has anyone purchased HID headlamps (both low beam and high beam) for their FEH? If so which would you recommend?

thanks

I was looking at these http://www.coolbulbs.com/HIDKits_body.asp
They are not cheap though but they are not just those colored bulb rip-offs.

Has anyone considered LED lights? Or is that what HID is? LED would certainly use less power.

HID is an acronym for High Intensity Discharge and is basically a type of a gas plasma discharge lamp like some of the big screen projectors use. I'm not sure if there are any L.E.D. headlights out on the market yet, correct me please if I am wrong. Yes the LED's would use less current.

I believe the $100k Lexus hybrid sedan uses LED headlamps, and maybe one other car (a BMW? can't remember). Other than that haven't heard of LED being available.

If you google it, there seems to be some reference. It appears that it may take a headlight re-design to pull it off.

Simply dropping in an HID bulb/kit is not the best idea. HID lenses and housings are specifically designed to direct that type of light and beam pattern. Patrick is right that it would take a headlight re-design to pull it off.

As far as LED headlights, they are few and far between. Yes there are a few high end sedans that are beginning to look like they spec LED headlights. However for many of them they are for low-beam or DRL only.

True HID systems have a self leveling system that keeps them from blinding other drivers. Just installing "aftermarket" lights does not give you the levelling feature. I don't believe that any aftermarket HID lights are street legal.

-Tim

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD
Black with Pebble interior
Premium Package with Nav & Moonroof



Current ODO: 26,152
Typical Drive: 20 min crosstown in heavy traffic (3.5mi there and back twice a day)


532 Gallons of gas saved
That's 10,642 lbs less CO2 emitted