Changing Bulbs To Xenon Look..

Shammy · October 27, 2012

Was wondering if I was to change my light bulbs to Xenon lookalike what bulbs would I need to buy... I own a MY2010 60 plate Lexus IS220d SE pretty basic.. Not sure if its got plain normal bulbs already in there or halogen

F.A. · October 27, 2012

The Normal bulbs are Halogen. Have a look at Powerbulbs.com You will be able to find the sizes you require on there for Halogen replacements, although you will probably still be disappointed if you are trying to get the HID effect and brightness. There are many HID retrofit kits available of varying price and quality. I am sure someone who has fitted one to their IS will come along shortly and advise.

Exdee · October 27, 2012

Osram Night-breakers or Philips extreme/diamond vision seem to be the most popular non-hid choice. If you get a HID kit make sure you get a good one as there have been reports of the cheaper ones interfering with the cars steering ecu.

steve2006 · October 27, 2012

Good point Exdee,

With todays sensitive electronics fitted to modern cars it is important to ensure retrofit electronic devices don't cause problems with other factory fitted systems.

Location of ballasts is also an important factor to avoid conflicts.

I have read of cases where even fitting the incorrect specification spark plugs has caused problems to ECUs.

Shepherd · October 28, 2012

I investigated this a few years ago and found out that Xenon look halogen bulbs are rubbish. They just look a bit blueish but the brightness is reduced a bit. If you decide to put in a Xenon HID conversion kit, (lots on ebay) please do note it is illegal in UK to do so for cars that don't have auto levelling and headlight washers.

ChrisIS200SportTTE · October 28, 2012

I investigated this a few years ago and found out that xenon look halogen bulbs are rubbish. They just look a bit blueish but the brightness is reduced a bit. If you decide to put in a Xenon HID conversion kit, (lots on ebay) please do note it is illegal in UK to do so for cars that don't have auto levelling and headlight washers.

How is it illegal? I thought that as well but I've been told by an MOT tester that it's not! Ive also researched on line and cant find anything concrete that it is actually illegal! Lots of people saying without headlight washers etc it's illegal but I can't find an actual law saying it is. I've even been through the MOT testers manual and in the bit about headlights it just goes on about correct dip and alignment. Absolutely nothing on HID kits being a fail!

Confused as I have a HID kit fitted to mine. It is yet to go through an MOT with the kit fitted as in only did it a couple of weeks ago. But the garage I asked never fail cars with HID kits as long as the alignment is correct.