Headlights on 993

[toto]

The topic has been mentioned before but I'd like to reach the bottom of it, if possible. Do you know the difference between the headlight units of a "standard" 993 and that of 993 C4S = 993 turbo = Litronic (Xenon)?
Is it just the bulbs which are different or is the unit itself different? Then, is it true that a switch at the back of the unit allows you to convert painlessly between LHD and RHD, or do the units need changing? Thanks!

[GregE240]

quote:The topic has been mentioned before but I'd like to reach the bottom of it, if possible. Do you know the difference between the headlight units of a "standard" 993 and that of 993 C4S = 993 turbo = Litronic (Xenon)?
Is it just the bulbs which are different or is the unit itself different? Then, is it true that a switch at the back of the unit allows you to convert painlessly between LHD and RHD, or do the units need changing? Thanks!

Firstly, its a completely new unit. The Xenon light units you refer to are called "HID" lights - High Intensity Discharge. The unit contains a Xenon bulb that requires a starting charge of approx 20,000V (then it settles to approx 5V, from memory). This gives the light its bluish colour, and the light is much closer than a conventional halogen bulb to sunlight.
The conversion CAN be done, but it's a lot of money - you would need additional wiring, plus you would need to install a headlamp wash system - ALL Xenon equipped cars have this as standard (as the light is easily affected by dirt on the lens).
A cheaper alternative would be to fit aftermarket bulbs, such as Ring Xenon or Philips Blue Vision Plus - an upgrade that will cost you no more than £30, and may solve your problem.
For more information, check out www.powerbulbs.com

Hope this helps.

PS - the Xenon unit in an HID lasts a lot longer than a conventional bulb - expect 5 years. However, the light output will diminish over time.



>> Edited by GregE240 on Monday 4th March 08:40

[Lee77]

I have the Philips high powered bulbs from Powerbulbs in my 996 and my wifes Merc ML and they really are very good, well worth the money.

[bosshog]

quote:Then, is it true that a switch at the back of the unit allows you to convert painlessly between LHD and RHD, or do the units need changing? Thanks!

Yes this is true.(On my turbo)

[toto]

Thank you all for your replies. Very useful.
Bosshog, based on your experience, that means there is no need to spend extra cash on a LHD 993 just to comply with the MOT requirements? Surely, that's a first!

[domster]

Rear fog light presumably needs doing. All the Porsches I've had have only had an offside one, and I had to always rewire them when importing LHD.

Speedo in km/h is fine for MoT, but I presume 993's pooter lets you read mph speed? Not sure what SVA needs though.

[bosshog]

quote:
Thank you all for your replies. Very useful.
Bosshog, based on your experience, that means there is no need to spend extra cash on a LHD 993 just to comply with the MOT requirements? Surely, that's a first!

Yeah nothing got changed on my car. (Even the fog lightS). As far as teh kmph thing go my computer only shows it in kmp (I think). But you can by replacement dials that are super easy to replace for about 100 quid. - be carefull here when buying a car with it already done as its very easy to 'make up' the milage on the clock.

[toto]

Sounds good. I was actually thinking going for a 993 from a German Porsche Center. It makes life much more interesting ... especially when you can't speak German and the other guy does not know too much about English either! I like the idea of 12-month warranty but I have not found out yet whether it's applicable across Europe or in Germany only. Obviously, for that example, I would include UK in Europe. Has anybody have any experience of the sort?

[bosshog]

quote:
Sounds good. I was actually thinking going for a 993 from a German Porsche Center. It makes life much more interesting ... especially when you can't speak German and the other guy does not know too much about English either! I like the idea of 12-month warranty but I have not found out yet whether it's applicable across Europe or in Germany only. Obviously, for that example, I would include UK in Europe. Has anybody have any experience of the sort?

As you may know I am selling my 993TT. I went to my local Porsche garage to see how much they will give me for the car. I may do this route as they will pay me quite well, but what did transpire from the conversation is that YES its a Porsche waranty - so it'll valid anywhere in the world. You shouldn't have a problem.

[domster]

Bosshog,

I know you can't put figures here, but if you are going to flog your beauty for cash to an OPC, please just email me off-list to see if I can match it. I am in the process of shifting the Lotus Carlton, and have a few options available if and when it goes - mainly involving lots of cash from remortgaging. I was budgeting on a 993 C2 or 3.6 Turbo 2, but what's another 40 quid a month over 25 years? I think you see what I mean. Email me at [e-mail] if that's a possibility.

Rgds
Dom

[toto]

Regarding warranty, yes that's true, I had confirmation from the German dealer and a UK dealer.

Bosshog, your offer is very tempting but I decided at the begining of my quest not to go for a TT, seeing as the 993 would be my first car of the sort. So, if I was starting with the best of all, where would I go next? Also, if truth must be told, it might have something to do with pennies and that. Cheers.

[Gibo993]

Have a look on www.Rennlist.com and do a search on HID
and Litronics (not sure if I can spell)
Loads of info, look for the thread by the UK guys as has more usefull info, as its a mainly US site

Cheers
Grant

PS. anybody got a spare wiring loom for a 95 993 (LHD)

>> Edited by Gibo993 on Tuesday 12th March 16:39