Headlight types

djkenn · February 10, 2016

I am on the hunt for a 56 or 57 plate IS250.

How can I tell quickly whether the car has Xenon, HID or halogen lights?

normski2 · February 11, 2016

Open the bonnet and look at the back of the headlight area.

If you see a hatch cover with " DANGER High Voltage...danger of death etc etc" then that will indicate there is HID units within.

If nothing but plain black abs hatch then it will be Halogen.

Also, it is widely reported that HID units must have a jet wash facility fitted. So, from the outside, look for the little lift up cover on the bumper immediately under the headlight.

If you are looking at night ... turn on the headlight dipped beam and you should see the beam pattern move up then down to level. They are self levelling units.

TigerFish · February 11, 2016

HID lamps will take a short time to fully brighten when first switched on too (a second or two)

Sent from my Iphone using Lexus OC

djkenn · February 12, 2016

Next question.

If they are halogen, can they be upgraded to HID?

Shahpor · February 13, 2016

Perhaps you want to thank them for answering your last question first?

djkenn · February 14, 2016

Apologies if I didn't thanks contributors for the earlier information. So thanks.

If you are new to the brand, the forums are really important to avoid buying the wrong car or being ripped off by bad traders (or indeed dealers) or mechanics. Its also great to have an active forum. Sadly at the moment all I can ask questions, I don't much information to contribute.