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YOUR RESEARCHretrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
Leading reported evidence
Use ebay route
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
So no need to do the HID or used eBay route. Glad that it worked out for me...now I have to start looking at how to replace the headunit on the stereo with something FAR better
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
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Leading evidence: 'Use ebay route' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'exception' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace headunit' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
There are often used units available online or through dismantlers, which is an option.
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
exception
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Suspected cause
You should get plenty of responses, but I've always thought the halogens in my '99C4 were superb, so I'm probably the exception to the rule of everyone wanting HIDs.
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
Replace headunit
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Suggestion · Original poster
Glad that it worked out for me...now I have to start looking at how to replace the headunit on the stereo with something FAR better
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
Use oem conversion parts
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Suggestion
The right way to do it is to use OEM conversion parts.
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
Use ebay route
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
So no need to do the HID or used eBay route. Glad that it worked out for me...now I have to start looking at how to replace the headunit on the stereo with something FAR better
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
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exception
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Suspected cause
You should get plenty of responses, but I've always thought the halogens in my '99C4 were superb, so I'm probably the exception to the rule of everyone wanting HIDs.
retrofit xenon headlights...what have others done?
Coverage and how to read this overview
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10 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
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Hi,
I'm looking at buying a C4s and seeking to update the headlights to Xenon. I noticed this was an option for the model and I would like to get this on my car, so I was wondering what others have done in this case? I saw that there are number of available kits and if folks can provide any feedback on what works well that would be great!
OEM + leveling sensors is the way to go, but most people don't like the price. Stay away from the cheap kits.
You should get plenty of responses, but I've always thought the halogens in my '99C4 were superb, so I'm probably the exception to the rule of everyone wanting HIDs.
+1
The right way to do it is to use OEM conversion parts.
You can buy cheap conversion kits on eBay. However, you get what you pay for. I made this mistake once with another car, and I removed it and sent it back within a month of purchase. They aren't the same as the OEM set up.
I understand that an OEM kit would be ideal, however is there not an ODM for the OEM? ODM=Original Design Manufacturer. This is akin to how Apple is the OEM for the iPod, however the ODM is Foxcom. I was thinking that most high-end HIDs/Xenon are made Philips, so does anyone have a background on where to buy these? I won't be spending $1000 on these, especially considering that this option cost ~$1000 when the car was new! IMHO, it's not worth it at this point.
I'd look at ebay and look to spend roughly $800 or so on those. I know its a lot of money but you can always keep your originals and sell them or keep them and if you decide to sell the car you can sell the litronics for the same price you bought them for. That is what I've done and I've even made a couple hundred on the price that I initially paid for.
You'll spend more than $1,000 if you buy new OEM HID headlights. There are often used units available online or through dismantlers, which is an option. I think the level sensors are important too, not just a swap of the headlights.
You can certainly buy an aftermarket kit, but the results may not be the same as OEM HIDs. The light pattern that is produced by an HID bulb is very different than a halogen bulb. I believe your car has projector assemblies (as opposed to reflector) like the cars with the HID option, but I'm not sure if they are the same. You may get some strange light output or reflections on the road if they aren't the same. It's something to consider...
Be aware that early 996 litronics--which will provide the best/most reliable fitment--are not on par with contemporary HID performance. I have litronics on a '99 and they're fair; not significantly better than a good halogen set up. They are not in the same league as say current Porshce, BMW, etc oem HIDs.
If you're interested in a suggestion, I say live with your stock lights a while and determine whether headlights are a place you really need to spend $$$. Better halogen bulds can be an improvement, though it's really all in the reflector. Anyway, you'll soon find another place to spend your money that might be a better bang for the buck.
If you don't want to spend the money for the OEM Litronics, your best bet is to do a projector retrofit into the factory headlights.
Remove the halogen projectors (the mkIs had a halogen projector, right?) and replace them with the similar diameter HID projector. I recommend you source the projectors from
http://www.theretrofitsource.com
, you won't beat the price and quality of their projectors.
For the HID ballasts and bulbs, I recommend
http://www.ddmtuning.com
. I've used many of their kits over the years and have never had a bulb die or ballast crap out on me. Spend the extra money for a 55w ballast kit, the light output is amazing (without blinding others if you aim them correctly). However, if you go with the 55w kit, bump your Kelvin rating 1000k because the extra wattage tends to "wash out" the color one step (so, if you want 5000k lights, which are just a tad more blue/white than factory bulbs, order 6000k bulbs with the 55w ballast - I recommend this setup as it's a very "pure" white color).
As a final note: No matter what route you decide to go, please, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, do not just buy an HID kit and slap it into your factory halogen housings. The light pattern will be all wrong and you will be the guy who doesn't see any better and will be blinding the oncoming traffic.
Hi folks....consider this matter closed. I just confirmed that the car I'm getting which I was looking at installing the xenon in already has it! So no need to do the HID or used eBay route. Glad that it worked out for me...now I have to start looking at how to replace the headunit on the stereo with something FAR better
If the litronic lights can be opened
www.lightwerkz.net
is the source to go to. Lifetime warranty and located in Clifton nj.
Have the quad projector retrofit on my e46 m3. Amazing job.
Can the litronic lights be opened up?
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
