Depo smileys quality?

[///m3]

I had a set, and they simply do not compare to the real thing. DEPO is known for using some of the most brittle plastic ever. If you are not super careful the adjusters will break, and the general quality of the plastic is low. However, from the outside when installed they look fine.

Also, the wiring is a mess and even the wiring they use is not the best quality.

Compared to the real thing I would give them a 4-5/10. In my opinion it is worth saving up for the real thing that is really only $50 more.

I thought the light output was pretty decent though.

[bernzpeed]

Quality is adequate, but the adjusters are a PITA, and it took me 30 mins per side to get things just right. The included wires don't match up to anything USDM, either projectors or sealed beam e30's. Be very careful when installing the adjusters (pictured above with a white rotary knob). The plastic at that corner is very brittle.

Experience the same thing. Wiring does not match either. Yes, a piece broke off already. I glued it back.

[Stevie30]

Here's mine installed. I've been running them about a year with no problems.

[Simon S]

While I certainly wish I had 'real' smoked Hellas - I'm content with the job I did smoking the depos I acquired. Only regret was not to smoke the city light area.

Agree with comments above regarding overall 'dissapointing' quality and adjusters - but once they're in and adjusted - it's one of those deals where you'd have a be a heavy enthusiast to tell/see the difference.

Check out this post if you'd like to see my 'depo/smoke' write up.

I've only been diving around now for about a month including some rain time. So far, no leaking apparent - and yeah - the H1 bulbs are certainly an improvement over sealed beams. After doing some night driving though - I can appreciate why HID upgrades are as popular as they are..

Agreed that included 'pigtails' are useless - and sourcing/buying the appropriate OE terminals and wires took some research and ~$50 all told.

[reelizmpro]

Hmmmm did you know that Depo has been selling smoked smilies for like $20 more ?

[Cronopoulos]

Love mine so far! I run 55w 8k HID's for highs and lows. I hard wired mine because i hate the stock plug and play setup. Also if you don't run the ballasts off a direct 12v line, you may have one HID flicker off or not fire on the first go-around. They draw a ton of current but that's to be expected. Overall I am extremely impressed with these.

[george graves]

Have you driven in the rain yet? Word on the street is that they fog out like mad. I'd love to know if they've fixes that.

[CrusherCurtis]

Haven't driven with mine in the rain yet, the depo's I had on my e36 (see sig) fogged like crazy, but it would go away just as came once it stopped raining. BTW that harness they send you is a fucking joke.

[Cronopoulos]

Have you driven in the rain yet? Word on the street is that they fog out like mad. I'd love to know if they've fixes that.

Driven in rain for 5 days now, no issues with fogging what so ever.

[Blackout]

If i were you, i would use sealed beams for a little longer and save some more to buy a used set of Hella or Bosch.
DEPO plastic is junk, as ppl have already mentioned. Depo recommends baking the lights in the sun for a few hours before working on them. Go figure the rest....

[Simon S]

Hmmmm did you know that Depo has been selling smoked smilies for like $20 more ?

No, I didn't. fwiw - I bought mine in like 2004..

[nando]

still junk, just like they were junk when I bought them in 2004.

[Cronopoulos]

still junk, just like they were junk when I bought them in 2004.

I guess time will tell. How long did you have yours for?

[nando]

long enough to save for real Hellas. :p

[Cronopoulos]

long enough to save for real Hellas. :p

Haha I expected that response ;) Well time will tell how these do as I am not so convinced thus far, lol.