First is it possible, 2nd, any idea how much it would cost to get factory xenon's in a '97 ES3?

 

dunno about 'factory' xenon cost, but I'm sure it can be done, as the '00-'01 had factory xenons optional. you can get a good aftermarket HID set for around $600-800.

 

aftermarket.... $450

and since you asked is it possible.... no, lexus will not do any modifications like that. however, if you want to go buy the new xenon headlamps and have some store you know of put them in and make them fit, you can try, but i wouldn't do the stock thing. once you leave the lot, it seems aftermarket is how it has to be

 

Which system would you recommend for that price, and do they look very much like the stock xenon's in '00 or '01's?

 

Can you buy new xenon headlamps from Lexus? Or can you ONLY buy aftermarket?

 

You can buy Factory Xenon from Lexus, but you will have to buy the entire headlight with the Xenon kit biult in. It runs about $2300.00 per side.

A good aftermarket should include: Phillips or Hella Ballasts, Phillips or Osram bulbs, at least a 1 year warranty.

Remember that the 4100k kit is the brightest but will produce a Yellow-White reflection, 5000k-7000k will be White/Blue/Deep Blue, 7500-10,000k will be Deep Blue to Purplish/pink.

THe Higher the number the LOWER the light output.

 

Which kit have any of you had the most luck with?

 

i talked to the lexus dealer, it seems that you cannot buy xenon headlights to put in your car. if you car did not come factory with them, then the wires and all the harnesses and sockets are wired for halogen and buying completley new headlights still wont matter

 

Not True!, I have the 7000K kit in my SC400! it fit PERFECT and the SC400 NEVER came with Xenon..

 

Your Halogen plugs connect to the Ballast, then you rub a power and ground wire, then plug the HID Capsules up and put them in the sockets, and your DONE. 10 minutes!

 

I think what the dealer told EGainer is that you can't retrofit the late-model OEM HID modules into a a car with halogens because of differences in the wiring harnesses between the two types, and differences in housing (the OEM units have self-leveling motors on them).
On the other hand, aftermarket HID kits include the harnesses, ballasts, and and adapters needed to plug into the 55W system, and should work just fine. These can be used regardless of whether the vehicle had a factory HID option.

 

TealLex, What kind of kit did you use, what about cost. Any idea if the same type of kit could work on a '97 ES3?

 

square hat, yes, that is what im talking about, thanks. i didnt say you couldnt put in aftermarket HID. i said you can't put LEXUS HID in there. that was the question that someone had asked earlier