98 LS 400 OEM Questions
#1
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98 LS 400 OEM Questions
Done more reading than my High School days, but specifics are hard to come by in this forum. My questions are these:
1. Want to put OEM HID lights in my 98, is it possible (dealer said no) if so, what do I need other then the HID unit? I know the OEM in 98 are not that good but OEM is more important to me
2. Is there any udated or new info on installing bluetooth handsfree (like Motorola HFI1000) by info I mean instructions?
3. Can you swap out a premium audio system with Nakamichi unit?
thanks much!!!
k
1. Want to put OEM HID lights in my 98, is it possible (dealer said no) if so, what do I need other then the HID unit? I know the OEM in 98 are not that good but OEM is more important to me
2. Is there any udated or new info on installing bluetooth handsfree (like Motorola HFI1000) by info I mean instructions?
3. Can you swap out a premium audio system with Nakamichi unit?
thanks much!!!
k
#2
BahHumBug
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neither 1 nor 3 is worth it in any way. the nak audio was not much better over the "premium"
and the OEM hid would require new headlights, bulbs, ballasts, harness, and a LOT of wiring to 2 corners of the car for the levelling sensors, along with several computers to control all of it. several thousands of dollars would be required...
and the OEM hid would require new headlights, bulbs, ballasts, harness, and a LOT of wiring to 2 corners of the car for the levelling sensors, along with several computers to control all of it. several thousands of dollars would be required...
#3
neither 1 nor 3 is worth it in any way. the nak audio was not much better over the "premium"
and the OEM hid would require new headlights, bulbs, ballasts, harness, and a LOT of wiring to 2 corners of the car for the levelling sensors, along with several computers to control all of it. several thousands of dollars would be required...
and the OEM hid would require new headlights, bulbs, ballasts, harness, and a LOT of wiring to 2 corners of the car for the levelling sensors, along with several computers to control all of it. several thousands of dollars would be required...
#5
Lexus Test Driver
#6
Why can't he just get the OEM HID headlight without the leveling system? As long as they're correctly leveled, I think it should be ok. All the people who retrofit HIDs don't have a leveling system.
#7
BahHumBug
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also, retros are hardmounted, sticking bulbs in the OEM hid headlights and not using the sensors and computers to deal with the motors could cause them to move, since they dont "lock" into place.
honestly, the only benefit of having oem hid instead of a converted one is the autolevelling system.
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#10
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i've seen the HID units on Ebay for 500 each. that has everything (i assume) but the autolevel, wiring, computers correct or is there more?
#12
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I suspect one reason that the test driving started after dark was to show off the newly available HID headlights.
Several new 98 LS400s were available for LS owners to drive including a base 98 without HID and a fully loaded 98 with HID, air suspention, nav and everything else.
I remember that the light output from the non-HID halogen headlights on the 98 LS was incredibly good -- far better than the pathetic headlights on the 90 LS I was driving -- but not much different than the HID lights. The main difference between the HID and the standard headlights was that the light from the HID lights was whiter.
The HID option was cheap - only $500 - and a Lexus salesman complained loudly to me that he was getting a number of 98's without HID and everyone wanted HID because it was so cheap.
Since the halogen lights on the 98 are so good, I don't know if spending $$ on an HID conversion is very worthwhile unless you are just going for the look.
#13
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In fall 1997, I was invited to a Lexus dealer event to see and drive the new 1998 LS400. I think only those who had previously bought new LS400s at the dealership were invited to this particular event.
I suspect one reason that the test driving started after dark was to show off the newly available HID headlights.
Several new 98 LS400s were available for LS owners to drive including a base 98 without HID and a fully loaded 98 with HID, air suspention, nav and everything else.
I remember that the light output from the non-HID halogen headlights on the 98 LS was incredibly good -- far better than the pathetic headlights on the 90 LS I was driving -- but not much different than the HID lights. The main difference between the HID and the standard headlights was that the light from the HID lights was whiter.
The HID option was cheap - only $500 - and a Lexus salesman complained loudly to me that he was getting a number of 98's without HID and everyone wanted HID because it was so cheap.
Since the halogen lights on the 98 are so good, I don't know if spending $$ on an HID conversion is very worthwhile unless you are just going for the look.
I suspect one reason that the test driving started after dark was to show off the newly available HID headlights.
Several new 98 LS400s were available for LS owners to drive including a base 98 without HID and a fully loaded 98 with HID, air suspention, nav and everything else.
I remember that the light output from the non-HID halogen headlights on the 98 LS was incredibly good -- far better than the pathetic headlights on the 90 LS I was driving -- but not much different than the HID lights. The main difference between the HID and the standard headlights was that the light from the HID lights was whiter.
The HID option was cheap - only $500 - and a Lexus salesman complained loudly to me that he was getting a number of 98's without HID and everyone wanted HID because it was so cheap.
Since the halogen lights on the 98 are so good, I don't know if spending $$ on an HID conversion is very worthwhile unless you are just going for the look.
#15
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My point being there is about a thousand different scenarios that could make it cheaper then a grand and i certainly would not have to sell my LS.
Again i respect your knowledge and i might honestly be missing something so help me out...