Just confirmed, the car gets collected on Monday.
Does anybody have experience replacing the halogen bulbs with LEDs? in my own limited experience with my NA Miata, the LEDs last a lot longer than halogens. But with the projector headlamps on the Kizashi the tighter space within the projector could generate issues with LEDs. If the LEDs do offer a longer lifespan than the OE halogen bulbs, that might allow me to keep the bumper attached to the car for longer than with the halogens.
Maybe. Any advice and/or help is greatly appreciated.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
New Arrival From the People's Republic of California
If you can't go fast with 90hp, 900hp won't help you
I've done quite some lighting mods in my time with the Kizashi. I have HIDs for the low beam projectors but that's largely because LED kits weren't that great about twelve years ago when I started modding the Kizashi headlights. Today's LED kits are much better and I'd finally say I feel comfortable putting in LEDs in the projectors for proper beam pattern and output. I have LEDs in the DRL/High beams that work great but those are multi-reflectors and not projector housings. The LED kit is also only a couple years old thus a vast improvement over older designs.bwob wrote: ↑Sat Apr 19, 2025 9:54 pm Just confirmed, the car gets collected on Monday.
Does anybody have experience replacing the halogen bulbs with LEDs? in my own limited experience with my NA Miata, the LEDs last a lot longer than halogens. But with the projector headlamps on the Kizashi the tighter space within the projector could generate issues with LEDs. If the LEDs do offer a longer lifespan than the OE halogen bulbs, that might allow me to keep the bumper attached to the car for longer than with the halogens.
Maybe. Any advice and/or help is greatly appreciated.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
Things to consider with the Kizashi: As you already know, headlight replacement for the vehicle essentially requires the front bumper cover to come off so you can also remove the headlights for better access to the bulbs. It's a pain in the ass and given the halogen H7s in the Kizashi don't last long, it's a reason some of us have sought alternatives like HID and LED kits.
Another factor to consider is that the Kizashi uses sealed headlights so there are caps that seal the bulbs in the headlight housing. Without the caps, you will get dust and debris into the headlights as the bulbs aren't sealing the headlight like other cars. It's different than many other headlight designs this way. For some LED and HID kits, you might need to drill a hole in the cap so that wires can run out. It depends on things like how big the bulb is (LEDs have heat sinks and fans) and the size of the LED driver or HID ballast. The great thing is that newer LED bulbs/kits are smaller and don't have bulky drivers, if any external ones at all. In essence, you can fit all the components inside the headlight and seal the cap.
I have write-ups on the process but the most detailed one is for an old HID kit installation. Not all the details are relevant to an LED kit installation. I'll link the write-ups below.
HID kit in low beam projectors: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2861
LED kit in high beam multi-reflectors: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=4127
Lastly, I've purchased LED kits from DDM Tuning for both the Kizashi's current DRL/High beams and my wife's Scion (separate low and high beams). These kits are high-quality and have various designs that range from ultra compact to rather high-output. For the Kizashi, I recommend a compact design that doesn't generate too much output so you can seal the headlight and not worry about heat issues. Most LED bulbs have built-in fans but these are quite compact these days. There is also enough space in the headlight for air to circulate even with the sealed cap. There are also cheaper kits on Amazon but I like DDM because they're one of the OGs in HID and LED kits (been at it since the 2000's) and have a great reputation and long warranty. They also have physical stores in So Cal. My experience with DDM has been great thus far. They also run good sales time to time with clearance pricing on older kits. I used to source my HID components from theretrofitsource.com but have since gone to DDM for LED kits.
Below is a link for DDM's selection of H7 LED bulbs.
https://ddmtuning.com/search/?search=H7
I have the CPX 30W in the Scion's low beam projectors and they are surprisingly great for the compact size and 30W output. These are designed for very limited spaces thus barely larger than the halogen bulb they replace despite having fans. I am certain these will fit in the Kizashi headlight and seal the cap.
I have the older SaberLED ProX 55W (Version 1) H7 kit in the Kizashi's DRL/High beam which have been great for over a year. However, running LEDs in the DRL system requires capacitors to overcome flickering issues from Pulsed Width Modulation designed to dim the OE halogens in DRL mode.
Hope that helped!
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Thanks loads KuroNeko, this is awesome! Now I have some choices based on a LOT more than hopes and dreams. Thanks so much for the links. Though I am not too bad when it comes to designing cars, fixing them is another thing altogether. Worse, I'm an industrial-strength luddite when it comes to electronics so the need to pop a capacitor in line with the DRL if it's using a LED sorta gives me a case of the heebies. The longevity of LEDs is indeed appealing, but are HIDs are a better answer? The plug-and-play kits for the Kizashi from The Retrofit Source for the LED high-beams are appealing though. Just wish they had similar LED DRL/low-beam stuff. Inasmuch as we both live in the same general area, so you know of any places that could do the needed work for an all-LED setup?
I picked up the car today and the most important part in the short term is that it's pleased my owner (a.k.a. wife). I did spot a couple of issues I missed before, but these are small like a missing plug in the black roof strips covering the roof-rack mounts and a vent slider that popped off when I attempted to to adjust the AC output from the center outlets. I am buzzing over to the wrench who keeps my Miata in top shape and he's expressed an interest in possibly doing the work on my Kizashi despite his lack of first-hand experience with anything Suzuki.
I am open to any suggestions if you know local(ish) mechanics who do not run in horror when they see a Kizashi.
Once again thanks for all the info, it's invaluable. I will doubtlessly annoy you again.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
I picked up the car today and the most important part in the short term is that it's pleased my owner (a.k.a. wife). I did spot a couple of issues I missed before, but these are small like a missing plug in the black roof strips covering the roof-rack mounts and a vent slider that popped off when I attempted to to adjust the AC output from the center outlets. I am buzzing over to the wrench who keeps my Miata in top shape and he's expressed an interest in possibly doing the work on my Kizashi despite his lack of first-hand experience with anything Suzuki.
I am open to any suggestions if you know local(ish) mechanics who do not run in horror when they see a Kizashi.
Once again thanks for all the info, it's invaluable. I will doubtlessly annoy you again.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
If you can't go fast with 90hp, 900hp won't help you
Congrats on getting the car.
I know I provided a lot of details and the write-ups can look intense but the reality is that installing a compact LED kit these days doesn't differ much from replacing a halogen bulb. In the past, you had to deal with bulkier bulbs that might not fit, in addition to external drivers and ballasts that had to be routed and attached outside the headlight. Today's LED kits are so much more compact and can all fit inside the headlight. In fact, the DDM CPX LEDs are pretty much the size of the halogen bulb with no external driver.
I no longer consider HIDs the better solution. HID have bulky ballasts that will need to be mounted outside the headlight, like in my write-up. Their output performance is also less than current LED kits. In all, their installation is more complicated and performance does not exceed LEDs these days. HIDs were the better choice several years ago but no longer and even HID retailers like TRS and DDM have focused more on LEDs since.
My suggestion is to get an LED kit for the low beams first. If you then want the LEDs for the high beam/DRLs, then get those later, having gained experience in the low beam installation. You'll just have to get capacitors for the DRLs but these things aren't complicated. They are literally attachments to the harness for the kits.
As for So Cal mechanics for the Kizashi, I actually don't have any recommendations because I worked on my own car for the most part. Recalls were handled by the Suzuki Authorized Service Dealer in Santa Ana but they only do recall work. Other than changing the front struts at a pro tire shop, I did all my own work on the car, which was not too much given the Kizashi is very reliable and not complicated. I'm not an auto professional and don't have pro tools or training. My Kizashi ran on maintenance and rather basic repairs. Also, I actually think any mechanic who's worked on Japanese cars will find the Kizashi rather intuitive. I've also found that the Kizashi uses parts also used on a Toyota Camry ranging from the MAF sensor to the electronic trunk lock. It took a bit of part number cross-referencing to determine this but I've found that the Kizashi isn't actually using a lot of bespoke parts for general purposes.
I know I provided a lot of details and the write-ups can look intense but the reality is that installing a compact LED kit these days doesn't differ much from replacing a halogen bulb. In the past, you had to deal with bulkier bulbs that might not fit, in addition to external drivers and ballasts that had to be routed and attached outside the headlight. Today's LED kits are so much more compact and can all fit inside the headlight. In fact, the DDM CPX LEDs are pretty much the size of the halogen bulb with no external driver.
I no longer consider HIDs the better solution. HID have bulky ballasts that will need to be mounted outside the headlight, like in my write-up. Their output performance is also less than current LED kits. In all, their installation is more complicated and performance does not exceed LEDs these days. HIDs were the better choice several years ago but no longer and even HID retailers like TRS and DDM have focused more on LEDs since.
My suggestion is to get an LED kit for the low beams first. If you then want the LEDs for the high beam/DRLs, then get those later, having gained experience in the low beam installation. You'll just have to get capacitors for the DRLs but these things aren't complicated. They are literally attachments to the harness for the kits.
As for So Cal mechanics for the Kizashi, I actually don't have any recommendations because I worked on my own car for the most part. Recalls were handled by the Suzuki Authorized Service Dealer in Santa Ana but they only do recall work. Other than changing the front struts at a pro tire shop, I did all my own work on the car, which was not too much given the Kizashi is very reliable and not complicated. I'm not an auto professional and don't have pro tools or training. My Kizashi ran on maintenance and rather basic repairs. Also, I actually think any mechanic who's worked on Japanese cars will find the Kizashi rather intuitive. I've also found that the Kizashi uses parts also used on a Toyota Camry ranging from the MAF sensor to the electronic trunk lock. It took a bit of part number cross-referencing to determine this but I've found that the Kizashi isn't actually using a lot of bespoke parts for general purposes.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Better late than never, but better never late, here's what lives in my garage now:
So far the experience has been mildly superb and the next steps are things like LEDs to replace the H7 headlamps and a good detailing job. I will post more pictures as time allows.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
So far the experience has been mildly superb and the next steps are things like LEDs to replace the H7 headlamps and a good detailing job. I will post more pictures as time allows.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
- Attachments
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- Kissy 1-001 side (851).JPG (66.75 KiB) Viewed 155 times
If you can't go fast with 90hp, 900hp won't help you
Looks great and glad to hear you're liking the car. Getting it tinted?
In seeing a photo of the actual car, I have to point out that your Kizashi appears to have the older 18 inch alloy wheels of a Model Year 2010 SLS before the Sport models were introduced in Model Year 2011. Basically, when the Kizashi debuted in 2010, the GTS and SLS trims had 18 inch alloy wheels that looks like your current wheels. In 2011, the "Kizashi Sport" was offered and all GTS and SLS trims became these Sport models. They had lighter-weight 18 inch alloy wheels that look different. The odd thing is that your car is a model year 2012 thus would have been equipped with the Sport wheels, not the ones you currently have. However, Kizashis wearing different or repainted wheels isn't surprising given the paint on the 18s of any model year was very poor. The paint on the wheels often chipped or flaked off in chunks. This happened to me personally when a body shop power-washed my wheels thus I had my Sport 18's repainted.
I just wanted to point out that the wheels your 2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport has are not the original wheels for that car in case you were not aware. Looks great anyway and I can tell your Kizashi is the Kizashi Sport given the front fascia, side sills under the chrome trim on the doors, and the small spoiler. These are all features only found on Sport models.
In seeing a photo of the actual car, I have to point out that your Kizashi appears to have the older 18 inch alloy wheels of a Model Year 2010 SLS before the Sport models were introduced in Model Year 2011. Basically, when the Kizashi debuted in 2010, the GTS and SLS trims had 18 inch alloy wheels that looks like your current wheels. In 2011, the "Kizashi Sport" was offered and all GTS and SLS trims became these Sport models. They had lighter-weight 18 inch alloy wheels that look different. The odd thing is that your car is a model year 2012 thus would have been equipped with the Sport wheels, not the ones you currently have. However, Kizashis wearing different or repainted wheels isn't surprising given the paint on the 18s of any model year was very poor. The paint on the wheels often chipped or flaked off in chunks. This happened to me personally when a body shop power-washed my wheels thus I had my Sport 18's repainted.
I just wanted to point out that the wheels your 2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport has are not the original wheels for that car in case you were not aware. Looks great anyway and I can tell your Kizashi is the Kizashi Sport given the front fascia, side sills under the chrome trim on the doors, and the small spoiler. These are all features only found on Sport models.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Window tint's on the shopping list KuroNeko, but the LED conversion's in the catbird seat at the moment.
I am aware these are the 2010 wheel design. I guess it's the car designer in me, but I prefer the relative simplicity of the earlier (and heavier) wheels. I looked at getting the original 'sport' ones refinished, but an additional appeal the ones on the car had to me is that they're NEW. Stumbling around the web looking for a set of aftermarket wheels as a quick and not-so-expensive way out of my peely Sport wheels, I stumbled across this:
https://www.mrwheeldeal.com/buy-wheel-o ... 1a-18x8-50
The price was right and as I mentioned, I prefer the somewhat simpler design and bought a set, though I know I have altered the 'purity' of the original 2012 STS Sport package. I must admit I never heard of the maker (Road Ready Wheels) but that didn't stop me.
While I was looking for wheels in general, I came across these as well:
https://www.mrwheeldeal.com/buy-wheel-o ... 1a-18x8-50
Again, these are new production. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I saw these at that website. They also have what I think are the 17-inchers that came on other Kizashi models.
How was Japan? I did part of my high school in Japan as an exchange student and Mazda shuttled me back-and-forth between our California studio and Hiroshima with frightening regularity, so I've developed a love for the place.
Thanks for the note and as things develop I'll pass info along.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
I am aware these are the 2010 wheel design. I guess it's the car designer in me, but I prefer the relative simplicity of the earlier (and heavier) wheels. I looked at getting the original 'sport' ones refinished, but an additional appeal the ones on the car had to me is that they're NEW. Stumbling around the web looking for a set of aftermarket wheels as a quick and not-so-expensive way out of my peely Sport wheels, I stumbled across this:
https://www.mrwheeldeal.com/buy-wheel-o ... 1a-18x8-50
The price was right and as I mentioned, I prefer the somewhat simpler design and bought a set, though I know I have altered the 'purity' of the original 2012 STS Sport package. I must admit I never heard of the maker (Road Ready Wheels) but that didn't stop me.
While I was looking for wheels in general, I came across these as well:
https://www.mrwheeldeal.com/buy-wheel-o ... 1a-18x8-50
Again, these are new production. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I saw these at that website. They also have what I think are the 17-inchers that came on other Kizashi models.
How was Japan? I did part of my high school in Japan as an exchange student and Mazda shuttled me back-and-forth between our California studio and Hiroshima with frightening regularity, so I've developed a love for the place.
Thanks for the note and as things develop I'll pass info along.
bwob
(Bob Hall)
If you can't go fast with 90hp, 900hp won't help you
Ah, that makes sense. While your current wheels resemble the 2010 SLS wheels, they do look more whitish silver than I think the OE wheels were. It makes sense they are aftermarket and I'm glad you were able to get OE-looking wheels that better suited your tastes. They do look great on your white SLS.
My visit to Japan was great as always. I have roots there and my mother resides in Japan so I visit about every other year. While I've never worked in the auto industry to know how things really are, it sounds like you were pretty heavily involved in Mazda if they took you between California (Irvine, I presume?) and Hiroshima regularly. Those are the two HQs for them. While Mazda isn't among the biggest automakers in Japan, they are a giant for Hiroshima and account for about 30% of the city's GDP, per sources I've read. I've been to the city as a kid on a field trip, but as you can probably guess, spent the majority of the trip at the memorial and museum before visiting Miyajima. I'd love to return and check out Mazda's museum or visitor center. I've been to Toyota's museums in Nagoya and though not an automaker, Kawasaki's given they are from my hometown of Kobe.
Shortly before the trip to Japan, I sold my Kizashi to my nephew soon after purchasing a Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. I actually went back to the brand as I had a 2005 Mazda3 Sport with the 2.3 liter and 5 speed manual before I got the Kizashi. It was a very fun compact to drive but minor rust issues and grind of Washington, DC traffic at the time had me upgrade to the more refined and comfortable Kizashi after finding it unexpectedly. It was a bit of a trade-off in nimble sporty driving character for a heavier and more composed sedan. While the Kizashi was a better car in many ways, I can say the manual transmission was no cigar to the Mazda's precise and delightful shifting. Alas, I now drive an e-CVT-equipped hybrid Toyota dressed up as a Mazda (but I'm actually digging it).
Enjoy the Kizashi. I certainly did for about 13 years.
My visit to Japan was great as always. I have roots there and my mother resides in Japan so I visit about every other year. While I've never worked in the auto industry to know how things really are, it sounds like you were pretty heavily involved in Mazda if they took you between California (Irvine, I presume?) and Hiroshima regularly. Those are the two HQs for them. While Mazda isn't among the biggest automakers in Japan, they are a giant for Hiroshima and account for about 30% of the city's GDP, per sources I've read. I've been to the city as a kid on a field trip, but as you can probably guess, spent the majority of the trip at the memorial and museum before visiting Miyajima. I'd love to return and check out Mazda's museum or visitor center. I've been to Toyota's museums in Nagoya and though not an automaker, Kawasaki's given they are from my hometown of Kobe.
Shortly before the trip to Japan, I sold my Kizashi to my nephew soon after purchasing a Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. I actually went back to the brand as I had a 2005 Mazda3 Sport with the 2.3 liter and 5 speed manual before I got the Kizashi. It was a very fun compact to drive but minor rust issues and grind of Washington, DC traffic at the time had me upgrade to the more refined and comfortable Kizashi after finding it unexpectedly. It was a bit of a trade-off in nimble sporty driving character for a heavier and more composed sedan. While the Kizashi was a better car in many ways, I can say the manual transmission was no cigar to the Mazda's precise and delightful shifting. Alas, I now drive an e-CVT-equipped hybrid Toyota dressed up as a Mazda (but I'm actually digging it).
Enjoy the Kizashi. I certainly did for about 13 years.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)