AMAlex

I have a 2001 es and am getting very bored of the stock lights. I'm really looking to upgrade to HID's and am not familiar with the whole setup. Would I need new housings or other stuff? I saw the DIY about the 97-2000 but one post talked about how the 2001 wasn't as easy, so any info on that would be great. And finally, can you guys throw me some recommendations and prices of what to buy!

Thanks!
-Alex

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Do you have OEM HID's?

Do you have halogen housings?

JTS06Z06

How would there be any difference between the 2000-2001 those two years as far as I know were identical. Its the 97-99's that differ from the 00 and 01's.

Maybe find some OEM HID's from a 00-01 model that would be a nice upgrade and the housings look 20 times better than the original halogens.

James

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Retrofit some HID projectors for a really custom and new look, OEM HID housing for nicer oem look and safety, plug and play HID kit for an easy upgrade but has its downfalls.
whats your budget as well as comfort performing mods yourself may help you determine whats best here

AMAlex

Don't think I have either, but I'm not 100%. Any way I can tell just by looking?

Not familiar with retrofitting so I'll need some guidance but I'm up for the task. As for price, I'm willing to freely spend about 200-250 give or take.

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

Yes, the stock HID housings have a rounded reflector, and should look something like this:



Stock halogen housings are much more common and look like this:

AMAlex

No HID's here then. I can immediately tell the difference and it's clear that I have the stock halogens.

GoodRevs

- HID's in halogen housings = Beam pattern/cutoff sucks. Too bright. Causes glare. Anyone whose into cars will know right away it isn't a proper HID setup. May not pass inspection.
-HID's in OEM HID housing = Proper HID setup. Good cutoff and beam pattern. No glare. You can say your car has HID's and mean it.
- HID projector retrofit = Best beam pattern and cutoff. Proper HID setup. Alot of work. May not pass inspection.

Not to be rude, but since you didn't know if your car even had HID's i'm gonna say you aren't up to the task of a projector retrofit. Your budget doesn't really allow for it either. My recommendation is keep it kosher and source out a pair of the OEM HID housings.

AMAlex

I had a general idea and knew that I didn't have HID's but wasn't sure on the 2001's. I know about the non hid housing thing and see it almost every day... I'm always up for everything and can do the retrofit if I was given instructions or something but I haven't been lead in the direction at all, and on top of that I just gave a general budget of what I was freely willing to spend, I can come up with money if necessary...

GoodRevs

I suggest you start looking for the 2000 and 2001 ES300 HID/Xenon assemblies. Be prepared to spend $600~ if you want them immediately, otherwise $400~ if you're patient and search. Here's an example.

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-2001-LEXUS-ES300-DRIVER-XENON-HEADLIGHT-OEM-83-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35a5b520bfQQitemZ230413377727QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I've purchased from the above seller before, he is a responsible merchant and easy to deal with.

AMAlex

Thanks for the link. I was actually looking at those on ebay, few and far apart though. I think I'll be patient and wait for the right price though because a difference of around $200 is something I can wait for

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Stock HID set probably set you back $400 or more realistically. and then you have to buy HID kit for them whether PnP kit, or some OEM bulb ballast stuff.
They don't come around very often and hard to find, just like the 00-01 Tails.
GL though

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

If you're very patient, you can find the full assemblies on ebay with bulbs, ballasts, and covers for about 250 per side. Not bad if you ask me. It pops up every now and then so you really have to look for them.

AMAlex

Yup, that's exactly what I'll be waiting for.

GoodRevs

Unless he's going to start modifying wiring or drilling holes in the assemblies he won't be able to use both bulb covers. The ballasts coming with the assemblies are also probably 9-10 years old. My advice would be don't hold your breath for a fully equipped assembly, just try and find one with the ballast cover but even that isn't necessary if you're gonna mount the ballasts under the hood rather than under the assemblies.