GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

SportDesign Headlights on a 99GS4 w/hids

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Old 12-29-04, 03:09 PM
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DuttyLeXus
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Default SportDesign Headlights on a 99GS4 w/hids

Hey guys i have that annoying fog in my headlights.....i want to replace the housings with the Sport Design headlights...they seen to be darker. I got a GS4 with hids which means it has that auto leveling feature...will i have any problems pluggin the SD headlights in cause i dont know they have autoleveling.....

thanks alot
Ravie
Old 12-29-04, 03:33 PM
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Dr.G
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Ravie- the sports design headlights are HID's with autoleveling- so essentially they just plug right in if you already have factory HID's and ballast. Only downside is the $900-1100 that you'll have to pay for each lamp, I just had to do it again I got the best quote from Steve at Carson.
Old 12-29-04, 04:10 PM
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rominl
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yeah, it's all plug and play

and dr g, 900-1000 a side that's for the wholse housing assembly plus ballasts and bulbs, etc... right? if it's just the housing i think it's a bit cheaper? though i know the SD one is still a bit more expensive than the normal ones
Old 12-30-04, 12:00 PM
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DuttyLeXus
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oh i didnt know the sportdesign had hids with autoleveling...
just to make sure the SD headlamps are like black chrome. am i correct?
Old 12-30-04, 12:14 PM
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Neo
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Originally Posted by DuttyLeXus
oh i didnt know the sportdesign had hids with autoleveling...
just to make sure the SD headlamps are like black chrome. am i correct?
I believe there was a black chrome version and a titanium version. You probably will only need the housings if you already have HIDs. To be safe, just make sure when you order that they are HID housings.
Old 12-30-04, 02:36 PM
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rominl
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Originally Posted by Neo
I believe there was a black chrome version and a titanium version. You probably will only need the housings if you already have HIDs. To be safe, just make sure when you order that they are HID housings.
yeah there are two versions. you won't want the titanium anyway, their prices are SOOO much more expensive, you will know the difference right the way
Old 12-30-04, 02:36 PM
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Default try dealer

realizing that your car is out of warranty, do some searches on here and you'll find that at least one other person has convinced lexus to change out their lights for free, as if it were still under warranty. do some research
Old 12-30-04, 04:26 PM
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Dr.G
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Originally Posted by rominl
yeah, it's all plug and play

and dr g, 900-1000 a side that's for the wholse housing assembly plus ballasts and bulbs, etc... right? if it's just the housing i think it's a bit cheaper? though i know the SD one is still a bit more expensive than the normal ones

Rom- the price is for the housing and bulbs- ballast not included. That is the only way these particular SD lamps are sold. (and I am speaking of the titanium lamps not the black chrome)...
Old 01-02-05, 12:35 AM
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Default headlights

I actually had that problem with mine and the condensation. I believe it was a problem with 98-00 models if I am not mistaking. They had the condensation problem. Most dealers in their persuit of making the customers happy, are allowed some bonus customer satisfaction dollars for such(and other) situations. I don't believe that it is an issue with the 01+ models, however.. if it is, see you local authorized Lexus dealer and be very nice to the service writer. I had mine replaced by Lexus free of charge under this plan. Just remember they don't have to, but does not mean they won't. I hope this helps.

Rock
Old 01-02-05, 11:18 AM
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merlin70
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just FYI, it can be a problem for 2001's also. Just looked at a 01 430 with very bad condensation in both lights.
Old 01-03-05, 01:08 PM
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chaskim
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Just because its a sports design doesn't mean it has HID, just ask KVA he has the first year SD and it didn't come with HIDs.
Old 01-03-05, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by merlin70
just FYI, it can be a problem for 2001's also. Just looked at a 01 430 with very bad condensation in both lights.
+1.....yup.....I think some cat on here with an 05 complained of condensation as well
Old 01-03-05, 07:00 PM
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Just bake your headlights and remove the existing chrome piece and have it black chromed for under a couple hundred bucks. I had my rear chrome trunk bar done too. The shade is decieving, it's actually very light and pretty close to the SD in shade. So basically you can have the black chrome done as light or as dark as you want. When it stops raining I'll try to take pics and post the finished product.



Last edited by RMMGS4; 01-04-05 at 12:01 AM.
Old 01-03-05, 08:09 PM
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Default Sorry for the Hijack

Do you guys have any idea of the approx cost of just the housings (oem chrome) for a HID retrofit?? I am curious as I have a problem with my DS headlight/running light but not the PS. If somewhat affordable (the housings) how complicated is this project??

Thanks for the input-

Doug

PS-To clarify I have HID currently, CPO was over 10/2004 and just eclipsed 90K
Old 01-04-05, 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr.G
Rom- the price is for the housing and bulbs- ballast not included. That is the only way these particular SD lamps are sold. (and I am speaking of the titanium lamps not the black chrome)...
ah gotcha, that's pretty expensive man


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