AFS headlights in non-AFS car?

[Ilya]

Has anyone installed AFS headlights in a non-AFS car?

OR

Has anyone converted a non-AFS car to AFS?

I need to buy two new headlights...(mine are fogging and hazy regardless of me doing the 3M headlight restoration on them only 4-5 weeks ago). I'm not going to bother with continuing to clean them, just going to replace them and maybe mod them (clear lens mod, etc.)

Thanks!

[Larz]

If you're asking only about upgrading to AFS, I assume your car already has Xenon HIDs. In that case, a retrofit 'kit' will probably not work for you. I believe the AFS system is more than just a different low beam housing with a motor in it. I think it also requires sensors for auto leveling, beam adjustment, and some kind of connection to steering for cornering. If I'm correct (and I may not be!) this is going to be a massive undertaking.
I was searching for any DIYs on this project but didn't find anything related to the M models. I was able to find a vid that explains what AFS is and how it works.
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http://youtu.be/Cu_0G9QtAMo

As far as changing out the lens, seems people have done it but you need to know the size of the lens in order to replace it with a clear one. As usual, I found plenty of info on doing this on the G models, but nothing on the M models. I'm wondering though. Since the G and the M both use D2S bulbs, might they also have the same size lenses? Either way, you will need to take apart the new headlamp housing to change the lens. I found a vid that shows how to take the main headlamp housing apart. This guy is upgrading from halogen to a projector HID, but the procedure to dismantle is the same. You use heat to remove the cover and re-seal it with butyl rubber.
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http://youtu.be/duFXYRt_nD0
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http://youtu.be/W6UvaSYdeDo
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If you could just buy the outer cover for the headlamps, you could just remove the faded ones, change out the lens, then just install the new cover with a new butyl seal.

[Ilya]

The M is a 3" lens. I've had retrofits before. I'm specifically asking if it's possible (getting all the parts) to make my car AFS since most EBay lights are AFS units.

I might just have to hunt for a regular unit for a while and then ship them to 180* Customs and have them do the lens swap, etc.

[The00Dustin]

I would guess that you could put the AFS unit in with no AFS connections and be fine. I'm sure you recall that some people disconnect the AFS motors anyway when they start acting up. Unfortunately, that still doesn't answer your question, but I doubt it's something anyone has tried to undertake before given how complicated it would be. It could be similar to wanting to add the factory rear screen, where harnesses are missing, or it could be similar to wanting to add the console DVD, where harnesses aren't missing, but someone would have to attempt it to know if harnesses and/or parts were actually missing. I'm guessing your best bet would be to look at the FSM and see if it allows you to discern which additional components AFS M's have that other M's don't have. Then you could at least get an idea of a minimum cost, which may well confirm it is infeasible even if all harnesses exist.

[mr_luv]

The 06-10 M lights projector lens are 2.5". Its a bit more then just a module for the ASF feature on the M wouldnt be difficult but be prepared to pull your dash apart to get to it and get ready to source some parts.

[Ilya]

I'll likely just get new units, not bother with AFS, send them to 180* to get a clear lens installed, etc. Won't be for a little while though.

[TDot]

What is clear lens? Is that replacing that green shroud? Or some protective film on the front of the lights?

[Ilya]

A clear lens mod is often done by retrofitters (people who install projectors into non-projector housings) because unlike the OEM lenses used by most manufacturers (which are frosted), they are clear. This provides a MUCH sharper cutoff of the beam, etc. It can also, depending on the lens, improve beam width, color, etc.



I had ZKW Replica lenses on my Acura TL Bi-Xenon projectors which I had on my 1999 Maxima.













Wayyyyyyyyyyyyy sharper than the OEM M lens.

[Larz]

Ilya is correct. A clear lens makes a day / night difference in the sharpness of the cut-off and I reckon it also allows for more light on the road. If I wasn't concerned about baking and dismantling my headlamps I would do it.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Those ZKW lenses with the TL projectors were always oh so beautiful my goodness. Easily one of the best combos for a retro.

When I had my TL retro on my 02 Millenia, I always wanted/planned on getting the ZKW lenses...then i ended up with the M45 lol.

[Ilya]

Yeah, that retro was my pride and joy. Literally 6-8 lanes of traffic to the sides and a good half mile of distance down the road (guesstimating) of visibility. EPIC LIGHTZ YO!

[mr_luv]

Unless you are set with 180 shoot me a PM I have done about 7 M headlights including my own and a few guys here. I think I know all the tricks of getting the most out of the M Projector and thats not using the TSX-R clear lens.

[Ilya]

Unless you are set with 180 shoot me a PM I have done about 7 M headlights including my own and a few guys here. I think I know all the tricks of getting the most out of the M Projector and thats not using the TSX-R clear lens.

I need to source a good set, but I'll keep you in mind.