I've previously upgraded my headlamps from sealed beams to those that require replacement bulbs like the newer cars BUT I'm STILL not totally impressed. I think that they're better than before but I want the WOW effect that HIDs do without replacing a great old car to do that if possible. What I now have is very good with high beams (all 4 on) but with low beams only needs to be better for my aging eyes (40 something).

I'm fairly sure that it can be done but I'm not sure how good the results are after spending the $$$. Has anyone here done it and if so, was it worthwhile? Comments, URLs (links) always appreciated too btw.

Thanks in advance.

I have not done this conversion, but I have upgraded three of our cars to headlight relays under the hood and I use Hella H1/H4 standard wattage 55/60 lamps. The headlight output is EXCELLENT! I recommend this conversion strongly. See http://www.vclassics.com/archive/relays.htm for installing headlight relays. If you want pictures of this installation, message me directly.

I think you'll find that any lighting system that has DOT approval is going to be dismal. No matter how much light you have, if it isn't going where you want to see, or worse yet, if it's going everywhere else, you'll be dissatisfied.
I'm personally very happy with the European lights on my '87 740, which originally came with the 4-rectangular U.S. lamps. You can get the whole setup for <$300, and it bolts in.
I use 80/100 H4s; the headlight switch won't survive them, so I have relays.
BTW, I've got about 10 years on you.

The real issue here is putting about $1200 minimum USD into a car worth maybe $4K (89 or older 740 series?). I've considered it on my 90 744T but the $ are a stunner. Especially after having just replaced a turbo this weekend (don't ask).

An H4 hi/low conversion runs about $600 and will give you as good a beam as the reflector is capable of, not ås good as a 2003 Audi but still quite good. It WILL brighten up the road considerably, but about as gøod as a 130W or so H4. I would recommend going to 100/130 H4 (make sure you use relays to get 14.5v directly ƒrom the battery...also upgrade the alternator and/or regulator to ensure you're gettting 14.5v....you'll bet more from spending the $$ on a 100-120amp alternator!)

Same for high beam H1 bulbs....just get higher wattage halogens.

Still, if you must have HID for bragging rights or whatever, they will give you the extreme halogen lighting at 35X4 or only 140watts drag on your alternator vice the 540watts or more (if you have wiring issues, etc.) that the halogens would cause.

Good luck and hope you're not in the same state or section øf the country as I live. One more HID is probably too much.