I have a 2008 Carrera 4 with HID, purchased used a couple of weeks ago. However, I think that the PO installed an aftermarket HID kit. I have not opened the headlight assembly yet. However, I don't have the headlight washer nozzle on my bumper, and I don't see the headlights doing their little "happy dance" when I turn them on. So here's my question: does the HID OEM Option include the headlight washer and the automatic leveling "happy dance" mechanism?

 

I have bi-xenons which auto-adjust when I turn on the ignition (up/down - aka happy dance ) which also include factory installed washers... Sounds like yours could be aftermarket, but if they're bright and adjusted properly then don't worry about it.

 

You can also chk the options code on the front trunk

 

Same here

 

Porsche stopped putting the option codes on the underside of the trunk lid some years back. The label now ships with the car loose and depending on the selling dealer you might find it stuffed into one of the manuals but probably not under the hood.

 

Yep, nothing under the hood and nothing stuck in the pages of the half dozen manuals either.

But it's sounding more and more like I have an aftermarket job on those HIDs. Work permitting, I'll have to pop those headlights and physically check this weekend.

Thanks.

 

I believe on the non 'S' models they were an option. The PO may have retrofitted an aftermarket set?

 

That's what I'm thinking. I don't really have a problem with an HID Retrofit, if done properly (I know, still illegal!). But I'm starting to have an issue: sometimes the left won't fire up, sometimes the right, sometimes both. And it seems to get worse as it gets colder. I am especially afraid that the previous owner just slapped a cheap kit with no wiring harness and may have damaged to the OEM harness. The dealer would likely cover the repair expense, I think, but it still bugs me.

 

that sounds like aftermarket to me. Just pull one and see it should only take 20 minutes. I'd highly doubt it would damage the harness though, they are pretty much plug and play.

 

Ok, so what's trick to getting the headlight assembly out, beyond what is in the Porsche manual? Using a small flashlight, I can see what I am supposed to rotate. Anyway, I slide the tool into the opening and it does not feel like it is grabbing on to anything, spins freely...

 

I have an 07 C2 with the Xenon option, the easiest way to check is to run your VIN through one of the VIN decoders this will provide a complete list of options.

I601 Xenon lighting system
I288 Headlamp washer

 

The tool fits into the locking mechanism like a socket - you'll know when it's fitted properly since you'll have resistence. Shine your flashlight and youl'll see the opening where the tool fits.

 

The flashlight shows what looks like the head of a hex screw/nut, like you say, but either it is well worn out or I can't get it line up right, but I don't seem to be able to get it to grab. I'm not that mechanically deficient, I hope... I'll try again.

 

I just ordered the code list through Suncoast. If nothing else, it will be something to have if/when I ever sell my baby.

 

Ok, it's definitely an aftermarket/retrofit job. The housing has a "USA RE HALOGEN" sticker (Part # 997.631.?64.22, can't quite make out one of the digits), but it has a Philips Xendrive XLD 288 85288 ballast screwed to the back of the assembly, a Philips H7 85813 bulb and some pretty ****ty tape job on the wiring. What I can't quite tell is whether the PO also changed the projector, since I can't see any part # on the projector itself without completely taking the assembly apart. That's for another day.

Thanks everyone for the assistance!