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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Problem with Alpine HID angels



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      11-17-2012, 07:21 PM   #1
onesuperboi
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Question Problem with Alpine HID angels

So, I had these HID angels for over a couple years now. I had no issues until a few days ago.

I noticed that my angels would shut off once the main headlights (xenons) turn on. If the headlights are off, both angles eyes turn on and stay on without a problem.

When inspecting under the hood and the headlights on, I noticed a pulsing or slight ticking noise and it seem to come from the piece that I circled in yellow. If I touch it, I can feel it vibrate. If I turn off the headlights, that piece does not make any noise and does not vibrate.

Any idea of what that is and if that is the actual problem? I tried PMing the vendor, but I haven't had a response yet.
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      11-18-2012, 12:45 AM   #2
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That's the relay that connects the battery to your ballast. Not sure if mine ticks or not. I will have to check on it later.

Mine stays on when I turn on the headlights. Probably something wrong with the relay.

The relay basically receives the electrical signal from the angel lights then uses the battery to power the ballast since the angel voltage is too small. If you turn your low beams on, the voltage on the angel drops to dim them. I'm guessing there is something wrong with the relay once the voltage drops below a certain point causing it to not detect the electrical signal. Hopefully this clears it up...I'm bad at explaining stuff lol.
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      11-18-2012, 01:10 AM   #3
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IMO I would remove this kit and get something else non-HID.
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      11-18-2012, 10:40 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cisf0rcalvin View Post
That's the relay that connects the battery to your ballast. Not sure if mine ticks or not. I will have to check on it later.

Mine stays on when I turn on the headlights. Probably something wrong with the relay.

The relay basically receives the electrical signal from the angel lights then uses the battery to power the ballast since the angel voltage is too small. If you turn your low beams on, the voltage on the angel drops to dim them. I'm guessing there is something wrong with the relay once the voltage drops below a certain point causing it to not detect the electrical signal. Hopefully this clears it up...I'm bad at explaining stuff lol.
Which part would be the relay? Is it the part I circled or something else?
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      11-18-2012, 10:43 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idrift4wd View Post
IMO I would remove this kit and get something else non-HID.
LED bulbs are not bright at all (aka MTEC or LUX).

The only thing I would consider are full LED rings (like OSS), but I'm not impressed right now in terms of brightness.

I currently like my HID setup since it is bright and visible during the day. It also matches perfectly with my xenons. That's why I would like to fix the issue.
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      11-18-2012, 02:20 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onesuperboi View Post
LED bulbs are not bright at all (aka MTEC or LUX).

The only thing I would consider are full LED rings (like OSS), but I'm not impressed right now in terms of brightness.

I currently like my HID setup since it is bright and visible during the day. It also matches perfectly with my xenons. That's why I would like to fix the issue.
Yes HID is the brightest option out. but there are many members who's wires got burned, burning the headlight and ecu by running HID angel eyes. Just watch out.
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      11-18-2012, 02:28 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idrift4wd View Post
Yes HID is the brightest option out. but there are many members who's wires got burned, burning the headlight and ecu by running HID angel eyes. Just watch out.
And thats when you upgrade to OSS/LS3

OP, ill get you a video later today hopefully.

Also, the part you circled is the fuse. Check if that is blown, you might just need to replace the fuse....
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      11-18-2012, 03:48 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idrift4wd View Post
Yes HID is the brightest option out. but there are many members who's wires got burned, burning the headlight and ecu by running HID angel eyes. Just watch out.
I guess thats for the cheap ebay brands, not the same for mtec/lux as there are many members running these on their cars since years with zero issues..
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      11-18-2012, 04:53 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric335 View Post
And thats when you upgrade to OSS/LS3

OP, ill get you a video later today hopefully.

Also, the part you circled is the fuse. Check if that is blown, you might just need to replace the fuse....
Thanks. If that's the fuse, then maybe that needs to be replaced... but if it's blown wouldn't the angel eyes not work at all?
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      11-18-2012, 04:56 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idrift4wd View Post
Yes HID is the brightest option out. but there are many members who's wires got burned, burning the headlight and ecu by running HID angel eyes. Just watch out.
I'm a bit worried when individuals use just a basic DDM tuning kit and code them to make them work.

But, I believe that the solution that is provided by Alex is great. I also upgraded my bulbs which have UV protection.

Thank you for the concern, but I really had no issues whatsoever until recently. Everyone that has seen them has complimented me. I'm just hoping for a simple fix.
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      11-18-2012, 06:40 PM   #11
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The circled part is the relay. In the second picture to the right of the circle is the fuse. You just need a new relay harness.

IMO your ecu and wires are safe. You are using the battery as the source ofpower and not the angel eye wires. Could be wrong though.
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      11-18-2012, 06:48 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onesuperboi View Post
I'm a bit worried when individuals use just a basic DDM tuning kit and code them to make them work.

But, I believe that the solution that is provided by Alex is great. I also upgraded my bulbs which have UV protection.

Thank you for the concern, but I really had no issues whatsoever until recently. Everyone that has seen them has complimented me. I'm just hoping for a simple fix.
You can actually try changing out the relay first, that would be the easiest solution for trouble shooting and if it still doesn't work you can eliminate that as a issue. 100% it is not your fuse, if it was it would not work at all.

Also, if you have a volt meter you should check what voltage the trigger wire is because it do need to see 12V in order to keep the relay running.

Hope this helps
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      11-18-2012, 07:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cisf0rcalvin View Post
The circled part is the relay. In the second picture to the right of the circle is the fuse. You just need a new relay harness.

IMO your ecu and wires are safe. You are using the battery as the source ofpower and not the angel eye wires. Could be wrong though.
Shit, your right. I was looking at the wrong part Its not your fuse, its the relay. Send Alex an email, im sure he can source out some parts to ya.
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      11-18-2012, 07:40 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric335 View Post
Shit, your right. I was looking at the wrong part Its not your fuse, its the relay. Send Alex an email, im sure he can source out some parts to ya.
Thanks guys!

Can I take only that part apart? Or, do I need a new harness?
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      11-19-2012, 03:36 AM   #15
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The Relay simply unplugs from the harness at the connector - more than likely you can get the relay at any auto parts store (or RadioShack). Just unplug it, take it in, and buy one of same rating/configuration.

No need for a new harness just to change out the relay - just make sure harness looks in good shape (no melted wiring insulation, etc.)
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      11-19-2012, 10:31 AM   #16
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Ive done dozens of LED conversions. Many of the lights I converted to full LED rings were running HID angels- be warned, many of them had been yellowed by the heat and/or had dimished ring output because the HID system slowly started melting the rings. It gets hot in there and your HID kit WILL ruin your headlights over time.
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      11-19-2012, 08:06 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6 View Post
The Relay simply unplugs from the harness at the connector - more than likely you can get the relay at any auto parts store (or RadioShack). Just unplug it, take it in, and buy one of same rating/configuration.

No need for a new harness just to change out the relay - just make sure harness looks in good shape (no melted wiring insulation, etc.)
Cool. I'll do that. At least that would be an easy fix. Didn't want to undo all the wiring. Thanks!
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      11-19-2012, 08:07 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomz_335i View Post
Ive done dozens of LED conversions. Many of the lights I converted to full LED rings were running HID angels- be warned, many of them had been yellowed by the heat and/or had dimished ring output because the HID system slowly started melting the rings. It gets hot in there and your HID kit WILL ruin your headlights over time.
OK. Well, once I have an issue, I'll probably have to PM you for some full LED headlights then.
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      11-20-2012, 04:13 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onesuperboi View Post
OK. Well, once I have an issue, I'll probably have to PM you for some full LED headlights then.
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