I had been pretty sure I don't want the tech package, mostly because I have a Garmin that works great, I don't need the upgraded sound system, and I'm 30 years old and can close the tail gate myself. HOWEVER, I really like the HID lights and the fog lights. I can't justify paying the money just for those 2 things. Does anyone know if Acura can install these two options separately? Or do you need to get the tech package.

 

I think Fogs are a standalone option that can be installed, but I don't think OEM HIDs are available outside of the production plant.

 

You can install an aftermarket HID kit (I recommend Morimotos from theretrofitsource.com). The bulb size is H11. I have them installed in the 2013 RDX and there hasn't been any issues with them.

 

Did you install them yourself? Independent garage? Or Acura dealership? Does installation impact the warranty on the car since its an aftermarket?

 

I installed them myself and it took about 40 minutes. It would've gone by quicker, but I had trouble removing the dust cap and fitting my hand in to remove the bulb.

Like any aftermarket part, if it can be proven that the HIDs caused the problem, it can void warranty repair for your headlights. Its up to you whether you want to take that risk, but I've installed them in 3 vehicles with no issues.

 

Even with an aftermarket GPS (I have two portables and an iPhone, so can get GPS as well from multiple other sources), I find the 8" screen and the convenient location make it easier. Over 30...and like the ease of use and not having to deal with suction cups or vent mounts or dashboard sandbag type contraptions or tiny screens.... Nav is integrated nicely, stereo volume drops automatically when a direction is being communicated, and there are some nice features that make it easy to not miss a turn. Also no worries on theft by leaving a device on the dash in error.

As for the power liftgate...I would agree it's not essential, but supprisingly handy to just have it open up as you are approaching. Been pouring here lately and in the rain, it's a handy shelter as you load up. For the borderline OCD among us...it also cuts down on the fingerprints all over the paint!!

Stereo as folks have mentioned is personal taste, but more speakers and power make for a nicer sound.

Lights wise, I've noted in other posts that the HIDs are pretty amazing, and worth the price of admission almost on their own, and I find it hard to believe that after-market would be nearly as good, or don't come with risks down the road like overloaded/overheated wires or warranty issues as some have noted.

Take this approach if you are on the fence...go Tech Package...and assume any reduction in price off the MSRP that you negotiate is applied to the cost of the tech package...with current interest rates...it's costing you then maybe 25-50 a month tops. You won't look back!

 

Oh I agree that having the GPS built into the car is awesome and it reduces the clutter from having it on my windshield. However, my Garmin Nuvi can be used at anytime. If I need to enter an address while driving, my girlfriend can enter. Or if I need to reroute myself I don't have to pull over.

Aside from that I agree that the other things are cool to have. The base model is the top of my price range... the tech package puts it out of range (oh what I'd do to get a awd tech for $35k lol). But trying to decide if its worth finding a way to scrimp and find extra money.

 

You can always wait and save your money so you can get the car with the features you want. They'll most likely have better deals down the line as well. The RDX is still relatively new and demand for them is high, making negotiating price difficult.

 

I went the non-tech route and am not sorry. Just don't need nav. I had the fog lights ordered and installed at my dealership for around $500. The HID's are going to cost about $135 to order online and the dealer says they will install them for about the same amount, so all together about $770 for the things I wanted from the tech package. Alot cheaper than $3500.

 

So, you're getting Xenon headlights installed for $500?

 

The lack of HID lights in the base model was a huge disappointment for me too. I didn't even realize it until that first night as a new owner. I wasted no time ordering a conversion kit, which will hopefully arrive today. Someone on this forum recommended Morimoto from theretrofitsource.com. So that's what I went with. Their pricing seems a little high compared to other kits I've seen on Amazon, but I would rather pay more for a more reliable product in this case.

Maybe someone on this board can answer a concern I'm having. HIDs I purchased are 35W and I know that the stock bulbs are 55W. Should I be concerned over the different wattages? Before ordering I consulted with a service tech at my Acura dealer and he said it wouldn't matter.

If the kit shows up in the mail today, I'll be heading to the dealer to have it installed and will post a review on the lights as soon as possible.

So annoying to have to deal with this after purchasing a brand new "luxury" car. IMO HID lights should come standard on all Acuras.

 

Might have been answered elsewhere, but do the conversions truly replicate the effect of the factory HIDs? Would seem that much more engineering comes into play then just a new bulb. Plus, even when changing to higher output bulbs for a previous car (not HID, but brighter, better coverage via the SilverStar route), they would tend to burn out fairly quickly (e.g. under a year) and require frequent replacement. Just seems that the retro-fit would be more a bandaid that gets partial results and might cost a lot over time to maintain?

 

I have the Morimoto kit and it works just like stock HIDs. Just get the OEM spec'ed ones and you should be just fine.

Go with the 35w, 4300 Kelvin, H11 with heavy duty relay.

This kit really works just like the OEM HIDs. It is a high quality kit and that's why it's more in cost.

I had to have the HIDs and I just didn't want to spend the $4k to get them.

There was an earlier thread on these: https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-2013-2018-404/upgrading-base-2013-rdx-halogen-headlights-hid-854157/

 

The beautiful part about this is the base RDXs use the same headlamp housing as the HIDs. Just install a high quility kit from theretrofitsource and you are set.

Again...refer to this thread...it will answer all your questions: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=854157

 

So if that is the case, and Acura service departments appear agreeable in installing the after-market bulbs/kits, why can't they just install the Acura part that would be in a tech package vehicle to start with? Guessing price is one factor, but as described, wouldn't this mean you get the HIDs as designed/tested by the Acura engineers? And if you are already paying for the Acura guys to install...the only difference is price, yet no one has mentioned using Acura parts. Seems like there is still a piece of the puzzle that I'm missing.

 

The halogen projectors that the base RDX come with are not the same as HID projectors. The focal points are completely different (because the bulbs are different lengths and have different output points). If you put HIDs in halogen projector bulbs, you won't be maximizing the output from HIDs, but it'll still be way brighter than halogen bulbs. HIDs also last longer than halogen bulbs (especially compared to those brighter burning halogens you used). I believe Morimotos come with a 5 year warranty, which is essentially the expected life of the kit with average usage. Osram bulbs (stock) are supposed to be the brightest HID bulbs there are, but one bulb costs more than a Morimoto HID kit.

To sum it up, it is quite expensive for Acura to install HIDs as stock, and with all the new features in the RDX (push button, keyless entry, the new V6 engine, cylinder deactivation, and etc.), some features needed to be removed to keep the base price ideal to customers.

 

How long before they will burn out or you have to replace the HID's?

 

A Morimoto kit is warrantied to last 5 years.