RX Headlight Comparo - Needs you!
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RX 300 & 350Z Guru
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From: Georgia
RX Headlight Comparo - Needs you!
I want to do a comparison of the RX headlight lenses to see if there is a difference between the HID and non-HID reflector housing. There has been a lot of talk on CL lately about upgrading to HID and that the look won't be the same w/o OEM parts, I want to see first-hand if there is a difference.
IMO, if a Lexus has an aftermarket HID kit, the beam pattern should be the same if the reflector housing is the same and a D2R bulb is used.
So, let me start by taking a pic of my '00 RX's low-beam lens housing. We can see if there is a difference b/t that and the '01+ non-hid and '01+ w/ HID.
-Nick
IMO, if a Lexus has an aftermarket HID kit, the beam pattern should be the same if the reflector housing is the same and a D2R bulb is used.
So, let me start by taking a pic of my '00 RX's low-beam lens housing. We can see if there is a difference b/t that and the '01+ non-hid and '01+ w/ HID.
-Nick
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 345
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From: Bellevue, WA
Nick,
I'm sure the beam pattern will be same IF your aftermarket HID bulb is also using D2R. Most aftermarket HID use D2S bulbs, so for your comparison, make sure you have D2R 9006 HID kit.
As for illumination brightness, I think the aftermarket will be brighter than oem. I think federal regulations set limit for brightness, so IMO as bright as the oem HID, it won't be as bright as the aftermarket. That's why if you notice, all aftermarket HID kits show "For Off-Road Only"...
-Hendry
I'm sure the beam pattern will be same IF your aftermarket HID bulb is also using D2R. Most aftermarket HID use D2S bulbs, so for your comparison, make sure you have D2R 9006 HID kit.
As for illumination brightness, I think the aftermarket will be brighter than oem. I think federal regulations set limit for brightness, so IMO as bright as the oem HID, it won't be as bright as the aftermarket. That's why if you notice, all aftermarket HID kits show "For Off-Road Only"...
-Hendry
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: woodinville WA
HID
Aftermarket HID upgrades.
The OEM versions are "legal" becuase they incorporate auto-leveling, required becuase DOT ruled they would be too high, bright, if "leveling" was not auto-controlled.
So your aftermarket HIDs are actually more likely to be less bright than the OEM versions.
The OEM versions are "legal" becuase they incorporate auto-leveling, required becuase DOT ruled they would be too high, bright, if "leveling" was not auto-controlled.
So your aftermarket HIDs are actually more likely to be less bright than the OEM versions.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 345
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From: Bellevue, WA
Uurrr... sorry... have to disagree with you about that... 
I've personally witnessed the Lexus GS with oem HID and aftermarket HID... and seems to me the aftermarket projects more "light" on the road...
that's my 2 cents... you may disagree ...
I've personally witnessed the Lexus GS with oem HID and aftermarket HID... and seems to me the aftermarket projects more "light" on the road...
that's my 2 cents... you may disagree ...
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Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 269
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From: Los Gatos
Hey Nick
When we were at the dealer picking out our car, I was comparing the housing of the xenons to the halogens, and noticed that the xenons have those vertical bars in your pic all the way across, while the halogens dont just like in your picture. Donno if what im typing makes sense, so tell me if u dont understand....
When we were at the dealer picking out our car, I was comparing the housing of the xenons to the halogens, and noticed that the xenons have those vertical bars in your pic all the way across, while the halogens dont just like in your picture. Donno if what im typing makes sense, so tell me if u dont understand....
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Thread Starter
RX 300 & 350Z Guru
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From: Georgia
wwest, it sounds as if you are saying that by putting auto-leveling on an HID equipped vehicle the lighting is not as bright. They aren't going to be too high if they are aimed properly just like halogens. Also, you will not find auto-leveling all HID equipped vehicles, take Acura for example.
Auto-leveling reduces glare when there is a load in the rear of an HID equipped vehicle, it also gives the driver an accurate illumination point. So, yes, I disagree too
01VaporBlueRX (I hate that I can't remember you're actual name - I'm bad at that
), I think I do know what you are talking about. I have noticed how OEM HID's don't fill the bottom portion of the light housing when on. I looked closely at our LS and could see the shield on the D2R bulb. I will definantly go with that if (WHEN) I get the kit. I just have to sell my dahm steering wheel and airbag 
Okay, I've started rambling...yeah, I think I know what you mean. It's the vertical bars marked below right?
Auto-leveling reduces glare when there is a load in the rear of an HID equipped vehicle, it also gives the driver an accurate illumination point. So, yes, I disagree too
01VaporBlueRX (I hate that I can't remember you're actual name - I'm bad at that
), I think I do know what you are talking about. I have noticed how OEM HID's don't fill the bottom portion of the light housing when on. I looked closely at our LS and could see the shield on the D2R bulb. I will definantly go with that if (WHEN) I get the kit. I just have to sell my dahm steering wheel and airbag Okay, I've started rambling...yeah, I think I know what you mean. It's the vertical bars marked below right?
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