996 Facelift Standard Headlamps Query

I've just picked up a 996 C2 Facelift 2002 MY. It was advertised as having Xenons but it does not have any headlamp cleaning (I'm informed that the Xenon upgrade came as part of a package with headlmap cleaning). There is no manual headlamp adjustment and the bulb looks a HID item (but dont appear to the Xenon auto-height adjustment when you switch them on). Any ideas on what was put into the facelift model as std and how to tell if mine has Xenons or some other form of HID item (standard or after market?).

hello and welcome standard lights still have the projector lens like the hids , you can have wash with any type ,you have to have wash with hids when you turn them on do they like spark up then get brighter ? if not you have standards Rob

Hi LeeA, if you have a C16 model (model code for UK spec - check for sticker under the bonnet), then all such cars that came with the optional Xenons as fitted from the factory will come with the washers as standard. If the car doesn't have any headlight adjustment, then it means it should have Xenons fitted. Are you sure the car doesn't have washers? I didn't know my previous 996 had them until I noticed them when cleaning the car as they are easy to miss to the untrained eye. Perhaps you can post a close-up pic of your lights to clarify? ~ Maxie Btw. Welcome to the forum :thumbs:

LeeA Check in your documents, the service book has a sticker in the front which lists all the cars extra options. For xenons its a 601 code. I know this as I checked mine last week! Regards M :thumb:

This is halogen (but can have HIDs retrofitted third-party): This is Litronic (xenon), note shiny oval disc covering pop-up washer jet: The manual level dial can be pulled and replaced with a blanking cap. This is where the dial should be (right of headlamp switch):

Thanks all for the welcome and responses. Intriguing this one as the car is a C16 UK spec (checked that) but does not have the 601 code BUT the headlamp adjust wheel has been blanked out. I do get a very bluewhite light out of the lens but they don't move as drastically when leveling out on first fire up (like me Mini) and there is definitely no wash so I can only conclude they are an after market fitment. I wonder how common this is and whether this would include fitting a blanking plate. Still they appear to be quite effective and it had no problem with MOT (U have heard of 993 with HID replacements failing due to lack of beam adjustment...) Cheers, Lee

The Litronics are relatively plug-and-play (on the 996.1 they are are completely plug-and-play, 996.2 need a wire splice). In that sense it is an easy upgrade, and sometimes relatively economically attractive if one or more lamps are damaged. There is even a TSB (OPC Technical Service Bulletin) for OEM retrofit, which explicitally fits a blanking plate over the (now redundant) level dial. I have them because I wanted better lights and better looks. I bought some new Litronics and sold my old headlamps on eBay (price to change was a very reasonable £300). I never got round to blanking the dial as it may have some use at a later date. Ref MOT - two MOTs and not probs. Techically you don't need washers, levellers or indeed manual adjustment. That is because as long as they are adjusted correctly at the lamp trim, there is no need for a dynamic leveling mechanism. All a car has to do to pass an MOT is for the beam to be correct as the car sits parked up on the day. In that sense you could have a totally incorrect (high) fixed setting, but 1 CWT of cement in the boot and it would pass! And here are moss's: http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=56452

Thanks - I think that solves the mystery and as I siad they perform very well. On arelated topic - the light covers (which appear plastic) on mine are looking a bit scratched / pitted. I believe they are a complete unit so not sure it's worth changing yet (although I would be interested in any feedback on options / costs). Alternatively anyone have suggestions on a good polishing agent that may bring them up? Thanks again for all the responses - a great mine of information Cheers!

Unless you get used Litronics (which defeats the object), new prices have gone up considerably and therefore would not be economic to swap just for scratches. Particularly when lamps/reflectors can be so easily and effectively polished. Have a look in the "Detailing and Protection" sub-forum for pictures and guides/product recommendations. It may be worth actually asking the specific question as a news thread in there. Eg: http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=53339

Thanks for pointing me in the right diredtion - will see what I can find in there