Mine is a 2003 S-type 4.2 with HID self-levelling lights. I replaced the zenon bulbs once (removing the front fender etc.) but would like to know if anyone has managed to replace the bulbs without fender removal (? by removing air filter and fuse box for access).

Also, are there any auto electricians who could tell me (in not too technical terms) how to rewire the daytime running lights - that burn out the HIDs to use the side light circuit instead? Thus saving the HIDs for nightime usage and burning them out less frequently.

 

I didn't realise the DRLs burn out the HIDs. How?

People have reported (on the .co.uk forum) having the bulbs changed (by dealer/auto shop) in 5-10 mins. (Skinned knuckles and curses, though.)
Others have said removing air box should help.

 

Only for the fact that they are on all the time while in gear - night or day! The zenon bulbs have a good life - I don't know exactly how many hours they are rated for. I just figured I could save bulb life and starter energy by rewiring DRL's to the side lights and just use the zenon & headlights at night.

 

I just completed a replacement of the factory HID bulbs, ballasts and ignitors. I chose the DDM tuning raptor ballasts and 4500k bulbs.

I too have the DRL's and just decided that cheaper bulbs is the best way to combat the cost of 24/7 running.

I had a failing ignitor anyway, and the bulbs from ddm are only about $13 bucks or so definitely worth looking into if your going to be in there.

PS. I did pull the bumper cover to remove the light assembly's.

 

When I changed my bulbs on my STR, I pulled the front bumper off then the head lamps......Sounds hard to do and a PITA but not that bad,...not great either

 

I'm in Toronto and its too damn cold to fiddle around taking the fender off - I know its not a hard job but at -8C ... (don't have a garage!).
I think the only reason you have to remove the fender is to get at the two bolts holding the bottom of the light assemblies. If this is so, (I'll try & figure it out when I do take the fender off) then I'll drill two holes to get to them and fill them with something (e.g. extra side/park lights). Then it will be easy to change the god darn bulbs!
I use D2C bulbs from ExtremeBrightLEDs.com - 2 6000K for $49.99 Can. They fit D2R & D2S sockets.

 

I've been reading the forums here and the ones on the various web online companies and it seems that a conversion is not that hard. The Notto SE at 5000k seems to be a good compromise between brightness and colour. Has anyone used this kit? If so where to you connect to the battery cables? From the help forum on the site carid.com there seems to be an additional red and black connect / ground required. I am not by nature electrically inclined but do enjoying trying to do things myself. Any guidance?