Hi guys !

I was wondering if someone could help me out with some advice about my headlight. It went out just recently and I was told I would need to replace the entire headlight which is about $900 ... I really think I may just need the bulb and its an HID. Google is giving mixed part numbers though.
Not sure if it will help if I give the VIN Number but its a 2017 Lexus ES350.

Any help would be greatly appreciated !

-Farrin

 

Buy a bulb and replace the one in there. A lot cheaper than $900.00. If it works you're golden. If it don't switch to plan B... Ask the dealer parts for the type bulb it is then go buy it at Rock Auto or PEP Boys for less.

 

here is the parts guide from Bell Lexus.

https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsda...C410-8101.html

 

Recent thread on the headlights. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...018-model.html
I'm not certain, but I believe the low beam is LED, which requires the entire assembly of it burns out. The high beam Halogen bulb can be changed out separately.

 

For the 2017 ES, there were 2 headlight options, but, by the 2017 model year, neither had HID headlights. The standard headlight included LED low beams and halogen high beams. The optional (and more expensive) headlights were the bi-LED headlights, which were self leveling and had both LED low beams and LED high beams.

 

https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrive...s#/collapseOne

Go to this site above and enter your VIN#. It should have every option listed. You probably have H9 composite halogen bulbs, or LEDs. Your local auto parts store can help you. Car dealership repair shops, they're great if your under warranty or have an oil change special. We learn by doing.

 

Wait, the low beam bulb is not replaceable???? If it burns out, we have to buy the entire assembly??? Surely there is a way to replace your low beam without dropping a grand.

 

Yes whole assembly needs to be replaced when it’s LED.

 

Really? The entire headlight unit? I can believe you. It just seems a little implausible? Surely, someone with a similar model has experienced a burnt out headlamp? Also, a very poor design issue, if true. Unscrew the covers and the halogen and HID bulbs are accessible, but mine isn't a 2017.

 

Fog, DRL and low beam is not user serviceable on this car. I think the same is true of the rear combo lights except the turn and back up bulb.

 

LED headlights have never been user replaceable with any Lexus. Applies to most other brands as well. You can pull up the parts catalogue and the LED elements/bulb cannot be brought standalone.

I have not heard LED headlights going out on this forum. when they do it’s normally due to an accident which the whole unit is replaced.

 

That's good to know about the LED lights. Super bright. I have heard they are not user friendly and should only be replaced by a pro on the newer models. This was from a dealership mechanic, so take that advice with a grain of skepticism. The HID equipped Lexus model assemblies were self leveling, though the beam was not as bright as the new LEDs. The HID bulb looks serviceable like a composite. LEDs sure light up road and don't heat up like the other styles. I have a second car I bought used, it is not a Lex, my apologies, a 2016 and the low beams were terrible. They're the old style Halogens that I'd like to convert to LED. I installed new and brighter halogen bulbs, but very little difference was achieved and they do not have a history of lasting long.

 

For the 2016 ES, the HID high beam actually lights up the road better than the LED high beam. But the LED high beam looks much more modern.

Halogen High Beam:





LED Highbeam

 

I just saw that factory headlights are designed for the bulb it was equipped with. Obviously meaning that changing to LED may not improve vision? The lens is set specifically for the OEM. I have HIDs low beams on my old and new (both bought used) '14 and '15 that have a slight yellowish tint, but combined with the fog lights, are okay. The high beam is very good and because of the clearer lens, LEDs would probably make a difference? High beams were halogen in the '15. I think? Never had a problem, except for moisture build up inside the headlight unit, which was an easy fix. But wouldn't you change all 4 if converted to LED?

 

I converted my ‘15 ES 350 from halogen to LED for the low beams only. The halogen high beams light up the road very well IMO, but the low beams were terrible.

I used Diode Dynamics SL1 LEDs, which do a very good job of matching the stock halogen beam pattern (with a nice, clean cutoff to avoid glaring at oncoming traffic) while being much brighter. I definitely recommend them if you want to upgrade.

I’m not sure if you can switch from stock HID to LED though.