how you want it to work.

[u3b3rg33k]

Please don't run your high beams as DRLs. Honda and Chrysler do it now, and it extremely annoying to be in front of them during the day.

[StereoInstaller1]

They would be pretty dim, should not be an annoyance to anyone.

[lga714]

I'm doing a terrible job explaining what I'm trying to achieve... So bare with me.

Look, a high beam on half power is not gonna be bright at all, that is why I said use a resistor...but you are gonna need a fairly burly one, like heavier duty than a sand cast resistor, but like a metal one with a heat sink...maybe that would be overkill for 2 55W bulbs, but it will do fine.

So, let me get this straight: you want the high beams on dimly whenever the ignition is on, right?

I'm just going for the look of a DRL, I don't want them on when I turn the ignition, I just want them on when I pull the headlight switch.

You would want to be able to flash the highs when driving with the lights off, right?

Yes.

You also want the dim highs to shut off when you turn your headlights on, because 4 low beams is illegal and will get you pulled over.

I was not aware of this. Today's cars have LEDs in their headlamps, to me those are more of a distraction as an oncoming driver. Now that I think about it, do those LED's turn off at night?

Of course, the highs need to come on when you switch over to them too, right?

Yes.

I just wanna make sure of the design of your circuit, as all the wiring changes when you change how you want it to work.

I think it would look pretty slick having a nice set of HIDs on with some dimly light headlamp bulbs next to it. If modern BMWs can have HID projectors with 4 halos on at the same time (the newer ones have LED halos) I don't see why I can have a dimly light high beam bulb on with my HID projectos.

[DaveSmed]

a relay, a high powered resistor (I would think you want about 6V to the bulbs) or two is all you need.

Look, a high beam on half power is not gonna be bright at all, that is why I said use a resistor...but you are gonna need a fairly burly one, like heavier duty than a sand cast resistor, but like a metal one with a heat sink...maybe that would be overkill for 2 55W bulbs, but it will do fine.

<Psst> Use the other bulb as your resistor....

Waste not, want not and all that.....

[DaveSmed]

I'm doing a terrible job explaining what I'm trying to achieve... So bare with me.



I think it would look pretty slick having a nice set of HIDs on with some dimly light headlamp bulbs next to it. If modern BMWs can have HID projectors with 4 halos on at the same time (the newer ones have LED halos) I don't see why I can have a dimly light high beam bulb on with my HID projectos.

You want city lights in the highs. Think MkIV VW.