pmarascal

I bought this car used a few weeks ago, still coming to terms with everything about it and trying to iron out some squeaks, dings, etc. Big problem I've been wondering about is how weak my headlights are. I tried adjusting them to about 25-26" off the ground, barely helped. I'm talking like I can't even drive at night without my brights on and I live in a freaking city with lights everywhere anyway.

After doing some research and searching around here, I see that since I have the Touring package (leather seats/bose/etc) that I am supposed to be equipped with HID bulbs right? I just went out and gave a look, and those are definitely the boring old halogens that are in there (from just looking at them). How the heck are those even fit in? Did the dealer do some sketchy BS and replaced the headlights completely with a Halogen kind and fail to tell me this? Or is it possible to sub in Halogens to an HID setup which results in my very very weak headlights (dont think so but wtf?)

Any help here is appreciated guys, I'm taking her to a shop for a new bumper later this week so I wan to get to the bottom of this before hand. I have avoided driving at night because of this BS.

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

I've got a 03 Touring with HID.Mine are BRIGHT.Always have been.
Its possible that a previous owner may have changed e'm out or did
some kind of mod.You are correct about the Nissan dealers.Most don't
know crap about this kinda stuff.I live in your srea.Sugggest you contact
Z-1 MOTORSPORT in Carrolton.Take a drive down I-20.They can give you
the info you need and get your Z right.

jv350z

iTrader: (6)

Another possibility is that the original owner swapped them out. A lot of people seem to be putting the crap parts on the cars before trading them in.

pmarascal

So how can I tell what the housing is, or what it is set up for? Or did just looking at the bulbs and seeing it was Halogen pretty much confirm it all?

In that case (if they are normal halogen), any reasons as to why they are so so crappy. I'm talking like a freaking fog light. Do halogens dim after time, before completely dying?

TSG-Z

iTrader: (34)

Pics?

R350Zz33

iTrader: (4)

how about some pix?

pmarascal

Of the lights themselves, the bulbs, or snap some half-*** picture at night with my headlights on?

cgkp0925

iTrader: (14)

Check out my threads. I was in the same boat as you. Hope these help.

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-an...gen-setup.html

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...e-blowing.html

davidv

iTrader: (2)

What he said.

Don't know what the previous owners did. Accident and replaced HID with Halogen to save some bucks.? Whatever you got what you got. Upgrade to HID and be done with it.

pmarascal

Damn, I've got to learn to quit being so excited when buying a car and realize its priced so "good" for a reason. Lights were something I didn't think to check, but upon further inspection I can see the lights are 2 different brands, the writing on the lights is completely different. Does this make sense to anybody, and I included a picture below. Thanks guys, guess I'm halogen but any thoughts as to why they are so shitty, just old/dimmed?

Passenger Side Light - Koito D2R
DOT VOR H7 Nissan

Driver Side Light -
SE-DS566/DS657
SAE HR 5PP2 01 DOT VOR H1 H7 2DR L


http://www.flickr.com/photos/62338675@N02/7358937102/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62338675@N02/7358937102/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/62338675@N02/, on Flickr

cgkp0925

iTrader: (14)

The halogens are really crappy to begin with.

Just upgrade to xenon or 06+ bi-xenon. Check my thread links I posted before to help you out.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Impossible to check every detail when buying. Don't be too hard on yourself.

NOTE: Plenty of Zs on the market where the previous owner has done some ghetto electrical mods. This can be a wiring nightmare.

jv350z

iTrader: (6)

Like it was said above, get yourself a proper set of OEM HIDs. Any year will be a great improvement. And you will get to know your car. Assuming the wire harness is OK, it's an easy install. The first time I did it took me 2 hrs. The second time it was a 1/2 hr job.

chillah7889

I am in similar position as pmarascal. I bougth a used '03 Touring back in October and both headlights are Koito D2R DOT VOR H7 Nissan, exact same as picture posted. As a Touring it SHOULD have HID already, although to me it doesn't seem that way. I want some 10,000k HIDs so I'm wondering would I only need the HID bulbs, given that it's a Touring, or would I have to get a HID pnp kit. And yes I know, most people recommend just switching to 06 headlights, but for now I'd like to stay with my 03s. Any help would be appreciated.

pmarascal

I finally got around to installing my new bumper, so I took a better look into these lights, they are definitely halogen lights in there right now.

But I see the ballast and the ignitar piece for HID. The Ignitor is just hanging there... so does this mean that I am all set for HID if I just go buy the bulb? Still not sure how the halogens are wired in, but hopefully it wasn't too big of a hack job and I can just plug n play?

Anyone know? These are the 2 things I definitely have hanging by the light

kz0

Hey I think I might know what your problem is. Both Zs I've owned have had terrible alignment. If the headlights seem bright but are pointed at the ground this is probably the issue. There is a little gear that fits into a philips head for changing the vertical direction of the headlights. If you do a search you should be able to find pictures on where to look.