pot_head

i really dont like the looks of the drl in the daytime but i have no choice cuz i live in canada where drl is mandatory, so i turn on my headlights whenever i drive, even in the daytime. Does anyone know the average life of xenon(or hid...whats the diff?) bulbs? thanks.

ceboyd

the dealer insisted they last longer than stock - normal bulbs BUT I've already seen Xenon HID cars with a headlight out that is about 2 years old or younger driving around my area at night.. AND 1 SC430 in my neighborhood (a black one) has one headlight out.. so go figure?

I know using them more will shorten the life for sure! BUT my guess is that Lexus will replace them under warranty if they go within 2 years???? I could be wrong on this one though...


BTW: I just drove through Canada on my Alaska trip and my headlights burnt out 2 weeks after being home (not in my SC but in my Infiniti... cause I had to have the darn things on all damn day long!)

JAC JZS

I find that interesting that all GS's('98 included) in Canada have the 50%(always on) highbeam-DRL's. The U.S. '98 GS4's have a much dimmer DRL(changed in '99) which can be turned off anytime you want. Your HID's(OEM/ 4100k) will last longer than a halogen bulb because they run off a lower wattage(35 vs. 5_+). Also you can replace your bulbs(DRL) with something that looks better.

Bill B

It is not the bulbs that normally go it is the ignitor or ballast that craps out. Xenon bulbs should last about 7 to 10 thousand hours.

squarehat

Yes, lighting engineers don't like them being referred to as "bulbs," which implies a filament. They refer to them as (arc-discharge) "capsules." No filament means a much longer lifespan.

pot_head

Thanks guys. Off i go now to look for a replacement DRL bulb.

Bill B

You may be able to get "white" light replacement bulbs for the DRL's. Xenon "look" or HID "style".