aren't stock cts lights HID?

[mattsworld]

I thought the stock headlights were HID, but I guess after reading a couple threads that they weren't? I know they dont have the blue'ish tint to em like my wife's 350z, but I thought they were still indeed HID lights. What would it take to put in some headlights that were like the z's?

[Carl Wood]

On the Sport model they are, but not on the base CTS.

CW

[whosyadadie02]

http://vvme.com/catalog/list-s-10145-10147.html

try that

[the cadillac kid]

matt-
HIDs only came stock on the V models. On the non-V CTS, they were an option.
there are a few ways you can find out if your CTS has HIDs or not;
-Face a garage door & turn the headlights on. Check out the cutoff line, if theres some distinct blue-ish tint going across the top, then you have HIDs.
-Turn your fogs on & compare the color of the light (fogs are halogen)... if the headlights are more white, then you have HIDs
-call your dealership & give them your VIN; they can look it up for you.



*edit*
if it turns out you dont have HIDs, then you can always add them.
Go aftermarket, with a lifetime warranty on the bulbs & ballasts.
The OEM color is 4300-4600k; pure white with a very hint of blue at certain angles.
The higher the temperature (K) the more blue/purple your light will look. My suggestion, stay between 4300k & 6000k. Anymore is asking for unnecessary attention from cops. (If you read the box the HIDs come in, & the website you buy from, you'll probably come across something that says "for offroading use only." If you attract too much attention to yourself, a LEO having a bad night might give you a hard time).


good luck

[Custom88]

Easiest way to tell is...

1. Look at the headlamp lense. If it says DS1, you have HID.
2. Watch the lights when they come on. Do they flicker, and change color as they get warmer?

[CTS Orlando]

All the same, the standard beams do deserve a little recognition.

I think Matt, you may have confused HID with Projector Beams. That said, as the standard lights are 'Projectors'; they're still a hell of a lot better than standard composite headlights.

Higher end vehicles like BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, your 350Z etc. all use projector style lights, while your standard Chevy or Honda will just have composite halogens.

The projectors do sometimes have that bluish look to them, but only from certain distances and angles. They are a lot more directed than a composite beam, but ultimately less 'Intense' than an HID.