Headlamps on the new 2011

CTMom · 01-13-2011, 10:04 AM

Hello. I'm planning on ordering my new 2011 X probably by next week. Actually I have a hold on one coming in. I'm still deciding on what color I want. Sterling Gray or White Platinum. My question is, about the headlamps. I really want HID headlamps, but you can only get them if you get the 302A package which includes Active Park Assist, BLIS, Adaptive Cruise & Collision Warning and rain sensing wipers. I will not use one of those features, especially the park assist. I can park my '06 Navigator with my eyes closed!! HA HA! Anyway, do you think I will be able to eventually switch out the lights easily enough to the HID or do you think the casings will be totally different that I won't be able to. I don't know enough and nobody at the dealership will tell me for sure. Thank you!

usranger80 · 01-13-2011, 02:02 PM

You can go to fordparts.com and see the prices for the HID headlamps, it is a different housing from what I can tell...and doesn't look like it will be a cheap job, can you change them though, absolutely, you can change everything on your car with the right parts and some cash.

usranger80 · 01-13-2011, 02:04 PM

Here is the link for the Fordparts.com page for the HID light assembly.....your prob better off getting the 302A package as changing the assembly is gonna cost you well over 2000$ if you buy the parts from ford.

http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/Ca...WLK+LH7viyyDAr

usranger80 · 01-13-2011, 02:07 PM

but I could be wrong you may not need to buy the whole new assembly. I am going to pick up my new Ex in about 1 hr. Only base model, but I will be changing alot of things once aftermarket stuff starts to filter out, the first thing thats gotta go is those hideous wheels though.

lobuzz311 · 01-13-2011, 02:39 PM

The first thing I did was change out the stock bulbs with some silverstar ultras. The access is quite easy, so installing an HID kit would be totally doable. Obviously, OEM HIDs are the way to go, but I hate the idea of having to add tons of packages for something that should be a stand alone option.
I have a xenondepot kit on my accord, and I've been very happy with it.

*peterk9* · 01-13-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobuzz311

The first thing I did was change out the stock bulbs with some silverstar ultras. The access is quite easy, so installing an HID kit would be totally doable. Obviously, OEM HIDs are the way to go, but I hate the idea of having to add tons of packages for something that should be a stand alone option.
I have a xenondepot kit on my accord, and I've been very happy with it.

The first 2 things I usually do on my vehicles is 1, add those small convex stick-on mirrors onto the outside mirrors and 2, replace the OEM bulbs. My 2011 will have the HID lights but I think that even those can be upgraded. The ones I used in the Highlander were the Philips X-treme Power bulbs. The first one burned out after 16 months. I have heard that some of those using the Silverstars had them burn out within a year but I can't speak from experience.

lobuzz311 · 01-13-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterk9

The first 2 things I usually do on my vehicles is 1, add those small convex stick-on mirrors onto the outside mirrors and 2, replace the OEM bulbs. My 2011 will have the HID lights but I think that even those can be upgraded. The ones I used in the Highlander were the Philips X-treme Power bulbs. The first one burned out after 16 months. I have heard that some of those using the Silverstars had them burn out within a year but I can't speak from experience.

I've had silverstars in the past, and their longevity was less than stellar. I didn't know if that was a widespread issue, or if I just happened to get some bum bulbs. Hopefully these will last.

CTMom · 01-13-2011, 05:27 PM

I just wanted to thank all of you for your input. I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to go with the 302A package after all. It's not that much more and if I want to change out those housings, it's going to cost a lot more and probably never be the same. They have a Sterling Gray one coming in soon so I can see the color. Once I decide between white and gray, I'll place my order.

GuardianSport · 01-13-2011, 05:31 PM

Well, should a kit for the new Ex's bulb fit in the new X? Why buy from Ford? Get aftermarket HIDs.

tucker_bmd · 01-14-2011, 08:54 AM

usranger80 said "the first thing thats gotta go is those hideous wheels though."
I would consider buying your OEM 17" rims, not interested in the tires though, if you are looking to get rid of them. Enjoy the new ride. I haven't got mine yet.

usranger80 · 01-14-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker_bmd

usranger80 said "the first thing thats gotta go is those hideous wheels though."
I would consider buying your OEM 17" rims, not interested in the tires though, if you are looking to get rid of them. Enjoy the new ride. I haven't got mine yet.

I am sure willing to sell them once I get new ones. The factory wheels market value is 244$ a wheel, which is f'ing ridiculous. How much would you be willing to pay for all 4?

01-13-2011, 10:04 AM	#1
CTMom Wannabe Elite Explorer Fairfield County Connecticut 2011 Explorer Limited Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 21 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Headlamps on the new 2011 Hello. I'm planning on ordering my new 2011 X probably by next week. Actually I have a hold on one coming in. I'm still deciding on what color I want. Sterling Gray or White Platinum. My question is, about the headlamps. I really want HID headlamps, but you can only get them if you get the 302A package which includes Active Park Assist, BLIS, Adaptive Cruise & Collision Warning and rain sensing wipers. I will not use one of those features, especially the park assist. I can park my '06 Navigator with my eyes closed!! HA HA! Anyway, do you think I will be able to eventually switch out the lights easily enough to the HID or do you think the casings will be totally different that I won't be able to. I don't know enough and nobody at the dealership will tell me for sure. Thank you!

01-13-2011, 02:39 PM	#5
lobuzz311 Wannabe Elite Explorer Merced, CA 2011 XLT Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 69 Vehicle Specs	The first thing I did was change out the stock bulbs with some silverstar ultras. The access is quite easy, so installing an HID kit would be totally doable. Obviously, OEM HIDs are the way to go, but I hate the idea of having to add tons of packages for something that should be a stand alone option. I have a xenondepot kit on my accord, and I've been very happy with it. __________________ 2011 XLT - White Suede with Tan interior, Rapid Spec 202A

01-14-2011, 08:54 AM	#10
tucker_bmd Wannabe Elite Explorer 2012 XLT AWD Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 58 Vehicle Specs	17" wheels. usranger80 said "the first thing thats gotta go is those hideous wheels though." I would consider buying your OEM 17" rims, not interested in the tires though, if you are looking to get rid of them. Enjoy the new ride. I haven't got mine yet.

01-13-2011, 02:02 PM	#2
usranger80 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA 2011 Explorer Base Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	You can go to fordparts.com and see the prices for the HID headlamps, it is a different housing from what I can tell...and doesn't look like it will be a cheap job, can you change them though, absolutely, you can change everything on your car with the right parts and some cash.

01-13-2011, 02:04 PM	#3
usranger80 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA 2011 Explorer Base Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	Here is the link for the Fordparts.com page for the HID light assembly.....your prob better off getting the 302A package as changing the assembly is gonna cost you well over 2000$ if you buy the parts from ford. http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/Ca...WLK+LH7viyyDAr

01-13-2011, 02:07 PM	#4
usranger80 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA 2011 Explorer Base Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	but I could be wrong you may not need to buy the whole new assembly. I am going to pick up my new Ex in about 1 hr. Only base model, but I will be changing alot of things once aftermarket stuff starts to filter out, the first thing thats gotta go is those hideous wheels though.

01-13-2011, 05:27 PM	#8
CTMom Wannabe Elite Explorer Fairfield County Connecticut 2011 Explorer Limited Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 21 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I just wanted to thank all of you for your input. I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to go with the 302A package after all. It's not that much more and if I want to change out those housings, it's going to cost a lot more and probably never be the same. They have a Sterling Gray one coming in soon so I can see the color. Once I decide between white and gray, I'll place my order.

01-13-2011, 05:31 PM	#9
GuardianSport Wannabe Elite Explorer Lindsay, ON '00 Sport 4x4 - '98 EB Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 375 Vehicle Specs	Well, should a kit for the new Ex's bulb fit in the new X? Why buy from Ford? Get aftermarket HIDs.