Last week the HID's on my '03 GLE were stolen. From what I've heard this is a very common problem with '02 and '03 models. Let's use this thread to share ideas on how to protect HID lights and anything else related to this topic.

 

try a search on this...there are many many threads on this very subject.

 

Theft of HIDs from the 2002 - 2003 Maximas is an unfortunate common occurance. But it does happen to other similarly equipped cars, not just the Maxima.

Do a search on the site for a low-cost bolt kit for your next set of HIDs. They won't keep your HIDs from being stolen, but they will make it a lot tougher for theives to take them.

Courtesy Nissan also has the following Headlight Theft-deterent Kit

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...de=A33KT-HDLCK

that you might want to look into.

I'm sorry to hear about your headlights, but at least you can do something about your next set.

Peace.

 

Thanks for the link. I was aware of these kits that make it tougher on thieves, but as you correctly pointed out they won't stop them. The target is the xenon bulb and the ballast (igniter)these can be installed into other cars. They destroy the entire assembly (which is plastic) and have no intention of re-using the assembly, so installing theft-deterrent bolts are useless - they break off the assembly right below the mounting bolts. If this type of damage occurs, the cost can run up to over $5,000 easy, bacause in addition to HID's there will be a lot of body work involved. In my case it cost me $3,300 (insurance covers) to repair with minimal damage to the body.

 

You can do one of three things:
1. Nothing. Let them take them, hope the damage is min, and let insurance cover it.
2. Make it as hard as possible for them to get the lights out, which at the same time makes them do more damage to your car.
3. Swap them for 2k/2k1 lights and wait for this HID fad to blow over. Every car in America will have HID soon (either as OEM equip or purchased as stolen), so just wait it out.

Make your decision and cross your fingers.

 

i can only think of 3 ways to fully secure your HID's.....

1) Make sure its garaged all the time
2) Chain a Pit Bull or similar guard dog to the front of your car
3) Custom Install an alarm system that has a sensor if they touch your headlight


as you can see nobody will do any of above things & since the tabs are plastic they can break HID assembly right off--

 

I tie my pit bull up to my grill everynight.. what do you mean nobody does these things?! I thought it was normal!

 

I just looked at your profile and noticed you are in NY. Well, it seems this is the capital of HID thefts. Frankly, I dont know if there's anything you can do. Your better shot would be to make the max your second car. Sorry to hear about the loss man..

 

does this really work?

I have a 2k3
I just talked a friend into buying a 2k3
and my mom drives a 2k2

Should I convince all of them to buy these for their car?

Should I get them? If someone wants my HID's they'll figure out a way to get them, and probably do more damage if these are installed..no?

your thoughts?

-vq

 

Is there a possibility of having a lock installed for your hood? I'm not sure I quite understand all the tricks a theif would use to steal the lights, but if you can't get under the hood, then you shouldn't be able to take the lights, no?