993Power

hey guys, just wanted to ask a quick question. Some guy Around me has some EURO Spec Projector Headlights BRAND NEW in the box, he said their complete and they are the HID ones FACTORY, just wondering if anyone has heard of this and if they have the difference between the EURO and US? I have a Chance to pick them up BRAND NEW in the box with ballasts and everything...for (drum rummble)..$700.00 for both Headlights..I'm sure thats cheap cause ive seen the Litornic ones go for $1400.00 thanks!!

chris

David in LA

Euro headlights are required to be "shielded" so they do not shine directly onto oncoming traffic - ie, those in the UK are shielded away from the left, and those in Germany vice-versa. AFAIK there is no such requirement in the US; and I assume that this would be the same with Porsche headlights.

Not sure if the set you are looking at will work, but if it does you should jump on it.

There was an interesting thread recently that discussed how Europe and the US have different priorities and safety issues for headlights and hence why the regulations and specs were different. Do a search.

FlyYellow

Chris,

make sure the headlights are not right hand drive.

i'm not sure if there is any difference on the Left hand drive lights. one idea might be to check for the DOT label on the lense.

cheers,
boris

David in LA

You might also check to see if the ones you are looking at have the same part number as the ones for the US market...if they are the same, then no problem. If different (more likely) then you're back to the original question and someone more knowledeable (Viken - are you out there?) will have to chime in.

You could also check with Gert at Carnewal as he deals with US and Euro customers. Even though you're not buying from him he has still been pretty helpful in the past.

993Power

hey guy, thanks for the Info, I checked and did a search and found nothing, hopefully they will be okay. All be sure to call ask Gert first, before I pick them up. I'll take pics of them today if I pick them up, Thanks!!

chris

David in LA

There are also a few UK-based Rennlisters who have done the aftermarket Litronic upgrade and they discussed the issue of the different headlights used in Europe. If you search the various threads you should be able to find them and PM them. There are 2 or 3 guys that have done it.

BTW, since you just got your car you'll need to get to know Gert...he has some really neat things for our cars and his customer service is excellent.

Good luck.

Chris C.

I know with BMWs, the euro lights were regular halogens, separate and apart from the Xenon/HIDs. Do your homework here.

Ray Calvo

I checked one time on the part nos.; Euro and US are different. Hopefully you don't have the ones for the land of Lucas electrics. If they're true Euro lenses, should give you better lighting than US lights (great price, also).

I have switched to Euro lights on pretty much every car I've had and been glad I did. So far am pretty satisfied with the US lights on my 993 so haven't investigated alternatives.

John W

Okay, all sitting comfortably ?
Here goes... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

US lights have a fixed beam deflector.
HIDs were offered as an option, and were standard I believe on the tts.
Some countries in mainland europe (who drive on the right like US) but not all, as the regulations required Automatic light levelling (not manual).

UK lights have a beam deflector that allows the dipped beam to raise on the left side (to light up the kerb and road signs) and are for left hand traffic. These lights have a little lever in them to cut the beam to a flat pattern (no longer raised) to allow the cars to be driven in mainland europe.
UK was never offered HIDs, and so Porsche never made any lights of this style for the uk market.
Hong Kong also drives on the left (like the uk) and was offered Litronics. These have the correct beam pattern for the uk, but do not have the lever to alter the beam.
These light are also very difficult to get hold of!

Right, now to the actual differences.
All of the lights use the same glass front cover and main light shell.
Some countries have manual light levelling motors fitted (Don't think the US got this, although the uk did).
The dip beam assembly is the main difference, which includes the bulb mount, the reflector, the beam deflector, and the dip beam lens. This assembly is rivetted together, so it is not that easy to swap bits over from one light type to another (ask me how I know...).

If you have a copy of the parts CD, you can look up all the parts numbers. Alternativelt take a look at my pictures at <a href="http://photos.yahoo.com/etjw_porschepics" target="_blank">my porsche pics</a> and take a look in the HID folder. I took several pics of my lights in bits, just out of interest while I had them out and stripped down <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Hope that answers most of your questions

Cheers, <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />
John.