Will Newer Hid Bulbs Be Any Brighter>

[Beejay55]

Just picked up my first Lexus this afternoon. It is a 2004 LS430. What a fantastic car. The two hour drive up from Cardiff was a real revelation as to what a quality product it is.

Now, there are the inevitable small things that I would like to change. One thing is the main-beam bulbs. These are not as bright as I had hoped they would be. Is it possible that a modern HID bulb is going to be brighter than a 10 year-old bulb, and that changing them will lead to an improvement?

Any views?

Thank you.

[alien1974]

The main beam bulb isnt HID, its a normal halogen bulb HB3 , but there are plenty of upgrades on the market for that bulb

[The-Acre]

As said, the main beams aren't HID's. I replaced one of my HID low beam bulbs, and the difference in brightness was so noticeable I had to change the other one.

Welcome to the LOC BTW!

[Beejay55]

Thanks. It was actually the dipped beam bulbs I meant to say. Can I ask where you got the bulbs that you are so pleased with?

Thank you for the welcome. I am looking forward to reading and learning, and hopefully in due course making a contribution.

I drove to work for the first time in the LS430. A 130-mile round trip of country lanes, dual carriageway, motorway and city driving. A relaxing experience. I particularly liked the rapid acceleration, allowing overtaking in places the previous car could never have managed.

[The-Acre]

Thanks. It was actually the dipped beam bulbs I meant to say. Can I ask where you got the bulbs that you are so pleased with?

Thank you for the welcome. I am looking forward to reading and learning, and hopefully in due course making a contribution.

I drove to work for the first time in the LS430. A 130-mile round trip of country lanes, dual carriageway, motorway and city driving. A relaxing experience. I particularly liked the rapid acceleration, allowing overtaking in places the previous car could never have managed.

Glad you're pleased with it. I got my bulbs from Eurocarparts but Halfords sell them for a bit less, about £59 each I think. I wouldn't risk cheap eBay ones that cost £18 for two!

Fiddly to fit because you can't see where they go. There are some pictures somewhere that I posted, or I can send them to you if you need them. I slid my smart phone down to take pictures so I knew what I was "feeling" for. Remember the high voltage involved, so maybe best to disconnect the Battery, just to be sure. And I'm sure you know anyway, but don't touch the glass on the new bulbs, They are actually quite delicate, as you'll see when you buy them, so a steady hand when replacing is needed.

[Beejay55]

Thanks Phil. I think I will go to Halfords and pay to have them fit them, while I wait. I live in a very rural part of the country and good headlights is an absolute necessity, although my wife thinks it is an obsession

[The-Acre]

Thanks Phil. I think I will go to Halfords and pay to have them fit them, while I wait. I live in a very rural part of the country and good headlights is an absolute necessity, although my wife thinks it is an obsession

Just be careful, Halfords won't be familiar with these cars. Still, it'll be amusing watching as they scratch their heads! It takes about 20 mins or so to do the whole job (when you know what you're doing)

[Beejay55]

In that case, I will be providing 'an opportunity for learning'

[Titch LS]

Brendan, Kwik-Fit couldn't even fit a pair of windscreen wipers to my LS and told me to visit my dealership! I fitted them myself when I got home. I was just being lazy I know, but it just goes to show you that these places, (including Halfords), are not necessarily the 'experts' you think they are. Some years ago, Halfords ruined a perfectly good ball-joint rubber on one of my previous cars and didn't tell me about it. It was only on inspecting their work when I got home that I saw the damage. It was fine before leaving it with them. Doesn't inspire confidence..

[The-Acre]

Brendan, Kwik-Fit couldn't even fit a pair of windscreen wipers to my LS and told me to visit my dealership! I fitted them myself when I got home. I was just being lazy I know, but it just goes to show you that these places, (including Halfords), are not necessarily the 'experts' you think they are. Some years ago, Halfords ruined a perfectly good ball-joint rubber on one of my previous cars and didn't tell me about it. It was only on inspecting their work when I got home that I saw the damage. It was fine before leaving it with them. Doesn't inspire confidence..

I agree, I took mine to Halfords for an air con re gas, two weeks later I was replacing the compressor. Coincidence?

[Malc]

Halfords mean well I'm sure ..... BUT .... when a headlamp bulb went on my Mazda 323f ( poppy-up headlights ) the Halfords guy tried for ages to get to change the bulb but gave up and my usual indy guy did it ... as simple as ( when you know how )

I suspect the Lexus headlamp bulb replacement might be a little challenging .... so don't expect an easy way out with Halfords

Malc