Grip

Did they switch to HID lights in 1999 or 2000 on the GS400?

chuckb

they were optional since 98. all GS430 have HIDs

rominl

iTrader: (4)

correct, hid was always an option from 98-00. since 01, it became standard for all gs430

DetMich1

Yes, available as optional equipment beginning in 1998. My 1998 GS400 came equipped with sunroof, glove box mounted 6 disc CD changer, heated seats, self-leveling HID headlights. No spoiler, No Nakamichi, No Navigaiton.

Grip

Thanx guys.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

For 2000 every GS400 had HIDs standard. (GS300's had it optional.) Don't know about '99.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

it was since 2000???? damn i hate it when i have the info wrong...

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Are you sure Paul? The official line from Lexus is that the HIDs were not on the standard list until the 01. It might just be that no 00 came configured without HIDs. It seems like every package available for the 00 included HIDs. Unless someone ordered a barebones 00 with no package, the cars being sold probably had at least the smallest option package, the Premium package (which includes HIDs).

01 GS430 specs on Lexus.com

00 GS400 specs on Lexus.com

In reality, you are probably right that most if not all 00 had HIDs, but only because of what was being packaged and sold.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Very good clarification, thanks. HIDs came in the Premium, Nak or Nav packages for the GS400 and short of special ordering it every GS400 came with one of those packages in 2000 at least where I was.

Unfortunately in that library you gave a link to you can't see the 98 specs but I believe when the GS came out, HIDs were a separate line item option and NOT a part of those packages which was why more of the 98 GS400s don't have HIDs.

Anyway, who am I to question and Neo and Morpheus (rominl) here?

GSoup

i still have the window sticker for my car. The previous owner kept everything, I also have the certificate from the port of entry. So I will check it out when i get a chance and letcha know.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

I am sure you are right that HIDs were not part of the package. Here is another tidbit that I saved before lexus got rid of the early models from the library:


Changes Made To The 1999 GS 400
- Adoption of daytime running lights
- 50-state emission certification
- Transitional Low-Emission Vehicle (T-LEV) certification
- Floor mats standardized

Changes Made To The 2000 GS 400
Standard Features:
- Brake Assist[1]
- Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets
Optional Features:
- New exterior colors: Crystal White and Millennium Silver Metallic replace Diamond White Pearl and Alpine Silver Metallic

Changes Made To The 2001 GS 430
Standard Features:
- 4.3-liter V8 engine with VVT-i
- Revised headlamps, grille and rear combination lamps for sportier look
- Meets Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) certification
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- New wheel design
- Front and rear side-curtain airbags (SRS)[3]
- Additional wood paneling
- Compass
- Water-repellent door glass
- Lower rigid bar Child Restraint Seat (CRS) anchor
- Larger exposed dual exhaust
- Glass markings changed to "Lexus"
- Fuel cap tether
- Two front-assist grips
- Occupant-detecting front passenger airbag cutoff mechanism
- Impact-detecting door-lock release system
Optional Features:
- New exterior colors: Black Cherry Pearl, Mystic Sea Opalescent, Midnight Pine Pearl and Blue Onyx Pearl replace Antique Bronze Mica, Imperial Jade Mica and Spectra Blue Mica
- Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System
- Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio switches

e-man

Weren't HID's also part of the Platinum Edition in 2000? Or maybe it was the Nakamichi that came with the Platinum Edition. I can never keep that straight.

LexFather

I am almost certain HIDs were standard in 1999. I see your proof NEO but I am so sure 99 was the year.

e-man

I am positive that they were not standard in 99. Like others said, most 99s have them because that's the way the cars came equipped, but there are definitely some 99s out there without them. I just sold my 98 GS4 earlier this year (which didn't have HIDs), and purchased a 99 (which does have them). I think the HIDs could be ordered as either a stand alone option or as part of a package that included the Nakamichi stereo. I have seen 99s with and without HIDs, but I have never seen a 99 with Nakamichi that didn't have HIDs. In other words, if you got the Nak, it came with a package that included HIDs. You could get the HIDs without the Nak, though. Does this sound right?

Neo

iTrader: (3)

HIDs were part of the Nak package. HIDs were also part of the Platinum package. Nak and Platinum were independent packages.

I don't know Mike. I can only go by what Lexus says. I only own a lowly 98.