[waynegold]

I have just replaced my BMW Z4 with the boxster which both come standard with the Bi-Xenon headlights and the BMW were amazing and the Boxster are dreadful. Its going back to Porsche tomorrow and lets see. Anyone else having an issue with the standard headlights ?

 

[Lurker]

Are they really that bad ?! Elaborate a little more on what makes them bad? Low output, very spread light, alignment all off...?

 

[waynegold]

It would seem that on the standard boxster Porsche provide the Bi-Xenon lights in the UK as standard. But to save pennies, they have found a way of providing these lights with NO headlamp washer and that has resulted in a 25 watt arrangement to make them legal, as opposed to a 35 or even 55 watt package, as found in normal high wattage Bi-Xenon lights.

The net result is a low output and dim light. Its almost ok in dry conditions, but on wet and shiny roads, normal xenon lights just light up the road and these are completely lost

The bulbs are a DLS variety and no one makes an upgraded bulb yet !

 

[charlotte]

It could be worse, but I do wish the light output with better. Have you found an alternative yet? I've tried looking and so far there's nothing out there that looks legitimate.

 

[Lurker]

That's actually really disappointing to hear. I didn't even know there were 25w packages in general. I thought the lowest was 35w.. that's sad. Someone will definitely be in the process of making a better system if they're that noticeably horrendous.

Worst part is, people won't even hear about this in reviews as typically people do reviews during the day and just don't comment on light output in general quite frankly.

 

[Justin]

I think getting a retro-fit done is a bit too extreme at this point as well.. We really have to wait for an aftermarket solution to this I guess

 

[waynegold]

No alternatives anywhere and will keep looking. This is the bulb that Porsche have fitted if anyone has more luck or patience

 

[waynegold]

Sorry the other great news is that to replace a bulb in the 718 you have to drop the entire front bumper to gain access to the head light assembly - how mad is that !

 

[Uter]

Waynegold, sorry to hear your story. You've motivated me to spring for the LED headlamps on my Cayman build. I have LED headlamps on my X540e and they're tremendous.

 

[Justin]

Sorry the other great news is that to replace a bulb in the 718 you have to drop the entire front bumper to gain access to the head light assembly - how mad is that !

Darn it... I was gonna ask to see a picture of the connection and where it meets the headlight. Trying to see if I can source something out for you. :|

 

[4802]

I opted for the LED headlights on my 718 S & having read the above comments I'm now rather glad I did. Sorry, I'm not trying to rub it in, but they are absolutely incredible & well worth considering for any potential owners. It was a close run thing because of the additional cost & also my previous 981 Boxster S had Xenons which I found to be really good. The same can be said of the Xenons fitted to the 987 Cayman I owned prior to that, so I find it a little surprising that the Xenon headlights fitted to the Boxster are now so bad. I did however borrow a 981 Boxster from a dealer for a couple of days when my car was in for a heater issue & that particular car was fitted with halogen lamps (U.K). They were quite simply the worst headlamps of any car I've ever driven from any marque. So I suppose it's fair to say that Porsche do have some form when it comes to fitting poor quality headlights. I'm glad it wasn't mine because I'd have been scared to take that thing on the road at night. It really was that bad, I couldn't see a thing as they were absolutely rubbish & I was really shocked that Porsche would consider fitting something so dismally poor on such an expensive motor vehicle.

 

[MP718SPDK]

I have just replaced my BMW Z4 with the boxster which both come standard with the Bi-Xenon headlights and the BMW were amazing and the Boxster are dreadful. Its going back to Porsche tomorrow and lets see. Anyone else having an issue with the standard headlights ?

Odd, my headlights work perfectly, and I am extremely critical when it comes to automotive design, performance, and components.

You may have a one-off issue. Just take it back to Porsche for a fix!

 

[jthailer]

I am very happy with my standard headlights as well.

 

[GregW]

My Boxster (Australian version) came standard with bi-xenon and PDLS and they are excellent, better than anything I've had or seen before.

Greg

 

[RsZk]

This thread scared me into making sure I had the PDLS+ on my configuration when I was was just lurking on this site.

 

[Andros X Thomson]

I have PDLS as well, it’s better than the system my 16 Golf R had, and the R had a phenomenal light system. I really can’t comment on the base lights, but they should still be good.

 

[konakihotel]

standard headlights for me also and i am just fine

 

[Barry]

Bi Xenon PDLS on mine, 35 Watts, as good as on any vehicle I've had before.

Went with this option, as the standard issue (non PDLS...) Bi Xenons are only rated at 25 Watts which is how they get away with not fitting standard headlight washers on the base vehicle...

 

[RussellHodgson]

Bi Xenon PDLS on mine, 35 Watts, as good as on any vehicle I've had before.

Went with this option, as the standard issue (non PDLS...) Bi Xenons are only rated at 25 Watts which is how they get away with not fitting standard headlight washers on the base vehicle...

The wattage of the light determines if you need headlight washers?

 

[Barry]

Apparently in Europe it does.....