OK, I goofed. I regret not ordering Xenons on my '05mcs.

I'm looking into retrofitting Xenons, but dealers are saying it's probably not possible...they're looking into it for me, but have already said that the numbers in this bulletin

ttp://www.motoringfile.com/files/2005_headlights.pdf

don't appear on U.S. inventory. That means at best, they'll have to be imported. It was suggested that instead, I install Mini or PIAA driving lights.

I've never driven with Xenons or driving lites. My objective is to improve illumination, both peripheral (side to side) and forward (distance), especially on the unlit, curvey back country roads I drive.

Has anyone successfuly retro-ed Xenons? Will driving lights do it for me the same as Xenons?

 

The Xenon lights are only low-beams. They are awesome. The high beams are still Halogen, (at least on pre-'05 cars, anyway).

No, Driving Lights are not a replacement for the Xenon low-beams. Driving lights are basically high beams on steroids; designed to go out even further, and more sharply focused.

Most driving lamps are bad at illuminating the sides of the road. They're for throwing light waaaayyyyy down the road, but straight out.

To get the best of both worlds, you'd probably want to have driving lamps, as well as a set of fog lamps, all on at the same time... So you're talking about four lights, on your grille, or below it with the Alta Rally Style Light Bar.

 

No, not quite true. First, thats probably illegal in most every state. Four lamps on at a time is about it .... not six.

Second, having fogs on at the same time as driving lights doesn't do much of anything since properly aimed fogs are very low and very wide for inclement weahter.

Third, you never want them all at the same height. Drivng lights go high, high as possble, roof is better. Fogs go as low as possible.

If you want Xenons, there are many xenon driving lights out now ... go to hellausa.com and take your pick from small ones like OEM MINIs to large size monsters. There is no need to go Xenon-less anymore.

 

If you are looking for better low beams I would suggest first trying better bulbs for your halogens and checking to be sure the low beams are properly aimed. It should help and although it won't be as bright as the low beam projector Xenons (in my experience) it might be good enough. Alternately, if you pursue it, you might be able to find 05/06 Xenon headlamps off of a totalled car and then, as far as I recall, all you need to be sure to get is the ballasts and bits associated with the headlights and it should all work.