Significance of Tail Lite Color

[JimPDX]

For MY1999 996 what was the significance of the two different colored tail lite bulbs that Porsche used? I'm not sure which was first, the amber or the 'white'. Did that signify that certain models were early and late 1999's. I'm trying to figure out which my 99 came with, because I know the previous owner replaced some the directional and tail lite bulbs. My US 1999 was made in late November 1998.

Happy New Year Everyone... :cheers:

Thx...

Jim

[Loren]

Only the early MY99 (US) cars had amber lens(es) (not bulbs). My June 99 build Carrera and all later Carrera's had clear (H2) headlights and tail lights. I upgraded to Litronics have which always been clear.

[JimPDX]

Hi Loren...

Thx for the clarification, i.e., being the tail and headlights not the bulbs.

My Headlights are clear and my tail light assembly are the same as your car in your picture--clear, as well.

What then, is the significance of Porsche's switch to the clear lights? Does that mean that those that have them (clear) are considered the 'later' builds with fewer known problems of the 'early builds'?

As always...thx for the info. I appreciate it...

Jim

Only the early MY99 (US) cars had amber lens(es) (not bulbs). My June 99 build Carrera and all later Carrera's had clear (H2) headlights and tail lights. i upgraded to Litronics have which always been clear.

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[Loren]

I don't know that the lights have anything to do with the early build car updates - I always thought it was to better distinguish the Carrera from the Boxster.

Certainly the late MY99 build cars have a number of small problems fixed (i.e. coolant expansion tank, gas cap and oil filler cap seals, o-rings on oil return pipes, clutch boost spring, etc.). Changes are made during production all the time so cars that were early builds still may have many of the later build fixes. That and/or the dealer may have fixed most of them.

Your car's build date can be found a sticker on the driver's door frame.

[D_Man]

Hi Loren...

Thx for the clarification, i.e., being the tail and headlights not the bulbs.

My Headlights are clear and my tail light assembly are the same as your car in your picture--clear, as well.

What then, is the significance of Porsche's switch to the clear lights? Does that mean that those that have them (clear) are considered the 'later' builds with fewer known problems of the 'early builds'?

As always...thx for the info. I appreciate it...

Jim

Only the early MY99 (US) cars had amber lens(es) (not bulbs). My June 99 build Carrera and all later Carrera's had clear (H2) headlights and tail lights. i upgraded to Litronics have which always been clear.

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<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have an early 99 996 that has the original amber lights. These give the car a bit dated look, But I think they work, I toyed with the idea about upgraging to clear light's but it doesnt seem worth the trouble. Now I like the amber just as well.

The average person (non-porsche type) is not going to notice one way or the other.

Here are pictures from my car.

[JimPDX]

OK...now I understand. I don't think I have noticed this before. Thanks for the pictures!!

Jim

Hi Loren...

Thx for the clarification, i.e., being the tail and headlights not the bulbs.

My Headlights are clear and my tail light assembly are the same as your car in your picture--clear, as well.

What then, is the significance of Porsche's switch to the clear lights? Does that mean that those that have them (clear) are considered the 'later' builds with fewer known problems of the 'early builds'?

As always...thx for the info. I appreciate it...

Jim

Only the early MY99 (US) cars had amber lens(es) (not bulbs). My June 99 build Carrera and all later Carrera's had clear (H2) headlights and tail lights. i upgraded to Litronics have which always been clear.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have an early 99 996 that has the original amber lights. These give the car a bit dated look, But I think they work, I toyed with the idea about upgraging to clear light's but it doesnt seem worth the trouble. Now I like the amber just as well.

The average person (non-porsche type) is not going to notice one way or the other.

Here are pictures from my car.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>