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so the newer version headlights probably won't fit an '00 model. Good enough for your wallet as upgrading involves replacing the entire headlight housing, reflector and lens assembly along with somehow incorporating the additional wiring and sensors into your car. The Xenons are self levelling which involves sensors at both the front and back of the car to determine the inclination of the car. You'd be looking at literally thousands of dollars to get all of this stuff from your local Saab dealer and getting it working.
I learned all of this when I wanted to upgrade the Halogens on my '02 Aero. I had a choice of Xenons with Automatic transmission, or Halogens with Manual and I really wanted the Manual. Actually, I wanted the manual with Xenons, so I looked into the upgrade (and Xenons were available for '02, so it would've been a direct swap in my case) but the factory route was too expensive. I ended up going with one of the aftermarket sets which uses the existing housing, lens and reflectors and adds HID capsules, ballasts and starters. My upgrade provided low beam only, although another kit installed in the high beam locations would solve that (in fairness, 2 aftermarket kits would cost less than buying the Saab parts)
I am happy with my upgrade and although it is not as good as the Saab system, I am happy with the improvement over the Saab Halogen system.
And now the caveats:
Mine works well, but I've heard horror stories of people who've put HID's into halogen reflectors with poor results. I'd recommend a good kit for '02 on, but I can't vouch for how well it would work on older models, especially with the glass lenses. On the other hand, someone may have developed a complete system (housing, lens etc) for your car as there's been a bit of time to develop one. I'd recommend the entire system if that's an option for best results. I won't hurt your car to try, but it might hurt finacially as the good kits aren't cheap (mine was about $1000 Canadian for low beam only)
Good luck!
bRAD
posted by 65.123.118...
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