Deanski

I'm looking to see if there are any higher Kelvin bulbs for the '03 SC430 in 6000K.

Are these just able to be swapped out from the factory originals?

I do not want to tamper with the "auto-leveling" of these lights, just want bulbs that are a bit more on the blue/white spectrum.

What bulbs are in them now (Size/model/Mfg) and at what Kelvin are they? Anyone have information as to the current ones, please let me know.

Thanking you in advance,

Deanski

squarehat

They are D2S, 4100K. Not sure if they are Osram or Philips. If you wish to upgrade, Philips Ultinon 6000K is a direct swap in the D2S size. Swapping the capsules (term for HID bulb) should not affect auto-leveling in any way.

alfa2600

Will this change also work in a 2002?

Deanski

THANKS SQUAREHAT!

So now with that information, I'm going to change out the 4100K's to 6000K or better, just to increase the whiteness of the light projected.

As soon as I find out which wattage they are, I'll change them with matching wattage.

I'll post results as soon as I can.

Regards,

DEANKSI

squarehat

alfa: The bulb size did not change. The 2002, as all other vehicles with projector headlights/OEM HID, use D2S capsules (2nd gen Discharge for ellipSoidal projectors).

There are basically two types of HID used in OEM systems. D2S for projectors, like the SC430, BMW 5-Series, Audi; and D2R for reflectors (all other Lexus vehicles), Acura, some Mercedes-Benz. D2R has a masking stripe on the bottom to reduce upglare when installed in free-form reflectors that are designed to work specifically with that bulb.

D2S/D2R both run at 35W. I've never seen an overwattage HID bulb.

The 6000K Ultinon are also 35W, and use clear glass. Beware of blue painted bulbs advertised as Ultinons. Ultinons use a different fill gas/metal salt mix to achieve their color, and are more white/purplish tinge than blue. I believe that authentic Ultinons have a dark red return wire (the metal piece that goes down the side of the capsule.

Deanski

OK, So now we know which bulb and the wattage, now comes the part of replacing these things!

Trying to find these Phillips bulbs is also not so easy.

Looking at my '03 SC430, where can you access the bulbs? It looks like a pain to remove, as there are no clear area around the headlight assy from the top.

Anyone have information on this? Should we all go to the Lexus dealer to have them replaced? Will it void any warranties? etc etc....

Regards,

Deanski

Hameed

The best prices for these HID kits are from Jason at discountcycle@ureach.com . Right now he is out of stock on the 6000K Philips Ultinon HID kits, but expects to get some in a couple of weeks. Quite a few CL members have done business with him and he is good.

squarehat

The SC430 guys just need a standard D2S bulb, not a whole kit. Autolamps-online.com lists Philips 6000K D2S as being $150/bulb.

http://www.hid-online.com/products/products.asp?id=53

Deanski

OK, Now how much of a pain is it to replace these D2S? How do you get at them?

Not much room from opening the hood and looking down into the headlight assy.

Looks as if I may have to return it to the dealer for them to remove the stock lamps and install the new 6000K bulbs.

This should not void any warranty I assume, as they are same wattage just higher Kelvin temp?

Let us know what to expect in trying to replace these.

Regards,

Deanski

Hypermagic

Deanski, sorry I don't mean to interupt your thread,.
I just wondering if you switch that OEM bulb to 6000K bulb... are you willing to sell those OEM bulb to me?

I just purchased a pair of OEM Lex ballast from CL member. It doesn't come with wiring nor bulbs.

Thanks man...

Deanski

Hypermagic

When I do switch over to the 600K units, I'll be glad to send an email to you regarding the bulbs.

I really do not know when I will be able to switch yet, so I'd keep looking for your bulbs.

Still waiting to hear from someone who has knowledge on how much of a pain it is to access the bulbs on my 2003 SC430.

Regards,
Deanski

alfa2600

I would like to know whether the bluer bulbs actually improve seeing at night, I am uninterested in whether they look good on not. My guess would be that since the wattage is the same there should be no difference. But I would like to hear from the gents who have made the change.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

Would like to revive this thread to see if anyone who's upgraded the to the 6000k from the stock/OEM 4100K (as stated above, and if true). and their impression and results. I'm thinking about upgrading my fog lights to HID, but need to decide what matching color to go with. So if anyone can provide proof that the stock OEM Lowbean HID bulb is 4100k. I'm a firm believer in "trust but verify." Thanks in advance.

Organized Garage Status

Stock HID bulbs are usually 4100k. In newer vehicles they've upped it to as much as 5k, but no higher. We strongly recommend not to use anything higher than 5k. 6k will provide blue light and very eye straining especially in long drives. 4100-4500 are the closest to natural light and will be the best performance wise.