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Upgrading my Honda BR-V: Fog lamps, infotainment unit & more

Replaced the OEM units with various aftermarket parts from a local store.

BHPian chandrda recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Did some upgrades to my Honda BR-V over the last month.

Head Unit

Replaced the OEM Head unit with Hamaan 9" Full HD Double Din Android unit. Replaced the head unit mainly to have a reverse camera. Hamaan-provided Front fascia fits BRV well and there are no gaps. Also went with Hamaan HD reverse camera from a local store. The fitting guy did a decent job, though I had to initially guide him in removing the OEM head unit.

  1. There is a slight improvement in the sound quality output compared to OEM
  2. Reverse camera display is decent
  3. Touch screen navigation is easy
  4. Steering control work well
  5. Start-up is slow but quick thereafter
  6. USB port below the dash doesn't work anymore. The fitting guy had informed me before fitting it though. But got 2 additional USB ports in the dashboard storage

One issue I observed. After switching on the head unit and when on the FM radio, when I honk for the 1st time the frequency jumps by 0.10. If I am on 91.1 and honk, the frequency jumps to 91.2. This happens every time I switch on the head unit and honk for the 1st time. Thereafter no issues.

Fog Lamps

My Left fog was broken and the right one had developed a crack. The OEM is Rs. 15,500 + Tax for each fog and that too on backorder. So I replaced both with aftermarket fogs called Autogold. The aftermarket fogs had to be modified to fit and came with H16 19W halogen bulbs. These were pathetic bulbs and looked like candles. So I replaced them with the spare H11 55W bulbs I had. A week later, I noticed that the fog had blackened significantly and upon closer look noticed that the fog reflector had melted away due to the heat produced by the 55W bulb. Lesson learnt.

I was again in the market for Fogs and this time went to JC road to check for the fogs. Some of the Maruti, Tata and Mahindra's 3-inch OEM fogs will fit BR-V but needs modification to the screw bracket. Also, these OEMs were again 19W and around 4K to 5K for a pair.

So started looking at the Projector Fog lamp housing and procured IPHCar 3 inches Bi-xenon Projector Fog Lamp housing only (without LED/HID bulbs) for under 3K.

I am not well versed with projectors or LED/HID. So thought this will be a learning curve and planned on a DIY. Did not procure any LED/HID bulbs, plan was to use OEM H8 Halogen fog bulbs directly on the projectors and install LED/HID later on.

  1. It's not a flush fit due to the length of the projector fog. The Chassis frame behind the fog lamps doesn't give enough room. The iPH Car projector housing is 14.1 cm long and with a bulb fitted, it is close to 17 CM. So the bulb holder fouls with the chassis frame, which means you will have to push the projectors a bit to the front. (see photos)
  2. Because of the above, alignment is an issue on the left side. Right is fine. But the left side projector is aligned a bit left than required. Height is fine
  3. With H8 35W halogen bulbs, the projectors are significantly better than OEM Fogs. I am happy with the projector and brightness. Not planning for 55W bulbs as well for now
  4. Since the projector housing has to be pushed a bit to the front, fog garnish has to be cut a bit to accommodate the projector fogs. It's a trailer and an error to get the cut correctly.
  5. I have not connected the high-low bean wire (red) and also the negative (black) wire. Have simply taped and secured it. So the projector is always on a low beam

Right Fog

Left Fog

Upgraded the Tires

Upgraded the tires to 205/60 R16 with Continental UC6 for Rs.7990 Each. My observation so far - Link.

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