Replacing 986 headlamps - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

kerplunk · 07-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Hi guys,

I noticed that in the newer models of Porsche Boxsters, the glass/whatever in front of the lightbulbs is more clear (less foggy/plastic looking) than the older models (2003, for example). What is the easiest/most affordable way to replace those headlamps?

Is something like this what I want to use: http://www.************************************************************/product.asp?pf_id=P996.631.036.90&dept_id=4670

I don't really care about the HID/xenon lights, just the clearness/appearance of those. Any suggestions? Thanks guys

Side note: I chose the light bulb post icon for this thread... pretty clever, right? haha

Boxtaboy · 07-13-2009, 05:36 PM

No, that kit in your link is an internal modification to your headlamps. It will not clear up the clear plastic casing of the headlamp housing. There's really not much you can do to recover/polish the exterior of the headlamp because there's a coating on there to protect the headlamp from rock chips which you don't really want to remove. The cheapest way to fix that problem is to buy another set of used headlamps that are in better condition than yours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerplunk

Hi guys,

I noticed that in the newer models of Porsche Boxsters, the glass/whatever in front of the lightbulbs is more clear (less foggy/plastic looking) than the older models (2003, for example). What is the easiest/most affordable way to replace those headlamps?

Is something like this what I want to use: http://www.************************************************************/product.asp?pf_id=P996.631.036.90&dept_id=4670

I don't really care about the HID/xenon lights, just the clearness/appearance of those. Any suggestions? Thanks guys

Side note: I chose the light bulb post icon for this thread... pretty clever, right? haha

kerplunk · 07-13-2009, 10:05 PM

I have a 2003 Porsche Boxster. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that 2005 models and beyond have newer, clearer looking headlamps?

Edit: Ohhh, wow. I think I am just wrong. Weird... but don't the newer ones look a little bit different somehow? Sorry

kerplunk · 07-13-2009, 10:09 PM

Here, look at this:

Mine (2003): http://www.kerplunk.net/headlamps1.png

Newer model: http://www.kerplunk.net/headlamps3.png

Do you see what I mean? Does that just mean mine are in bad condition?

mikefocke · 07-14-2009, 04:43 AM

introduced in the 2005 model year 987. No they don't fit 986 models. Yes they look different as they use a different technique to focus the beam than the earlier ones did.

Classic changes to 986 headlights include de-ambering them or substituting a litronics retrofit kit at $2k+ list from a dealer.

Oaktown 986 · 07-14-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerplunk

Hi guys,

I noticed that in the newer models of Porsche Boxsters, the glass/whatever in front of the lightbulbs is more clear (less foggy/plastic looking) than the older models (2003, for example). What is the easiest/most affordable way to replace those headlamps?

Is something like this what I want to use: http://www.************************************************************/product.asp?pf_id=P996.631.036.90&dept_id=4670

I don't really care about the HID/xenon lights, just the clearness/appearance of those. Any suggestions? Thanks guys

Side note: I chose the light bulb post icon for this thread... pretty clever, right? haha

What's needed to convert the older 986 headlights to the ones listed on the automotion web site? I know it's not a plug and play, but how much work/cost is involved in converting to those relatively inexpensive lights?

Cheers
Jon

ekam · 07-14-2009, 08:53 AM

That first link is selling the litronic light bulb. Anyone that thinks they're buying the whole kit for $275 is smoking something (I want some of that stuff)!

This is the whole kit. Take a deep breath!

http://www.************************************************************/product.asp?pf%5Fid=P000%2E044%2E900%2E41&dept%5Fid=4670

Oaktown 986 · 07-14-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekam

That first link is selling the litronic light bulb. Anyone that thinks they're buying the whole kit for $275 is smoking something (I want some of that stuff)!

This is the whole kit. Take a deep breath!

http://www.************************************************************/product.asp?pf%5Fid=P000%2E044%2E900%2E41&dept%5Fid=4670

That's much more consistent with what I've seen for pricing. I thought it was too good to be true. Luckily the lamps on mine are pretty bright so I don't feel the itch to upgrade too strongly. My paychecks have many other upgrades/maintenance to get done first.

PS, what I'm smoking is good. It's NorCal, baby.

kerplunk · 07-14-2009, 12:26 PM

Wowwwwwwwww. Expensive. You guys helped clear things up though, thanks!

timothy · 07-14-2009, 01:56 PM

There is a consistent used litronics market on ebay and various porsche forums. Prices used to average around 1000 - 1200 per pair but as with everything else that has fallen to around 800 or even less in some cases.

Oaktown 986 · 07-14-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timothy

There is a consistent used litronics market on ebay and various porsche forums. Prices used to average around 1000 - 1200 per pair but as with everything else that has fallen to around 800 or even less in some cases.

i'm guessing there's no way to verify their working order prior to purchase? Do they often break?