I searched but could only find people having issues with HID lights being dim. I found another thread on someone using an HID kit with poor focus.

Anyways, I just bought a used 2011 IS250 AWD a few weeks ago and found the halogen headlights to be very dim. The foreground lighting is almost non-existent.

The headlights are clean and are not hazed. The headlight alignment appears to be good. I assume the bulbs are the original. They are the yellowy colored ones. I checked it 10ft away from the wall. Usually only the bumper of the car ahead of me is lit up. The cutoff on the wall looks good.

The alternator appears to be working because the headlights get brighter when the engine is turned on with the headlights already on.

My wife's Benz with halogen reflectors (H7 55 W) are way bright. We used to have a 2007 Camry with halogen projects (with squirrel finders) which were brighter.

I'm just wondering if everyone who has halogen projector have the same issue, or is it just me.

 

Can you post a pic? if there is nothing wrong consider an HID kit.

 

My previous stock Golf halogen reflectors


my current IS250 stock halogen projectors


Parked at the same spot at work. The underground garage is pretty well lit.

 

valeoray: Halogen bulbs do dim over time as well, it may be time for another set of halogen bulbs. Or if you want something that's even brighter, you can go with an HID kit which would be 2-3 times brighter than any standard halogen bulb.

Danny

 

The car is only 3 years old with only 43,000km. I don't believe that the halogen bulbs would dim that much.

 

It's hard to tell due to the lighting in the garage, but here is post by another member showing OEM halogens at night before the HID conversion:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...6k-beware.html

If your lights are much dimmer compared to the post I linked, I would start with replacing the bulbs with OEM or Philips Vision bulbs

 

Your car comes with projectors, why not upgrade to HIDs?

 

I don't want to void any warranties on my car, although I know using a wiring harness with relay should be ok.

 

My cutoff looks about the same, but I have absolutely no foreground lighting like that. And from a distance the cutoff is not bright (see my pic above)

 

To save on cost, I would recommend swapping the bulbs with a new set to see if that makes a difference. You should see a difference if you upgrade to the Philips CrystalVision Ultra Bulbs or the Osram Nightbreaker Plus Halogen Bulbs as they are rated to be brighter than the standard OEM halogen bulbs.

And if you think you still need more lighting you can always get an HID kit, they would be plug and play and you can take them out at any time.

Danny

 

I've ordered the new Osram Breaker Unlimited bulbs and will post a new shot at work.

I guess halogen projects are not as efficient since 1/2 the light is blocked off whereas with a halogen reflector, almost all the light is reflected down on the road, albeit, not as focused.

 

Awesome, hopefully this resolves the light output.

Danny

 

Thanks Danny!

Also, anyone with halogen projects care to comment on whether their lights are sufficient, or post cutoff shots? I know the camera settings would be different, but..

 

If your problem persists with the new bulbs, take it to the dealer since you are still under warranty. Also high output halogen bulbs burn hotter and whiter, thus have shorter life than OEM bulbs.

 

As promised, here is a pic with the Osram nighbreaker unlimited. My dash cam pic came out dark, so I took a pic with my BlackBerry. I know it won't be under the same camera settings, but
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