Is there anything I can do with the headlights
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
Is there anything I can do with the headlights
Did anybody do anything to there headlights? I think that the 96 head lights are so uglt the cover on the front of them has a bunch of palstic lines all over it instead of just a clear cover like the newer cars today
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 944
Re: Is there anything I can do with the headlights
Originally posted by DJLAX152
Did anybody do anything to there headlights? I think that the 96 head lights are so uglt the cover on the front of them has a bunch of palstic lines all over it instead of just a clear cover like the newer cars today
Did anybody do anything to there headlights? I think that the 96 head lights are so uglt the cover on the front of them has a bunch of palstic lines all over it instead of just a clear cover like the newer cars today
Re: Is there anything I can do with the headlights
Beleive it or not, the 95-96 Maxima lights are better. They just don't look as good as the 97-99s.
DW
DW
Originally posted by DJLAX152
Did anybody do anything to there headlights? I think that the 96 head lights are so uglt the cover on the front of them has a bunch of palstic lines all over it instead of just a clear cover like the newer cars today
Did anybody do anything to there headlights? I think that the 96 head lights are so uglt the cover on the front of them has a bunch of palstic lines all over it instead of just a clear cover like the newer cars today
Re: Re: Is there anything I can do with the headlights
yea right 
Originally posted by dwapenyi
Beleive it or not, the 95-96 Maxima lights are better. They just don't look as good as the 97-99s.
DW
Beleive it or not, the 95-96 Maxima lights are better. They just don't look as good as the 97-99s.
DW
Re: Re: Re: Is there anything I can do with the headlights
Yeah, right. Really. The 97-99 Lamps, which I have, SUCK. They just look good, that's all. AT one point I was contemplating downgrading to 95/96 lights, but couldn't get over the looks part 
DW
DW
Originally posted by 99MAXSE
yea right
yea right
I agree totally, The lights i have on my Max Suck, I want to go with HID's but i will lose my high beam so that sucks, But the lights on the 99 Max are the worst i have ever seen, I think they actully make the road darker!
I bought the PIAA's all around my whole front lighting system and they help a bit but it's still very bad.
99 Max SE-Limited
I bought the PIAA's all around my whole front lighting system and they help a bit but it's still very bad.
99 Max SE-Limited
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
What happens if i swap??
If I swap the 96-97 with the 97-99 what would be the difference? Does the 97-99 use a clear front cover will i have to use a different bulb? why do you guys think the 97-99 are bad performance wise.
Re: What happens if i swap??
All 95-99 Maximas use the 9004 bulb. Even the 3rd gen Maxima uses the 9004. The reason the 97-99s suck is b/c the healdight is based on a simple focussing reflector. The bulb shines onto the silver reflector inside, and it is the reflector that makes the beam. Then it simply passes thru the pretty plastic lense onto the road. On a 95/96 Maxima, the reflector AND the lense focus the beam. The reflector is acting as a mirror which bends all the light forward, then the ethced glass lenses refines and sends a well defined beam out to the road.
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
DW
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
DW
Originally posted by DJLAX152
If I swap the 96-97 with the 97-99 what would be the difference? Does the 97-99 use a clear front cover will i have to use a different bulb? why do you guys think the 97-99 are bad performance wise.
If I swap the 96-97 with the 97-99 what would be the difference? Does the 97-99 use a clear front cover will i have to use a different bulb? why do you guys think the 97-99 are bad performance wise.
Re: Re: What happens if i swap??
Originally posted by dwapenyi
All 95-99 Maximas use the 9004 bulb. Even the 3rd gen Maxima uses the 9004. The reason the 97-99s suck is b/c the healdight is based on a simple focussing reflector. The bulb shines onto the silver reflector inside, and it is the reflector that makes the beam. Then it simply passes thru the pretty plastic lense onto the road. On a 95/96 Maxima, the reflector AND the lense focus the beam. The reflector is acting as a mirror which bends all the light forward, then the ethced glass lenses refines and sends a well defined beam out to the road.
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
DW
All 95-99 Maximas use the 9004 bulb. Even the 3rd gen Maxima uses the 9004. The reason the 97-99s suck is b/c the healdight is based on a simple focussing reflector. The bulb shines onto the silver reflector inside, and it is the reflector that makes the beam. Then it simply passes thru the pretty plastic lense onto the road. On a 95/96 Maxima, the reflector AND the lense focus the beam. The reflector is acting as a mirror which bends all the light forward, then the ethced glass lenses refines and sends a well defined beam out to the road.
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
DW
Regarding new Mercedes/bmw headlamps, they are all plastic. There is a whole different story of why their headlamps are designed they way they are.
For example BMW will only use projectors in their HID applications. Why don't they use free form designs for HID? Even though projectors are less efficient they produce a better defined beam pattern. Free form HID causes a lot more glare because its not as defined and throws out more light. Its for public safety.
Another example are Mercedes' headlights. Hella is the maker of most if not all of Mercedes' non-projector headlamps (Bosch makes most of Mercedes' HID-based projectors) and with their expertise and application of a better bulb (almost any bulb is better than the sh!tty 9004 bulbs we have) using parabolic lens is not considered a handicap. Yes they are expensive machinery and whats a few $$$$ more for free form lamps. They cut corners too. Look at the dashboard of the S-class (other than S600). However it seems like the new CLK will be coming out with free form lens.
Free-form headlamps are not "simple" like you think it is. They are more expensive to produce because they have to work "backwards" to produce the light pattern desired. Each part of the light pattern corresponds with a part of the reflector. Its a lot more computer time involved. Go look at the current 4 runner headlights. Or the current Odyssey. Or the New Mitsubishis. Do their reflectors look "simple"?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
Re: Re: What happens if i swap??
Originally posted by dwapenyi
All 95-99 Maximas use the 9004 bulb. Even the 3rd gen Maxima uses the 9004. The reason the 97-99s suck is b/c the healdight is based on a simple focussing reflector. The bulb shines onto the silver reflector inside, and it is the reflector that makes the beam. Then it simply passes thru the pretty plastic lense onto the road. On a 95/96 Maxima, the reflector AND the lense focus the beam. The reflector is acting as a mirror which bends all the light forward, then the ethced glass lenses refines and sends a well defined beam out to the road.
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
being a valet parker I got a chance to look at them closely. They all seem to use glass but they do not have the etched glass it is all clear. this looks a lot better the are still extermly bright but then again they are using $500 head lights Did any one get a chance to see the newer caviler head lights? if you take a look at them they are a good example of a clear lense. Does any one have a close up picture of the 97-99 head lights?
DW
All 95-99 Maximas use the 9004 bulb. Even the 3rd gen Maxima uses the 9004. The reason the 97-99s suck is b/c the healdight is based on a simple focussing reflector. The bulb shines onto the silver reflector inside, and it is the reflector that makes the beam. Then it simply passes thru the pretty plastic lense onto the road. On a 95/96 Maxima, the reflector AND the lense focus the beam. The reflector is acting as a mirror which bends all the light forward, then the ethced glass lenses refines and sends a well defined beam out to the road.
Why did Nissan change?? For the same reason that most car makers have, the 97-99 headlight is cheaper to produce. Most cars nowadays have that pretty setup.
Look at very expensive cars that don't worry so much about saving money on their product. They still are either using an etched glass/plastic focussing beam, or a projector type lense. Even if they have HID as well. Look at Mercedes, BMW, etc.
being a valet parker I got a chance to look at them closely. They all seem to use glass but they do not have the etched glass it is all clear. this looks a lot better the are still extermly bright but then again they are using $500 head lights Did any one get a chance to see the newer caviler head lights? if you take a look at them they are a good example of a clear lense. Does any one have a close up picture of the 97-99 head lights?
DW
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
Re: Re: Re: What happens if i swap??
being a valet parker I got a chance to look at them closely. They all seem to use glass but they do not have the etched glass it is all clear. this looks a lot better the are still extermly bright but then again they are using $500 head lights Did any one get a chance to see the newer caviler head lights? if you take a look at them they are a good example of a clear lense. Does any one have a close up picture of the 97-99 head lights?
I agree with Erik too. I've got a 95 w/ the glass headlamp and I've heard that the beam pattern is slightly better than a 97+.
There's no point in arguing whetherthe glass looks better than the clear plastic, or vice versa. It's personal opinion.
There's no point in arguing whetherthe glass looks better than the clear plastic, or vice versa. It's personal opinion.
As to the earlier comment about HID and the lack of high-beams...
I haven't got HID lights, but I've driven around in a S2000 that's got 'em and I really don't think you need high beams. I can't really imagine the beam being any brighter than they already are.
I haven't got HID lights, but I've driven around in a S2000 that's got 'em and I really don't think you need high beams. I can't really imagine the beam being any brighter than they already are.
Originally posted by JeffesonM
As to the earlier comment about HID and the lack of high-beams...
I haven't got HID lights, but I've driven around in a S2000 that's got 'em and I really don't think you need high beams. I can't really imagine the beam being any brighter than they already are.
As to the earlier comment about HID and the lack of high-beams...
I haven't got HID lights, but I've driven around in a S2000 that's got 'em and I really don't think you need high beams. I can't really imagine the beam being any brighter than they already are.
Low beam & HIDs are supposed to illuminate the area near your vehicle for regular driving. High beams go further when you need it but compromises the low-beam area.
I appreciate having a high beam since I use it all the time. Think dark country road with no lights and no cars & lots of curves & wildlife. High beam is great
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
Thanks for the great info guys
I hope I'm not pushing my luck with all of these questions but hell thats what I joined for to get some opinions
Speaking of opinions does anyone know what the best bulb would be if I wanted white with a tint of blue, one that will look closest to an HID while its warming up? What do you guys think???
Speaking of opinions does anyone know what the best bulb would be if I wanted white with a tint of blue, one that will look closest to an HID while its warming up? What do you guys think???
Originally posted by EuroMaxima99SE
Waiting for my HID's in the mail
But I really like 97-99 Custom AE Style look...Might just do it one day
Waiting for my HID's in the mail
But I really like 97-99 Custom AE Style look...Might just do it one day
Originally posted by EuroMaxima99SE
Actually it was more like $250
Actually it was more like $250
I remember it came with the relays, ballast, etc but does it jumper directly to the existing harness-side headlamp connector? Hope so ...
I'm gonna wait a lil bit for Greg to show us the projectors.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,115
Well put >>
Originally posted by Smooth Operator
Generally speaking, free form-type headlights (97-99) are proven more efficient than parabolic-type (95-96) headlights. Free form headlights are the most efficient of all headlamp types- better than projectors too. This is the major reason why manufacturers shifted towards free-form. Free form headlamps are more complex than parabolic because the reflector does all the job in defining the beam pattern. In any event, on the Maxima both sucks simply because they use the 9004 bulb.
Regarding new Mercedes/bmw headlamps, they are all plastic. There is a whole different story of why their headlamps are designed they way they are.
For example BMW will only use projectors in their HID applications. Why don't they use free form designs for HID? Even though projectors are less efficient they produce a better defined beam pattern. Free form HID causes a lot more glare because its not as defined and throws out more light. Its for public safety.
Another example are Mercedes' headlights. Hella is the maker of most if not all of Mercedes' non-projector headlamps (Bosch makes most of Mercedes' HID-based projectors) and with their expertise and application of a better bulb (almost any bulb is better than the sh!tty 9004 bulbs we have) using parabolic lens is not considered a handicap. Yes they are expensive machinery and whats a few $$$$ more for free form lamps. They cut corners too. Look at the dashboard of the S-class (other than S600). However it seems like the new CLK will be coming out with free form lens.
Free-form headlamps are not "simple" like you think it is. They are more expensive to produce because they have to work "backwards" to produce the light pattern desired. Each part of the light pattern corresponds with a part of the reflector. Its a lot more computer time involved. Go look at the current 4 runner headlights. Or the current Odyssey. Or the New Mitsubishis. Do their reflectors look "simple"?
Generally speaking, free form-type headlights (97-99) are proven more efficient than parabolic-type (95-96) headlights. Free form headlights are the most efficient of all headlamp types- better than projectors too. This is the major reason why manufacturers shifted towards free-form. Free form headlamps are more complex than parabolic because the reflector does all the job in defining the beam pattern. In any event, on the Maxima both sucks simply because they use the 9004 bulb.
Regarding new Mercedes/bmw headlamps, they are all plastic. There is a whole different story of why their headlamps are designed they way they are.
For example BMW will only use projectors in their HID applications. Why don't they use free form designs for HID? Even though projectors are less efficient they produce a better defined beam pattern. Free form HID causes a lot more glare because its not as defined and throws out more light. Its for public safety.
Another example are Mercedes' headlights. Hella is the maker of most if not all of Mercedes' non-projector headlamps (Bosch makes most of Mercedes' HID-based projectors) and with their expertise and application of a better bulb (almost any bulb is better than the sh!tty 9004 bulbs we have) using parabolic lens is not considered a handicap. Yes they are expensive machinery and whats a few $$$$ more for free form lamps. They cut corners too. Look at the dashboard of the S-class (other than S600). However it seems like the new CLK will be coming out with free form lens.
Free-form headlamps are not "simple" like you think it is. They are more expensive to produce because they have to work "backwards" to produce the light pattern desired. Each part of the light pattern corresponds with a part of the reflector. Its a lot more computer time involved. Go look at the current 4 runner headlights. Or the current Odyssey. Or the New Mitsubishis. Do their reflectors look "simple"?
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