When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The only thing I see on that page is an LED replacement for the halogen bulbs. Generally speaking they really don't work very well in terms of providing better lighting. You end up with a scattered beam pattern, poorer visibility, and also possibly annoying/blinding other drivers. They might look cooler when you stand outside the car and look at them but that's about it.
What you really want is a RetrofitLab kit. There's a vendor on here who handles USA sales. Here's his website for 996 stuff:
I'm trying to find a better solution for the 996-2, I just bought. Unfortunately, it seems that there is a web-consensus regarding the poor quality of the LED kits for Porsche confirming your comment. My precedent 996 had new OEM Litronics headlights. They were far less bright than my Camri-hallogen-bulbs.
The bi-xenon retrofit is far and away the best bet for those who already have litronics, if the headlights are oxidized that will cut a lot of light output regardless, for $20 you can get a good improvement just dealing with that.
I bought those morimoto side markers just because I have some other morimoto stuff already on the car, nothing earth shattering but if you have the original ambers and want to swap to a clear look its not a bad option. I had the clears already, and had replaced the bulb with a LED, but I've got a pair of Adrian's LED taillights so it matches a bit better with that. The quality of the unit is pretty good I'd say.
Comparing the oem clears(top) vs the morimotos(bottom).
The bi-xenon retrofit is far and away the best bet for those who already have litronics, if the headlights are oxidized that will cut a lot of light output regardless, for $20 you can get a good improvement just dealing with that.
I bought those morimoto side markers just because I have some other morimoto stuff already on the car, nothing earth shattering but if you have the original ambers and want to swap to a clear look its not a bad option. I had the clears already, and had replaced the bulb with a LED, but I've got a pair of Adrian's LED taillights so it matches a bit better with that. The quality of the unit is pretty good I'd say.
Comparing the oem clears(top) vs the morimotos(bottom).
I saw a 996, same color blue as yours, at the Greek Church up in Webster MA this past summer. Looked pretty good. Was that your car?
Do you provide detailed installation instructions we can view?
Hi,
I see you have a 2003. The 996.2 kits are easier to install since it doesn't require separating the lens from the housing.
Here's a good video from RFL. This is for the bi-Xenon kit, but the mechanical installation of the bi-LED kit is very similar, even somewhat simpler since there are no ballasts or igniters to install & find a place for.
I do provide an additional tips & tricks video for folks that order from me
@playswithcars
Can you comment on the difference in light output and visibility between the LED vs Xenon retrofit for those with halogen set ups? The LED set up looks cleaner and easier to install but I'd prefer whichever has better light output.
It is really a matter of personal preference.Both kits provide a comparable light output and light color. Retrofitlab did a side-by-side of the two options, and needed a light meter to determine that the bi-Xenon version was slightly brighter than the bi-LED, but it was not visible with the naked eye. One disadvantage of the bi-Xenon kit is that there is more wiring to find a place for as it has ballasts and igniters where the bi-LED kit doesn’t.One disadvantage of the bi-LED kit is that, unlike the bi-Xenon kit, it does not have replaceable bulbs; the LED light source is built-in and a part of the projector. It is said to have a life of 10,000+ hours, so this should not be a problem, but in the unlikely event that the LEDs would fail, it would require you to open up the headlight to replace the entire projector assembly. Again, this is a low risk, and I have not heard of any instances where this happened, however, if this is something you are concerned about, then you might want to opt for the biXenon kit for that reason. Hope this helps!
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.
