Nicco Dalpiaz

Hey guys,

I am looking into upgrading my halogen 55W H11 bulbs in my 2013 RDX to an HID kit. I am so pissed that the 2013 AWD does not come with HIDs. Anyway, I want to make sure I get the right equipment. I am looking at ordering this:

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=177

Will this work?

Any help will be appreciated.

05_NBP_TL

iTrader: (1)

just get the H11 hid kit

the link you posted was for the d2s bulbs, and i dont know if they will fit without modifications.

RDX FAN

OP, did you do this mod? If so, how did it turn out?

Nicco Dalpiaz

Never did the install. I talked to the dealer where I bought my RDX and the service center said it would VOID the warranty on the vehicle.

Nicco Dalpiaz

Instead of doing an HID installation, I was doing some research online and came across LED H11 bulbs that will replace the old H11 Koito halogens in the RDX. The LED color is said to be ~ 6000K and there is no wiring or ballasts necessary just plug and play! I think I might go this option.

Has anyone done this yet?

ipribadi

Hi there! Newbie here.
About the LED bulbs, no that's not a good idea.

Those H11 LED bulbs have multiple LED (light sources) mounted on various surfaces ... this differs dramatically than halogen bulb filament which is more like a single point light source. The resulting light beam would be horrible.

Anyway, I'm picking up my base 2013 RDX this Wednesday and I'm planning to DIY upgrade to HID as well.

I've researched plenty and so far I'm going for the Morimoto 3Five 4300K H11.
I know it won't be ideal having the halogen projectors, so I'm crossing my fingers that it won't be too bad.

ipribadi

Guys,

Question on the HID installation:
1. Did you have trouble installing the HID bulbs into the H11 socket?
I couldn't get the morimoto bulbs to twist
2. Where did you mount your ballasts? how was it secured?
3. Do you have to drill thru the housing cover?

Thanks!

kbab15

You'll just being wasting money. Halogen bulbs will never be as bright and white as HID bulbs. You can google for images of this. I would just get an HID kit and if youre worry about voiding your warranty just take it out before you head to the dealership.

dc5k20z1

It will void warranty on your headlights most likely, but not the whole car.

BLACK RAVEN

this thread is exactly why I opted to do the tech pkg #goodluckguys

999999

I did the HID switch today. Went with the Retrofit Source Elite 35W kit:

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...oducts_id=3955

with the X35B 5000 bulbs

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...ducts_id=40570

Total system $170 + $75 for install = $245.

Tested them out tonight and they are all I could ask for.

The HIDs were the only item I would have liked (read: willing to pay for) in the tech package. So glad I went this route and saved $2500+

Mikey Dallas

999999 Did you do the install yourself or pay someone $75 to do it for you? My mechanic said he wants $300 to do it. I am not much of a DIY kind of guy, but the lack of HID's is starting to bug me. Our local paper did a review of the Kia Forte' today. It comes with HID's. Frankly, I am very disappointed in Acura in this regard.

999999

Mikey,

I had an independent stereo/accessory installer do it and, yes, he charged $75. took just over an hour. I found the guy through Yelp & Angies List reviews. He had 6 years experience in shops before he went independent.

ipribadi

Hey 999999,
How did it turn out?
How was the beam pattern on the ground? Any shadows or streaks using the X35B bulbs?
$75 is a super deal for install labor.

For those considering DIY, it's not that bad at all.
I went DIY route (my 1st time) and took about 3 hours but was very thorough.

swc

New to this forum. I am in the process of getting a base 2014 RDX. I am wondering if I can upgrade to HID by simply substitute the Halogen bulb with ACURA manufacturer HID bulbs, control module, rubber cover,...... Instead of aftermarket parts, go with ACURA parts.
I know it is not cheap - bulb is $99, control module (33119-TA0-003) $174, cover, bolts,....

I figure it is still cheaper than getting the tech package.

What do you think? Good or bad idea?

ipribadi

Hi there!
First off, congratz on your new RDX and welcome to the forum!

On the upgrade, the problem is that you'll have to replace the light housing to make the Acura bulb to work.
The base model projector housing is not the same as the tech model.

The base model housing is to mate with a H11 halogen bulb, the lens is placed to match the filament location of an H11 halogen bulb, so replacing the bulb with something non H11 base won't work.

You possible can replace everything else, so with a rebased H11 HID bulb you can hook it up to an Acura ballast with some simple connector rewiring.


If it were me, I'd not spend the money on the Acura HID stuff now since it's possible that for 2015 the RDX may get the jewel eye headlight treatment; now that's an upgrade worthy to do.

BigAcuraFan

I recently picked up a base 2015 RDX and have been looking to do the same. Anyone knows where they have this HID kit available? Every place I check only has the kit up to 2014 available. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

bluecarbonfiber

if you are worried about warranty and want to op for LED i would suggest these H11 H8 H9 H16 LMZ 45W 4500LM ULTRA OUTPUT LED HEADLIGHTS - H11 H8 H9 - LED Headlights they are 4500lm and are just as bright as a 55w HID kit

ceb

and why would you think that there are no warranty issues? You are changing the electrical load.

That aside, these bulbs are clearly a violation of FMVSS 108 and could easily result in failing inspection (if your state does inspections) or a traffic stop and ticket for unsafe equipment.

bluecarbonfiber

hmmm didnt know that the 2nd gen ran on a different electrical current than 12v please explain

how would it be unsafe? are you going off brightness? if so they do make lower LM kit (3000lm) which is just below the factory 3200lm hids that come with the vehicle

ceb

There is current (12v) and there is draw. Aside from that, in order to install those, it appears that there are control boxes to install and wiring that requires some modification. ANY electrical mod can cause warranty issues and adding control boxes and the like is just a red flag for dealers.

Placing an LED bulb into a housing not designed for an LED (most [all?] headlighting units with LEDs are integrated units) will create improper lighting. Accordingly, it cannot meet the FMVSS 108. Most state laws focus on "missing or unsafe" equipment. Since some sort of headlight will be present (but doesn't meet the requirements) if falls into the unsafe category.

A vehicle with "unsafe" equipment can be impounded. If impounded, it most likely will be searched and inventoried - adding more costs and inconvenience to the ticket.

Quite simply, you cannot just pop an LED bulb into your halogen housing and get proper light output.