JHD333

I just purchases a used 2007 is250 and I am attempting to determine if the factory headlights are HID. They seem pretty yellow, so I am assuming not, but is there any way for me to tell for sure?

kennyD

Difference between halogen and HID is quite apparent. Our OEM hid lights are a slight bluish tint when you first turn them on, it will turn white with a very slight amber/yellow glow once warmed up after a few seconds. I also hear a hum which I assume is from the ballasts when I first turn on my hid headlights.

You can always pull the cap behind the headlight housing and look. But I must warn you, large hands not welcomed behind there.

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Do you headlights look the different than your fogs? If they look whiter, then you have HIDs

JHD333

Thanks for the replies,

I would have to take another look when its a little darker.

Would the ballast be located directly behind the headlight bulb?

lysis250

iTrader: (18)

No, in order to see the ballast you would have to remove the headlight, its located under it.

tedward88

iTrader: (11)

Another way is when the car starts up, do the lights move up and back down. If it does, that means your headlights are equipped with AFS which means they're factory HID, otherwise they're halogens.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

For 2007 models, the easiest way to tell (besides looking at the light), is to scroll through the menu using the satellite switch on the left side of the steering wheel. If you have an option to turn AFS on or off, you have factory HID's. (Assuming there is no malfunction of your AFS ECU).

Jeff

tex2670

THIS is the sure fire way. The button looks like this: [<O>]

JHD333

Yea, looks like I definitely do not have HIDs.

So to part 2 of the question...

I don't have any real need for super bright long lasting lights. But I would like a decent pair of headlights that are pure white in color. Are HIDs necessary? Or do they make quality halogen lights that are white instead of yellow.

PS - thanks again for the replies

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Ive heard of certaing halogen bulbs that are whiter than the stock halogens, but I dont know if they are pure white.

You can also get a 5000k HID kit, which is pure white