Okay, I am totally clueless when it comes to all the components that are required for an HID setup. I currently have an 03 GS 300 that did not come equiped with HIDS. I know that everyone recommends getting the retrofit done, but that is not in the finances at the moment. Now my question is, can I just simply buy an OEM HID setup and swap it out with my current setup? Do I need some sort of special modifications to do this? Where can I find them the cheapest? Thanks guys, sorry for the noob questions.

 

used OEM hid headlights will run about $350. Ballast will be around $150. bulbs are about $70. misc. wiring will be $30.

The only thing you wont have is the auto-leveler.

 

It might actually be just as expensive if not more to buy all the OEM parts for the HID (that is if you're willing to do the retrofit yourself). Also if you do a retrofit, you can have the benefit of getting a bi-xenon setup or dual projectors.

 

OEM is the next best thing to retrofit correct? Who on this site does retrofitting on the side?

 

I would do it if I were more experienced and had the time but you can contact Jefftsai.

 

How much should I expect to spend?

 

This is what you could do. Look on Ebay and buy a Matsu****a ballast set. Its the same ballast set that is used on the Nissans and Infinitis. Simply plug and play. I found my bulbs and ballasts for around $200, but you just have to shop around. I recommend these ballasts only because I know they are good and shouldnt blow or wear out too easy. Now, the bulbs can eigther be D2R or D2S. Its just that the D2R will probably give you a glare. But the bulbs are the same. For the true HID look, get the 4100K bulbs. Personally I dont like that fake purple color. It should be left for the real projection bulbs, not wannabes. But really its the cheapest way to get the HID lights without expensive mods. The only problem is that the new bulbs dont fight perfectly into the factory housing, so the light will not be 100% focused. Instead the light will be all over the place, still illuminating the road, but also the trees houses and the sky. But the average person wont be able to tell, it may just bother you. Any questions on the cheap way that I did, hit me up on yahoo messenger at Stef2584J. Hope this helps. I can also email you pictures if you like. BTW I have a 2000 GS3, gold in color.

 

I definitely wouldn't recommend doing it this way. If you're going to go that route just get a plug and play kit like the philips that is on sale from xenondepot. If you want to do a retrofit you might spend about: $150 for projectors, $35 for shrouds, $150 for ballasts, $50 for bulbs, $100 if you get an extra set of headlights.

 

i think hidplanet.com offers a retrofit kit for $400.

 

$400 is not bad. I want some real clear white ones. Anybody want to trade for a set of 18inch L tuned wheels?

 

If you shop around e-bay, you can piece together a set of OEM HIDs which is A LOT easier to put together than retrofitting and you get OEM reliability. Only thing you really need is the connector that connects your NON HID plug to the HID Plug and you are done...

Mike

 

I am going to look into it.

 

um.. if you want some cheap HIDs kits.. try go to NYC craiglists.. there's a company that selling it for $175

 

Hey don't mean to hijack you thread, but you had a Cobra before right? My name is Jim and I sold you some floormats from my Cobra. Pretty funny that we both sold them and got GS's.

 

You'll find that a lot, it's just a great car: looks, style, reliability, functionality, luxury, etc.