So everyone knows they can get Ford OEM Euro projector headlights for about $800. I felt that there HAD to be something else decent out there for less as I cannot stand the cheap base model reflector headlights we get on the ST while the rest of the world gets projectors with LED DRL strip. So there are TYC and Depo brand replicas from Taiwan out there. I was originally going to order the TYC's but when I was finally ready to order, they were no longer being carried at the web site that is easily the most inexpensive we could find. As others have ordered from them before with good luck, I decided to go for it. Apparently, Depo has a slightly better reputation for quality over TYC anyway, so for $141 each plus shipping, I can't complain. Also, I did confirm that this set is indeed for Left Hand Drive/Right Hand Traffic, but in the Euro (ECE) cutoff. As you can see here, they do come up on the sides more, so getting the proper LHD option prevents the light from hitting oncoming drivers as shown here. We want the middle ones so the extended lighting over the DOT spec is off to the sides and not into oncoming traffic drivers faces.
Instead of linking directly to one individual side headlight, I'm linking to the main page I found them on that list both the left and right side. I had to play with the vehicle selector, strangely, to find these. They weren't listed under the ST200, nor the "200ps" ST, but only under the 182ps ST, which is weird because they literally are all the exact same dimension anyway. They are the ones for $141 each HERE. Note that they say they ARE for LED bulbs, which is interesting.
Not to get into a debate with anyone, but with projectors having a hard cutoff, just about any decent bulb in halogen, LED or HID can be used. So after TONS of research into bulbs, including starting a stickied thread here on using LED's in the reflector housings properly, I decided to go with HID's as they are simply amazing for the money with better light spread, as long as you have a projector lens, so I got the DDM Tuning Plus Premium 5500K set HERE for $60.
Regarding bulb quality, I have found ONE legit, independent review site that tests halogen, HID and LED in both reflector and projector housings and that is BulbFacts.com. Now, in all transparency, after I confirmed this guy is the "real deal" and is simply a 2nd job for a regular guy and only makes any money by buying using his referral links, I established a good relationship with the gentleman, Blaise, who owns and runs it. So yes, I do promote the site but only because it is 100% independent and does not get paid to promote one product over another. He literally buys the products themselves and sets up affiliate programs so he can make a couple of bucks when you buy something through his links, that's it.. So that said, Blaise did help pay for a portion of these headlights, simply because I recommend his site, which I do only because he is truly independent. Anyway, as you can see on BulbFacts HERE, the HID's I selected are the #1 HID kit for projectors for the ones he has tested on Amazon. You can also use his LED chart to see which ones actually work properly in the reflector housings too and again, I welcome you to check out the stickied thread on LED discussion.
So I did have a choice of 4500k, 5500k and 6500k for the HID's for low beam. 4500k would have provided the most light output out of each 35w but I wanted a clean modern look so went with the white 5500k, which is the color temp tested. Now, he hasn't tested all that many HID kits of of yet, but I can say he also recommended the DDM Tuning Ultra, which are $120. He did say that they have the same bulbs but do have major upgraded ballasts, but with my budget I just didn't feel they were worth it for twice the price as the Premium. I can always upgrade my ballasts too if I feel they need it.
So, with the low beams decided, I now have to determine what to use for high beams and turn signals. Now, stock low beams use an H11 bulb while the projectors use an H7, however the high beam takes the same H1 and turn signal takes the same PY21W. I am wondering if the H1 mounting area will be able to fit an LED, the factory reflectors don't seem to be able to. With the warm-up time needed for HID and the high beams needing to come on instantly, only halogen or LED is appropriate for a high beam anyway, so I'll have to wait and see. Likely, even though they aren't as bright, some blue frosted halogen that come out white may be the best bet.
Another issue is the wiring involved to use Euro projectors. Since they do come with the LED DRL's, I can move one pin in the factory wiring harness to get the DRL's to come on always dim or bright. If I want them to have OEM functionality where they are bright while the headlights aren't on and dim when the headlights are on, I would have to do a wiring harness, and there are some threads here on how to do. However, I am also considering LED's for the markers/turn signals. I can always move the amber standard bulbs over as well. They take what's called PY21W also known as 1156 size bulbs and with going LED's they do need resistors to avoid hyperflash. So, I'm not too concerned ATM, I'll do some more research on those.
However, the BIGGEST issue in using Euro projectors, is that they DO have motorized leveling for the projector lens. As of now, the only way to use this feature is by using the Euro style headlight switch, which sadly fits far differently and cannot be used in our cars without a custom dash cutting/fitting. Sadly, because they are intended to be connected to that Euro headlight switch, the TYC and Depo are known to sometimes arrive not exactly aligned level to start with, which apparently is NOT an issue using the Ford OEM ones, which do come level. Others on here and the FB groups have been able to adjust them using a combo of 2 different adjustments available on them, so I am keeping touch with those that have. Worst case scenario, I find a used Euro headlights switch to hook up once temporarily to get the motorized adjusters to level them.
So, they are all ordered but won't be here for a couple of weeks. in the meantime, I'm happy to start the discussion! Again, with all these other more popular cars having so many aftermarket headlight options, I felt I really at least wanted the Euro projector with LED DRL equivalents, at a reasonable price, so here we are!
Instead of linking directly to one individual side headlight, I'm linking to the main page I found them on that list both the left and right side. I had to play with the vehicle selector, strangely, to find these. They weren't listed under the ST200, nor the "200ps" ST, but only under the 182ps ST, which is weird because they literally are all the exact same dimension anyway. They are the ones for $141 each HERE. Note that they say they ARE for LED bulbs, which is interesting.
Not to get into a debate with anyone, but with projectors having a hard cutoff, just about any decent bulb in halogen, LED or HID can be used. So after TONS of research into bulbs, including starting a stickied thread here on using LED's in the reflector housings properly, I decided to go with HID's as they are simply amazing for the money with better light spread, as long as you have a projector lens, so I got the DDM Tuning Plus Premium 5500K set HERE for $60.
Regarding bulb quality, I have found ONE legit, independent review site that tests halogen, HID and LED in both reflector and projector housings and that is BulbFacts.com. Now, in all transparency, after I confirmed this guy is the "real deal" and is simply a 2nd job for a regular guy and only makes any money by buying using his referral links, I established a good relationship with the gentleman, Blaise, who owns and runs it. So yes, I do promote the site but only because it is 100% independent and does not get paid to promote one product over another. He literally buys the products themselves and sets up affiliate programs so he can make a couple of bucks when you buy something through his links, that's it.. So that said, Blaise did help pay for a portion of these headlights, simply because I recommend his site, which I do only because he is truly independent. Anyway, as you can see on BulbFacts HERE, the HID's I selected are the #1 HID kit for projectors for the ones he has tested on Amazon. You can also use his LED chart to see which ones actually work properly in the reflector housings too and again, I welcome you to check out the stickied thread on LED discussion.
So I did have a choice of 4500k, 5500k and 6500k for the HID's for low beam. 4500k would have provided the most light output out of each 35w but I wanted a clean modern look so went with the white 5500k, which is the color temp tested. Now, he hasn't tested all that many HID kits of of yet, but I can say he also recommended the DDM Tuning Ultra, which are $120. He did say that they have the same bulbs but do have major upgraded ballasts, but with my budget I just didn't feel they were worth it for twice the price as the Premium. I can always upgrade my ballasts too if I feel they need it.
So, with the low beams decided, I now have to determine what to use for high beams and turn signals. Now, stock low beams use an H11 bulb while the projectors use an H7, however the high beam takes the same H1 and turn signal takes the same PY21W. I am wondering if the H1 mounting area will be able to fit an LED, the factory reflectors don't seem to be able to. With the warm-up time needed for HID and the high beams needing to come on instantly, only halogen or LED is appropriate for a high beam anyway, so I'll have to wait and see. Likely, even though they aren't as bright, some blue frosted halogen that come out white may be the best bet.
Another issue is the wiring involved to use Euro projectors. Since they do come with the LED DRL's, I can move one pin in the factory wiring harness to get the DRL's to come on always dim or bright. If I want them to have OEM functionality where they are bright while the headlights aren't on and dim when the headlights are on, I would have to do a wiring harness, and there are some threads here on how to do. However, I am also considering LED's for the markers/turn signals. I can always move the amber standard bulbs over as well. They take what's called PY21W also known as 1156 size bulbs and with going LED's they do need resistors to avoid hyperflash. So, I'm not too concerned ATM, I'll do some more research on those.
However, the BIGGEST issue in using Euro projectors, is that they DO have motorized leveling for the projector lens. As of now, the only way to use this feature is by using the Euro style headlight switch, which sadly fits far differently and cannot be used in our cars without a custom dash cutting/fitting. Sadly, because they are intended to be connected to that Euro headlight switch, the TYC and Depo are known to sometimes arrive not exactly aligned level to start with, which apparently is NOT an issue using the Ford OEM ones, which do come level. Others on here and the FB groups have been able to adjust them using a combo of 2 different adjustments available on them, so I am keeping touch with those that have. Worst case scenario, I find a used Euro headlights switch to hook up once temporarily to get the motorized adjusters to level them.
So, they are all ordered but won't be here for a couple of weeks. in the meantime, I'm happy to start the discussion! Again, with all these other more popular cars having so many aftermarket headlight options, I felt I really at least wanted the Euro projector with LED DRL equivalents, at a reasonable price, so here we are!
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, I use them in both my cars and are the brightest non-tritons that we have found. 
![[party]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_party.gif "Party [party]"){kind=icon}
