“Thunderbolt” Mahindra XUV5OO Detailed Review (5 Years Report)

bhvm · Jun 13, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

1. as said. it's all marketing. difference will be minor.
2. the prices you got are excellent. I'm not always lucky as prices are very expensive here. I too have HID in my fortuner low beams
3..I'm tired of telling everyone that 4300k is the best HID available. people are just crazy about 6000k and 8000k lamps.
good choice.

singh890 · Jun 13, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

bhvm said:

Yes buddy that's true the best HID is the 4300K because it never gets vanished under the street lights and does not drop the visibility on wet roads or driving during rains.
So shall I just go to dealership and get the bulb replaced (OEM) or shall I go ahead with OSRAM, what's your say on this?

Let me know next time if you need the HID kit (P8), I can ship to you from here.

bhvm · Jun 13, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

singh890 said:

1. I've done research with osram Sweden team on CCT and CRI. interestingly, 4300k light is very close to the spectrum of sunlight we get (around 4100k to 4800k depending on season ). our eyes are optimized for this sunlight spectrum.

on the other hand our eyes are not optimized for 6000k or 8000k as they generate much more blue- uv content. not only it's faitguing for the oncomer but to oneself as well. it looks brighter because it's actually irritating our eyes.

think how a jackhammer or drill gun sounds louder than typical loud music although music might have more decibles.

2. how costly is osram? if it's a small difference ID rather not worry. however I wouldn't spend much money considering the lights will be upgraded to HID in near future. also, all these 'extreme vision' type lamps have very poor life compared to stock lamps. they employ tricks lake thinner but longer filament, blue tint etc to appear 'brighter' to a layman. and they pay their longetivity.

I'll suggest go the showroom as it could need removing few things.

3. thanks buddy., will let yard know. I found an online seller that gives p8 like quality for around 4k. I have already upgraded my fog lamps with it. the low beam kit install is pending due to rains. do let me know if you want to try his kits.

bhvm · Jun 15, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Dear all,
With my continued struggle to improve the Lights on my XUV Thunderbolt, I finally took the plunge to install a full setup of HID lights. I was also lucky to find a seller on Ebay who stocks and sells only Quality 4300K Kits.
His page here-
tdautoz2014 on eBay

I have orders many HID kits before, However I was usually shipped a low quality kit or the Bulbs would look much Blue with tons of Glare. I finally found what I always wanted, A 4300k Kit!

Why 4300K?, I thought the Blue-white lights are Brightest!?

I 've done research with osram Sweden team on CCT and CRI. interestingly, 4300k light is very close to the spectrum of sunlight we get (around 4100k to 4800k depending on season ). our eyes are optimized for this sunlight spectrum.

on the other hand our eyes are not optimized for 6000k or 8000k as they generate much more blue- uv content. not only it's faitguing for the oncomer but to oneself as well. it looks brighter because it's actually irritating our eyes.

Think how a jackhammer or drill gun sounds louder than typical loud music although music might have more decibels.

Why AC Ballasts?
AC (Alternating Current) sends power through a circuit alternating between positive and negative voltages. The number of times the signal alternates between positive and negative voltage in a given second is its hertz (Hz) value. DC or Direct Current uses a constant steady positive voltage in a circuit. An HID bulb requires power to flow from one metal electrode to another creating a spark inside your bulb. The AC Ballast alternates the power sent to the electrodes because of its alternating current so the wear and tear on the bulbs' electrodes are even, because both sides are used for positive and negative voltage. DC on the other hand, maintains positive voltage on one electrode throughout and wears down one electrode more than the other. This increases the overall temperature since one side is always hotter and, due to this additional heat, erodes the electrode and the life of the bulb significantly.
XS XenonSupply Blog

But I thought a car battery was 12v DC?

Correct, a vehicle's power is supplied from the 12 volt battery which happens to be a DC power supply. So why bother using an AC ballast that has to convert DC power into AC and then send AC power to the HID bulb? Simply put, AC Ballasts, due to its alternating current flow, puts less strain on the HID bulb's inner components while producing the same/better light output. AC systems also benefit from lower operating temperatures as well as better long term color accuracy due to its decrease in bulb wear and tear. The additional cost of converting DC to AC is well worth the price as you will save from an extended bulb life as well as an increase in lighting performance.
The Truth You Must Know (About AC VS. DC HID KIT) : Mydepots Online, Tattoo Kit, Xenon HID Kit, DVR Surveillance System & Projector

Finally, The review-

I would let the Pictures do most of the talking. Kindly click on the Pictures and zoom in so you could read the Notes and Fine details.

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BEAMSHOTS-

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bhvm · Jun 16, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Dear all,
So finally had a 110 KM Trip with thunderbolt yesterday Evening/Night. And Finally a chance to test my uprated HID lamps! Here are my observations.

1) The HID casts a very White or Milky white light. i thought these would be having somewhat yellow hue (Comparing to 4100K Lights at my Home), But no!. They look like 4600k to my Eye.

2) The white illumination tends to mix into sunlight. So you may not notice a distinct beam pattern onto the road like Halogens or Warmer HIDs. Some people may not like this, But I am OK with it.

3) The improvements, aside from the Brightness is the WIDTH and oh boy what a width!. These projecctors were almost crying for a HID upgrade. The Projectors themselves are VERY good quality. The beam is almost 80 Degree wide on each side. Infact, it was casting a Beam on my Blue Boy which was parked besides!

4) There's noticeable improvement in brightness on the Left hand side. Here is where you have to worry about Parked Trucks, Animals, Unknown objects etc. Now even with Low beams, the clarity is as good as High beams!

5) NO Glare whatsoever!

6) The Headlight Lens feels very cool to touch. Almost zero heat. Compared to the side with halogen High beam, HIDs generate negligible heat.

7) I drove all the way in Rain. Visiblity is acceptable, not like the Blue Lamps which simply Vanish in Rain/Fog. However, if you drive in a place with tons of rainfall, I would suggest going for a 3000K (Yellow) Hid Kit.

8) The auto Fuctions like "Welcome lamp", "Follow me Home" still work. I would love to know if there's a way to turn these off (My headlight stalk is already In OFF position, not AUTO. These functions cause unnecessary hot-striking of the lamp and could affect lamp life.

9) I don't need to use my High beams as often now. HIDs are sufficient as long as there's no High beaming Idiot coming. However if there is one, I will flash him with my High beams and CREE LED high beam assists- Bow to the King!

10) During the install, I notice my High beam bulbs have become somewhat dark around the filament. I am thinking to replace them before they completely die. Suggestions?
More research to follow after my longer trips.
Thanks.

abhijeetp · Jun 16, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Thanks for such a detailed description of the selection and installation process. The difference in light is remarkable!

kinshuk.arya · Jun 17, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

There is no way to turn off the follow me home functions I tried searching a lot but couldnt find any, may be the service center can access it via the laptop.

Just to make sure use your remote button twice when unlocking and locking the vehicle in dark places, that will turn off the headlamps.

bhvm · Jun 17, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

kinshuk.arya said:

yeah, I'll ask them if it's programmable on Laptop.
I'm. confused if double press is good for hid or not.

hid does not like start- stop. hence suggest me if I should kill them just as they start up OR, let them fully warm up before turning off.

kinshuk.arya · Jun 19, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

I suggest you to Turn them Off, as they will automatically get turned off after 10-15 seconds or when you open the doors or when you are starting up the car.

I Turn off the HIDs as soon as they turn on and then Turn them On if required only after starting the car.

bhvm · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

This sunday,
I got the time to play around with Thunderbolt, and esp the HID upgrade. I had my wife have the wheel, while i drove from opposite sides to judge how the lamps look to oncomers. Here is what I learnt-

1) The HIDs look VERY white. Like OEM BMW, Audi, Etc. Combined with the Audi-style LED DRLS, the Vehicle looks very exotic & Eye catching. From Afar, most people will think its a sports car coming their way

2) People seem to give more "respect". People now dip their beams automatically without me needing to flash them. I guess its the "Audi Effect" working for them.

3) The Cutoffs on XUV are very sharp. This can sometimes cause problems as follows-
A] When the vehicle brakes/slows down, The Cutoffs go down (due to the position of suspension), Causing shadows after 50Ft. When the Vehicle Accelerates or Hits the Bump, The cutoffs go up- Sometimes on the face of Other drivers and It gives a High-beam type effect. This behaviour can confuse other drivers. However, I am rendered helpless as this is by design of Projectors themselves. No wonder, US-cars are required to have HID Self-leveling mechanism by Law.

4) When coming from afar, the Cutoff goes like
Purpe>Pink>Blue>White>Warm White. In short, a very exotic effect and this is the effect many modders are dying for. Shows that the projector lens is very High quality

5) I am feeling lesser need of high beams. The HID Fogs+Lows are having enough light to drive till 70Kmph. Also the High beams,now feel "Feeble" compared to insane wrath of 4 HIDs.

6) Thankfully, here is no glare and you can look at HID fogs and Projectors head on from Eye level.

TaxiMeter · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

bhvm said:

By keeping headlight stock in manual ON mode follow me/lead me wont work. I have tried myself in my car (ofcourse in my dark parking place). Check it once.

Also one more thing about XUV headlights, some of you may know already, but just want to put it here so helpful for others who is using HIDs,
When headlight in AUTO mode, if you use dipper, Low beam will still be ON, and high beam flashes. But when headlight in Manual mode ON, if you use dipper, Low beam turns OFF and High beam will be ON. So when you use dipper in manual mode, it will toggle your low beam HID on-off so need to be careful with this since it draws more current everytime HID switches ON.

bhvm · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Dear TM,
1)Thanks for the valuable Input. By ON Mode, you mean parking lights or Low beams? I will sure experiment and let you know. I think its ok to keep Parking more permanantly. However if Low beams HID come on, They will have a problem by constant Cranking and re-start

2) Your observation about low beam Flash behavior is correct. It causes HIDs to restart. Actually yesterday night I taught my Dad and wife how to "Flash" people when using HID low beams. One should go from High-beam-Low-beam-High beam. Pulling the stick is NOT allowed now.

3) I am teaching myself how to Treat HIDs with some "respect" and extend their life. Here is what I am practising

a) Find a way to defeat Auto Follow me home and welcome functions
b) start HID AFTER cranking the Engine and turn them off BEFORE killing the engine. That means the HID will be saved from Voltage Fluctuations due to starter/Alternator
c) Pulling the stick to Flash people is NOT allowed.
d) Use Just the fogs in City driving, They're more than enough till 40 Kmph. It also allows me to Flash High beams without worrying about HID low beams
e) Find replacement High beams as the bulbs are looking black.

TaxiMeter · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

bhvm said:

I meant switch ON to Low beams. Followme/lead me works when the headlight positioned in Auto or parking light mode.

TSIVipul · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

@BHVM:
That's a fantastic guide I must say.
Since these ballasts do convert DC to AC (We can call that a bit distorted AC though), i guess they must be doing the work at a bit low power factor, can you verify how much it is for the final output? If it's low, then why not try putting a capacitor in series between bulb and ballast and enjoy your bulbs working even more efficiently and having a longer life because capacitor is gonna help a bit(I mean really less) in case there happens to be a current/voltage surge.
I have actually seen HID's failing for various reasons and hence I believe that adding a bit of protection may help.
0.2 Ampere is a very small amount of current and so is the 25-35W. But I guess with 0.2A and 0.3A the power should be 17W and 25.5W resp if I consider the power factor as 1(of course it can't be) and if I take it 0.8; then power should come out to be 13.6 and 22.95W respectively. Heck, do they work on leading power factor or what? Please explain this funda to me [thinking]

Offtopic:
What brand and model that clamp type multimeter is and how much this one costs? This poor electrical contractor has already got 2 broken on sites and wants something that can take some abuse.

bhvm · Jun 22, 2015

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

TaxiMeter said:

TM,
The trick works perfectly as you said. I can even put the lamps in parking mode and the Welcome Lamps will not be started. As a downside, parking lamps will be on All day and also the touchsreen/Guauges will dim quite a bit. Still not finding a acceptable and foolproof solution.
Also, dad won't agree keeping switch in Parking mode all time.

TSIVipul said:

Thank you Mr Vipul.
1. The ballasts convert AC to some strange high Frequency. One Manufacturer leaked its around 400hz. So its definately not like the household AC we use.

2. The meter is not really accurate below 10A. Its actually an industrial 1000Amp Meter so 0.2A or 0.3A might be a quite inaccurate reading. I am hoping its around 0.4A at 85V. I have seen some ballasts actually output 0.3A at 100V, That makes the bulb work at 30~33W. Not bad. Also the 400hz signal could be confusing my meter.

3. I would NOT try the capacitor trick near HIDs anytime soon. the HID igniter sends 23kv!! to 'Strike" the bulb. Damm! Not even Indian Railways run that high voltage!!

Such pulse will blow any capacitor to smithereens. However, I DO think i should add a Capacitor BEFORE the ballast, in PARALLEL to the Input battery wire. This could smoothen the power draw.

4. The Clamp meter is Sanwa, 1000A, Costed 3.5k. Working since 9 years.
______________________________________________________________________________________
p.S- Anyone knows what bulbs are XUV high beams? Manual says H15 which souled Fishy.

“Thunderbolt” Mahindra XUV5OO Detailed Review (5 Years Report)

bhvm

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singh890

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