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-   -   Terrible experience with Autobots, Gurgaon (headlight upgrade) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modifications-accessories/212292-terrible-experience-autobots-gurgaon-headlight-upgrade.html)

At the outset, let me clarify that I'm not writing this post in anger or as a disgruntled customer but as a person who is disgusted after undergoing a terrible experience with Autobots , a customisation shop in Gurgaon and to warn people why not to fall prey to social media gimmicks. The next name I mention will ring a lot of bells and people would say why did I actually go ahead with it. The name is Xenon Planet (XP henceforth). Trust me, the lights by them are indeed very good and bright. They do light up the road. But the people managing XP are really not professional.

Anyway, Murphy's stuck here, What has to go wrong, will go wrong. My main aim is to let people understand that whatever you see on social media is not gospel truth. I have no grudges with anyone, not even Autobots because whatsoever damage was to be done, has been done.

This all started with an itch to get the headlights upgraded with better illumination ones, basically a retrofit. My many drives are at night and the roads are poorly illuminated. I had seen lots of videos of XP on Instagram and was impressed. Moreover I was already using Micro Fogs for last 2 years and hadn't faced any issue. I was in touch with XP on Instagram and with Mr. Karan Soni of Autobots. I was given the options of the upgrade. After lots of deliberations, I planned a trip to Gurgaon. Mind you, to drive 1100kms for a family man with a 2 year old kid takes a lot of planning and of course, permissions from parents. All was set for June end and I embarked on my trip. Details here -https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...ml#post4617907


Dates were finalized for the fitment, and I visited them casually on Sunday, 23rd June around 1pm. I met the owner Mr. Karan and spoke about everything required, time taken and other stuff. He asked me to come by 12pm on 25th as I was busy on 24th. On the 25th, I reached at their location around 12pm and to my horror, there was no one there other than a cleaner. I asked him and he said that people will come by 12:30. It was a hot day, and I was waiting patiently. First person to come was a co-owner at around 1:15. The technicians came at around 2pm and work finally started after 2pm.

The headlights need to be opened up for changing the stock projectors with the Mini V3 of XP. Headlights of Brezza have some different material used to seal so opening it up was not that easy. The technician worked on it and after a couple of hours, the headlights were opened up. Since I was really unaware of how things would proceed, I was watching it closely.



The projectors were installed in another few hours. Point to note is that the social media posts show that the projectors are handled with cotton gloves, wasn't the same here. My projector lenses have many smudges as they were handled with bare dirty hands.



Then started the waiting game. Apparently, they did not have ballasts for it. I mean who would start working on a project without having all the necessary stuff? After patiently waiting for nearly 3 hours, I was getting irritated but at that point of time, my only concern was to get the work finished. I asked the technician how much time will it take and he bluntly said that he is not on talking terms with the owner so I should go and ask him. The ballasts were brought by the same cleaner I met in morning. They were in a polybag, not packed in a carton or cover with no documents whatsoever. This has actually confused me whether they are original ones or some cheap local stuff. After the ballasts came, the headlights were fixed temporarily for alignment. They use a DC converter to do the alignment without starting the car, I thought that's good. He showed me the alignment and it was fine.



By this time, it was about 9pm and I was concerned with many things. My phone battery was going down, I was hungry and there was no sign of the work getting completed. Since Wednesday is a holiday for them ,I couldn't get it done next day and I couldn't even leave my car overnight. Moreover, they were already getting in holiday mood and partying, with the technician getting angry as he was not getting his share. This was irritating him. Then he got his share and started resealing the headlights. Before I could make out what he was up to, he fixed 2 screws in each headlight saying that it will keep the headlights properly sealed and in the process , screwing my headlights permanently. So much for professionalism. They've used a butyl based sealant which is still soft even after nearly 2 months!



After resealing the headlights, he fixed it back and then proceeded with wiring. The ballasts were fixed using double sided tape on right side to the headlight's side and on left side it was fixed over the fuse box! I told him that it won't hold but he was adamant that it'll not fall even after few years.


Then he went ahead with the connections and used the electrical tapes to seal it. I told him it won't stay, he said that it's waterproof and doesn't require anything else. Thankfully wires were not spliced.


Once the wiring was done, the headlights were switched on first time after resealing and the cut-off and alignment was way off. The technician tried to adjust it but it wasn't happening so he said that this is perfect. By that time, it was 11pm and the owner was busy partying, the technician was in bad mood as he was not given his promised share, and I was aghast! One of the co-owners came and we settled the bill. During the entire crucial period of alignment, only the technician was there and no one else was there to oversee what was happening.

I was scared with the wiring and drove home with a prayer that there shouldn't be any short circuit or fire. Next morning, I checked the wiring and fitment and was dejected. It was not at all the way it should have been as claimed on their social media sites. I was wary of visiting them again, once you lose trust, it's just not possible to do anything. Moreover, I was tied up for next few days till my return and there was no way I was going to waste my 8-9 hours with them. The headlight cutoff was off as you'll see in snaps I'll share, the left side high beam (Brezza has a separate one) was shooting to the ground and the right side beam was tilted in such a way that it wouldn't illuminate the road more than 20 feet.



I came back home and discussed this with a4anurag and Dr Parvez (X-roaders). I was told that they should have also provided me with a relay for wiring. When I checked with XP guys, they said that the technician may not have felt the need to use it. I was surprised. Their kit also mentions this. I was really not happy. Then I started sending them the cut-off images and other snaps to which they agreed that the work was below expectations and they asked me to come back so that they can get it fixed again at Autobots. Till this time I had not contacted Autobots and seriously I was in no mood to do that, moreover XP guys asked me that they'll themselves deal with Autobots and do a refresher training sort of things, I need not contact them. I told them politely that its not possible for me to drive another 1100kms just for this. I asked them what else can be done? They asked me to get in touch with a local technician who can open the headlights, which is not available here sadly. They asked me to do the alignment by the knobs on the headlights and that's when I realized that their technician had broken those on both sides. :Frustrati I was really helpless. I had a botched retrofit with broken alignment knobs with a very bad wiring. I was really worried so with help of Dr. Parvez, I procured the relay and over a period of 3-4 days, did a thorough redo of the wiring with sealing all joints with waterproof tape. This also gave me an opportunity to open up the front bumper myself thereby sealing the open points of fog lamps as well anything else that I thought required waterproofing.


Since I was in touch with XP guys over Instagram & Whatsapp , I asked them for a resolution. They again asked me to either get the vehicle to Autobots or send the headlamp to Autobots and they'll do it. I was also in touch with Autobots as they were contacted by XP guys. Autobots also offered me the same solution. That would have been good had I been near NCR and many may feel that's it's an acceptable solution, I did not agree to this solution. It is not justified in my case. Driving down again is not possible and I can't send the headlamps because of 2 main reasons, firstly I can't leave or use my car without headlights for the period when they do some correction. Secondly, I don't trust the guys at Autobots now. The moment they started giving more importance to their drinks rather than the work at hand, I understood that they're glorified FNG electricians and nothing else. If they can screw headlights of a first time customer, why would they do a better work when that customer has complained against the bad work? I know I might be just a miniscule part of the people who have faced issue and I may be sounding harsh but that is not a way to handle a customer. If you mix work with drinks, you'll lose my trust immediately. The lights by XP are great but their partner is not good. This post is just to let others know about my experience. I'm sure there would be many who would have had great experience with them. The XP guys have offered me a set of new ballasts as a compensation for the inconvenience I've faced or is it because they are also not sure of the ballasts used! But that does not absolve them or Autobots of the botched retrofit.

The options that I have now,

1. Sending the headlights back to them or someone else for correction.
2. Driving down to Gurgaon to get it rectified by them or someone else.
3. Leaving them the way they are.
4. Picking up brand new stock headlamps and fix them up.

I'm planning to stick to 3rd and 4th option as of now.

I waited for 2 months for posting this as I was busy and I wanted to fix the relay and secure the wiring, and also use and see how the headlights behaved.There were other issues that have been taken care of. Lastly, I made peace that the last option that I have now is to replace both my headlights to stock ones and if need be, I'll do that. This very fact calmed my nerves and then I decided to write this up.

The take home message as per my experience is -

1. Do not jump the gun for such an upgrade till you are very sure of the outcome.
2. The snaps on social media look much better than naked eye real world results, mainly because camera captures more light.
3. Try to get such work done at a local level so that you can visit them for any issue arising out of it.
4. Keep ample time at hand, one cannot rush through it.
5. There should always be a backup plan.
6. Always check with an expert or someone who has got it done or did a DIY.

Will I recommend Xenon Planet for their lights?
Yes and No. Yes, because I've been using their Micro Fogs for over 2 years and they're working fine. Plus the Mini Super V3 also has a fantastic light output.

The output is fantastic if I use Low beam of Micro Fogs as well as the Low and High of main headlights.

No, because they have very very poor communication with customers. That can lead to chaos. Plus they claim many things on social media which is not correct at all. The bills are without any mention of GST or TIN number. The bulbs or ballasts don't carry their name, only the project has their named etched. They despise TeamBHP which I found out over a few chats.


They did send me a pair of ballasts as a gesture for inconvenience caused but still that doesn't help with all the mental trauma I had to go through. Moreover, I'm confused whether the earlier ones are original/better or the new ones? The earlier ones had no carton cover or marking. But as per them, both are original and it all depends on batches.



Will I recommend Autobots?
No way. Well, I may be less than 1% whose install has been improper so I'll leave it for others to judge. The work is shoddy, the handling of lights was very bad. The place where they open up the headlights is cramped, with lots of dust. It's a storage of waste where this work is carried out. It maybe a place for people looking at bling without any care for electricals or safety but an enthusiast needs to stay away from here. Till the time they improve their work ethics and handling of customers, I'll prefer to stay away.


And finally, am I being partial to Autobots and XP without them getting a chance to clarify here or even after they sent me ballasts for the inconvenience caused? Well, I dont think so because firstly, I paid for it and secondly and the most important factor, it would have been my life if something untoward like a fire had happened. I know they would read this post and curse me and if they are reading this, I have a message for them, Please be truthful to your work and do it religiously. If you are running a business, you must oversee the work being done and not leave it at hands of a technician. You guys should be more concerned with the work being done rather than sit in your office and watch crazy car videos. I hope someone posts praise for you guys and negates my words.

Xenon planet is known for stuff like this - should have checked their reviews here before going for it.
For others who are coming in new
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modif...periences.html

Your conclusion on is XP correct : "Great products but not so good installation partners".

I got my micros (fog projectors) installed by same guy a couple of years ago. That time he was not with autobots. Before installing, I did my homework by seeking advice from Dr. Parvez and immediately wanted to have relay even for fog projectors.

Struck a deal with XP and they sent relay along with the projectors. When I went to the installer, the technician refused to install the relay, saying that relays are not supposed to be installed with micro fogs. I insisted and actually supervised the relay installation.

Next, I wanted to go for headlights projector swap like yours but resisted the urge as I have seen so many horror stories of it.

I will not blame any single installer, in fact I have seen many satisfied customers (including customers of Autobots). Headlights upgrade is such a delicate art that not everyone can handle it cleanly everytime.

Your technician has really botched up the headlight with screws etc. Yes, the best option is to buy a new one and find a better technician. I say better "technician" and not retrofitter because these technicians do change places.

All the best.

Well, my experience with their installation partner has been terrible. I had read this thread and was well aware of the issues. Infact I'm myself using XP's Micro Fogs for over 2 years without any issue. Problem is with the poor installation and their false claims.

Agreed that it can't be handled cleanly everytime. Even if I forgive them for poor alignment, how can I forgive them for the wiring part?


Thanks.

No one would be better equipped or worth other than myself. I'll do it for sure but later.


True that. The headlights are atrociously poor in many cars nowadays.

Surprised they do such a shoddy job after charging so much. In feb i had asked them how much they will charge for just installing a pair of Bi-Led projectors if i get all the parts myself and i was quoted INR 5500 for the job. I ended up doing it myself and did a way better job looking at these pictures considering it was my first time doing it.

The smudges are generally wiped off with a alcohol pad after installation although the best way is to cover them with a cling film right at unboxing to prevent dust going in reflector bowl etc. If they broke the alignment knobs it will be harder to fix as the alignment knob may be broken from outside but hopefully the screw inside the headlight that does the alignment is okay. As for the moisture you can add in a moisture absorbing packet inside the headlight and see if it helps although if its coming from a unsealed area they missed you will need to reapply sealent. Butyl sealent does not get rock hard btw, it remains kinda soft although it shouldn't really be visible much and they have shoved in quite a lot of it. With enough heat around it from engine it may drip down later. You should go to another dealer to fix the alignment issues.

My guess is only a small percentage of botched up headlamp upgrades make it to the reviews. I appreciate your efforts to educate everyone of the risks BoneCollector.

It maybe worth considering someone local to open up the assembly, clean everything, realign the projectors and put them back.

The way manufacturers are compromising light output for styling requirements is worrying, almost all test drives of cars happen in the daytime for this to be even considered while making a car purchase decision. Many months ago I had to revert my friend's ciaz headlights to stock after a botched up headlamp upgrade, the hunt for a better solution is still on.

So it means that the sealant can be easily removed? If that is the case, I might as well do the alignment part myself and then reseal it. Will I need a heat gun also?


Anyone using glue guns? Can a headlight be sealed with that glue as well as butyl also?

Yes butyl sealent is used as it remains firm on normal use but softens a lot on direct heat. Yes heat gun is required, what i used to do was channel the heat gun air to a cardboard box where i kept the headlight and leave it there for 25 mins. this made the task very easy as then there was even heat all around and easy to separate the glass with plastic casing. You can just reuse the same sealent and no need of another one. The glue gun translucent sealent might be permanent ones, not sure.

I don't understand. Or maybe I missed something, pardon me for that, but why did you drive over a thousand kilometres to get a xenon swap? Weren't there any good mod/accessories shop in Bangalore ( which is where I assume you live ) ?

If you don't mind, could you also share the costs? Did you do a DIY for the projector fogs or were they installed by the same people?

1. BLR is mainly used for Bangalore. I stay in BR i.e. Bihar

2. Bangalore is not just over a thousand kilometers (1100 kms is what I drove), its over 2100kms to Gurgaon.

By the way driving for whatever thousand kilometers to get things done doesn't matter till the time it's just driving. :)


I paid 24K for the kit as well as installation charges. Although the kit was supposed to have a relay, it wasn't provided to me. I purchased it for 1k from somewhere else. I was also not given the option of shrouds which is included in the kit price.



Micro Fogs were installed by me with help from MASS about 2 and half years back.

Oh okays, thanks for the clarification. Sorry for that.
I guess I'm smoking something weird. lol:

Yes, sir. Try this process using a heat gun:

• Remove the screws holding the headlight to the body,
  
  
• At the lower heat mode on the heat gun, run it around the edges causing the butyl inside to soften which will help in separation easier.
  
  
• Using gloves, pull the reflector casing to separate it from the headlight.
  
  
• After aligning the projectors and cleaning it, use the heat gun on low power mode until you notice that the butyl is soft.
  
  
• Use a flat head screwdriver and run it into the channel to spread that butyl evenly for a better seal. 'See' for areas for lack of the butyl content and add a strip in it.
  
  
• Fit the casing and press evenly. Once gaps have covered refit any screws holding the reflector to the headlight body.