My first modification as soon as I get my brand new Focus is getting my hands on the European HIDs Headlights which are not available for the American Focus, not having these babies come on the American focus makes me sad [:(]

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/reviews/car/11q1/2012_ford_focus_euro-spec-first_drive_review/gallery/2012_ford_focus_5-door_hatchback_28european_spec_29_photo_6/4069902-1-eng-US/2012_ford_focus_euro_spec_14_cd_gallery.jpg

My question for anyone familiar with the subject how easily would it be to install the European HIDs on an American focus? I will have no problems getting my hands on them, I just was curious if the European HIDs were compatible or I'd have to get everything re-wired?

Thanks.

First off, and I think everyone is going to want to know this. Where are you getting them from, and how much?
Also, would there be warranty issues?

Second, I remember reading somewhere of people doing this with the Fiesta as well. There was some slight issues with regards to the housing for the projectors causing the depth of the headlight to be longer, and therefore not fitting 100%. I heard it was a fairly easy fix, but I assume that it would be the same issue for the Focus.
Also, the LED lights would not have the wiring right there as the DRL here would be connected to the high beams. I don't know how hard that would be, but I can't imagine it to be too hard.

First off, and I think everyone is going to want to know this. Where are you getting them from, and how much?
Also, would there be warranty issues?

Second, I remember reading somewhere of people doing this with the Fiesta as well. There was some slight issues with regards to the housing for the projectors causing the depth of the headlight to be longer, and therefore not fitting 100%. I heard it was a fairly easy fix, but I assume that it would be the same issue for the Focus.
Also, the LED lights would not have the wiring right there as the DRL here would be connected to the high beams. I don't know how hard that would be, but I can't imagine it to be too hard.

I'd be getting them Europe as I usually travel to Spain every year and would be getting them from a cousin who works for a Ford dealership over there and has said he would help me in getting one. As far as price, I would expect 200-250 euros for the pair which is roughly $300-350 USD or so. AFAIK, modification such as headlights should not be an issue in terms of warranty especially since it's an OEM product but I'm not sure about that.

On my Volkswagen I got European OEM HIDs w/Fogs and simply needed to get the light switch and a fog light wiring harness kit but had a friend do it all I am pretty stupid when it comes to electrical stuff so I usually let my tech junkie friends help with all the installation and parts lol so I have no idea what it would take.

As far as price, I would expect 200-250 euros for the pair which is roughly $300-350 USD or so.

I think you are just about to get a lot of new friends who want a pair as well.

HERE HERE! At that price I'd tack on an extra $200 to line your pocket. [8D]

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

But they look cool, duh.[neener]

I want them too!!!! Pretty please...love that eyebrow look.

Also what about LED tails?

Awesome. I would think it would be a similar process as wiring up machs on a non-hid 00-04 focus.

Your going to have to figure out how to get them to work.

I doubt it will be completely plug and play.

I doubt it will be completely plug and play.

This is what I had a feeling about.. I will let everyone know when I get more information so subscribe to this thread. [wiggle]

As far as the LED taillights... I'm not a big fan of the pictures I have been seeing I need to see them in person or some video of them at night before I consider getting those.

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

I don't care about that lol like someone said they look nice, alot nicer than the US OEM Headlights.

I mean the HIDs make this car look so much more amazing (and yeah I realize the video says 2010 lol) but the HIDs are virtually similar to the 2012 model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx_J3iTqwZQ&feature=related

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

Oem ones aimed properly dont. Have you driven in a newer Lincoln lately? They are awsome and too boot the headlights turn when you turn the wheel. This would be awesome to have in the focus if it was so on the euro models!!

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.
New Focus Titanium X spec has standard Bi-xenon, with automatic height levelling and jet wash (includes LED day running lights, static cornering lights and variable dimming instrument cluster)

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

As long as they're in the proper type of projector, they're not an issue.

New Focus Titanium X spec has standard Bi-xenon, with automatic height levelling and jet wash (includes LED day running lights, static cornering lights and variable dimming instrument cluster)

It's pretty amazing how the European-Spec Focus is still much better than the remodeled US Focus. [facepalm]

Other things which aren't extreme huge deals but which I would have loved to see are the Blind-Spot Information System, the Traffic Sign Recognition which tells you in your dash the speed limit of the roads, Driver Alert system which detects driving behaviour if you lose alertness, etc.

not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but am I the only one thinking the HIDs will end up being around $500 to get em shipped here, when all's said and done?

$500 would be nice, I remember paying close to 1k for my euro HIDs on my 97 BMW back in 03...but maybe because the prices were still high on HIDs then.

not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but am I the only one thinking the HIDs will end up being around $500 to get em shipped here, when all's said and done?

Yes that's what they will probably cost, if not much more. MY VW HIDs OEM cost $700 + shipping if I buy them in Spain I wouldn't have to worry about that though.

Yes, cappa, you're about to get a whole bunch of new friends and rep points. As far as blinding HIDs are concerned, I cuss them as they're comming at me and laugh after they pass, knowing that person will soon need to replace their whole headlight, melted housing and all. HIDs in the proper housing won't blind on-coming cars because they're designed for HIDs. It's all the idiots who put HID bulbs in a stock plastic housings, without the proper cut-off, that blind other drivers. We "blinded" drivers have the last laugh, knowing they will soon be replacing their melted headlights.

Cappa, I think you're assuming too much. Why do you think that Euro-built Focus HID's will fit your Mexico-built U.S. Focus?

Just because the 2 vehicles are from the same design doesn't mean everything will transfer over I know for a fact that the bumper systems are completely different. Lighting standards are different as well. For all I know, the exact shape of the headlamp assemblies could be different as well. Compare the Euro Focus to the U.S. Focus in photos, and you might want to write to Ford about it. I think you'll also find that Ford probably has HID's in development for the U.S. Focus already - probably for the ST (but that's not to say the ST's lights are going to fit your non-ST Focus....

Cappa, I think you're assuming too much. Why do you think that Euro-built Focus HID's will fit your Mexico-built U.S. Focus?

Just because the 2 vehicles are from the same design doesn't mean everything will transfer over I know for a fact that the bumper systems are completely different. Lighting standards are different as well. For all I know, the exact shape of the headlamp assemblies could be different as well. Compare the Euro Focus to the U.S. Focus in photos, and you might want to write to Ford about it. I think you'll also find that Ford probably has HID's in development for the U.S. Focus already - probably for the ST (but that's not to say the ST's lights are going to fit your non-ST Focus....

With all due respect, I think you totally ignored what I said in the original post

My question for anyone familiar with the subject how easily would it be to install the European HIDs on an American focus? I will have no problems getting my hands on them, I just was curious if the European HIDs were compatible or I'd have to get everything re-wired?

I don't know whether or not they would be compatible, so I don't think I am assuming anything that is why I asked.The shape is not the problem, they are indeed the same. My only concern is obviously the wiring which I am unfamiliar with but like I said when I bought European OEM HIDs for my Mexico-Built VW, it was a simple wiring harness and plug and play that worked but I had a friend do the installation on that and from what I remember there was nothing crazy he had to do.

On a global platform, mounting points shouldn't be different between Euro-spec and U.S. Foci. If ST170 lights fit all 00-04 models (w/wiring modification), this should be the same for '12s. Number of bulbs and bulb placement will be different to meet DOT requirements.

On a global platform, mounting points shouldn't be different between Euro-spec and U.S. Foci. If ST170 lights fit all 00-04 models (w/wiring modification), this should be the same for '12s. Number of bulbs and bulb placement will be different to meet DOT requirements.

Yeah, my concern isn't so much in the mounting as it is in the wiring.

Would your buddy who works for Ford know this? The wiring I mean....I think we won't get or find anyone who knows until someone tries it.

Just noticed you are in E-Town....cool deal! Get to Spain asap :D

Cappa, I think you're assuming too much. Why do you think that Euro-built Focus HID's will fit your Mexico-built U.S. Focus?


First, I might have contributed to that fact discussing the Euro-built Fiesta to the Mexico-built Fiesta, and how the lights were almost the same, and they do fit with small changes.

Second, since when has the Focus been Mexico built? After all the post, and pictures of the Wayne, MI plant pumping out the Focus, you are going to say it's Mexican-built?

I think I will wait for an actual Ford employee to weigh in on this one.

Every other focus has been built out of Mexico.

Would your buddy who works for Ford know this? The wiring I mean....I think we won't get or find anyone who knows until someone tries it.
Unfortunately he does not.

Every other focus has been built out of Mexico.

I am aware of that, but this particular thread has been based on a 2012 Focus. There have SO MANY posts/pictures/links describing Wayne, MI plant.

Also, in addition, remember that this is a Global Focus, so there is going to be many similarities. On the Euro Focus, it is only the Titanium X level car that gets those projector headlights, while the rest get reflector style one that we have. I think that it is quite conceivable that these headlights will fit without any real problems.

Yes, cappa, you're about to get a whole bunch of new friends and rep points. As far as blinding HIDs are concerned, I cuss them as they're comming at me and laugh after they pass, knowing that person will soon need to replace their whole headlight, melted housing and all. HIDs in the proper housing won't blind on-coming cars because they're designed for HIDs. It's all the idiots who put HID bulbs in a stock plastic housings, without the proper cut-off, that blind other drivers. We "blinded" drivers have the last laugh, knowing they will soon be replacing their melted headlights.

Never seen any headlights melt as a result of the 35 watt hid kits. I know many people that have had them for years. Not saying it's right thou I'm just waiting till I can afford a proper conversion into some eBay halos.

Second, since when has the Focus been Mexico built? After all the post, and pictures of the Wayne, MI plant pumping out the Focus, you are going to say it's Mexican-built?

I think I will wait for an actual Ford employee to weigh in on this one.

I guess I was assuming too much. With all the falderall, didn't pick up on the fact they were building them in Michigan.

Could you get your hands on a US Spec one and bring it with you to Spain and examine them closely there?

And my 09 was built at Wayne MI

I had previously researched the headlamps.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254316&highlight=LED%2FXenon

I had contacted Fordparts.co.uk and the headlamps are $285 GBP each.

I have not heard anything in regards to the compatibility, but know that they are only offered on the European Titanium-X model. This model must use a different wiring harness, but I would not thinks so.

The recent article in Eurotuner with Ford had mentioned that the Ford ST parts will be available in the future and will fit onto the base model Focus.

$500 would be nice, I remember paying close to 1k for my euro HIDs on my 97 BMW back in 03...but maybe because the prices were still high on HIDs then.You'll spend more than $1500 to put VW OEM HID's on a GTI by the time you buy the headlights, leveling module, and all the other pieces.

Actually, most foci in the past 6, 7 years have come out of the Wayne MI plant. Check the VINs. If it starts with 1, it's Michigan. If it's 3, it's Mexico (like the Fusion, Fiesta). If it's 2, it's Canada, J is Japan, K is Korea, etc. My 2011 is 90% US/Canadian parts content, with the engine, transmission, and final assembly all in Michigan.

Could you get your hands on a US Spec one and bring it with you to Spain and examine them closely there?

I want to think you are referring to the US-Spec headlights and not the whole car itself but I am not sure, lol but once I get my hands on the Euro-Spec ones there really wouldn't be any need for that.

Yes, cappa, you're about to get a whole bunch of new friends and rep points. As far as blinding HIDs are concerned, I cuss them as they're comming at me and laugh after they pass, knowing that person will soon need to replace their whole headlight, melted housing and all. HIDs in the proper housing won't blind on-coming cars because they're designed for HIDs. It's all the idiots who put HID bulbs in a stock plastic housings, without the proper cut-off, that blind other drivers. We "blinded" drivers have the last laugh, knowing they will soon be replacing their melted headlights.

u do know HIDs burn at a cooler temp than halogens....

Every other focus has been built out of Mexico.

You are confused, some Escorts were built in Mexico as well as Wayne Michigan plant.

The 2000-2011 NA Focus was built in the Wayne Michigan plant. The 2012 NA Focus is built in the Michigan Assembly plant (formerly Michigan Truck) located right next to the Wayne plant.

u do know HIDs burn at a cooler temp than halogens....I think you meant to say they put out less heat than a halogen. They turn more of their electrical energy into light, and less into heat.

I think you meant to say they put out less heat than a halogen. They turn more of their electrical energy into light, and less into heat.
Yes, confusing since it could also refer to the color spectrum of the light.

I think you meant to say they put out less heat than a halogen. They turn more of their electrical energy into light, and less into heat.

Yes thank you. That's what I meant.[thumb]

Every other focus has been built out of Mexico.

Actually the only N.A. Focus built in Hermosillo Assembly Sonora Mexico was the 2000-2005 hatch. From 2006 onwards the assembly plant was re-jigged to build the Fusion, Milan & MKZ mid-size cars.

As far as Euro & North America spec Focus head lamps being inter-changeable, my guess is it will be easily done. Not being an electrician I cannot comment on this aspect, but as far as design, when I looked at the USA and Euro spec side b y side in Spain, I could not see any differences at all.

Unlike the Fiesta, as the front ends, hood and head lamp shapes are totally different.

The NA fiesta had a re-designed bumper, which is partially why the euro-fiesta headlights need modifications to fit.

The focus however was designed originally to be sold globally, so I believe the bumper was unchanged, which should allow the headlights to fit just fine. The wiring harness is probably the only change. Since HID/LED's draw less power overall (as mentioned, they have a higher efficiency rating), the system will think there must be something wrong (burnt out bulbs or something), and throw out an error. I believe adding in a resistance device will usually overcome that issue.

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

He wouldn't be blinding anyone.

These are OEM projectors.

Why? HIDs blind everyone else on the road, and the illumination isn't that much of an improvement.

Uhh.. what? HIDs pwn the piss out of stock halogen headlights..

Uhh.. what? HIDs pwn the piss out of stock halogen headlights..

[werd] yup ^