dantampa

A bird flew into my headlight today on the highway, breaking the outside lens and some of the reflective plastic behind the lens. Do I have to replace the entire unit now? If so, do I need to stick with OEM parts? Any recommendations for where to purchase? Is it difficult to replace the unit yourself?

Thanks in advance,
Dan

lexmoose

Really easy to replace, 5 screws and some plugs to remove and the assembly will be out.

Be careful, there's some module (metal) underneath the assembly that could scratch the bumper


More economical is to find one used, you can swap the component (ballast, ECU, motor) from yours if some are defective.

you can also find replacement assembly (not OEM) for ~200$ on the web (amazon), If your driver side look the same as your passenger side, I suggest you replace both side.

dantampa

Awesome, thanks for the info. Any comments regarding OEM versus non-OEM and where best to source the part from?

Legender

There are some on ebay, but they are pricey... not sure what new ones cost. Might check craigslist for auto parts.

dantampa

I found a non-OEM one on rockauto.com (presumably new) for $250.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1413323

lexmoose

There's AutoLightsBulbs on Amazon that sell them, all their part seems to get good rating and the price is right.

OE replacement headlight - pair(2-pic) - DOT/SAE certified
Exact replacement for OEM #81170-50171 & #81130-50171
Headlight- lens and housing
Special coating on the lens surface prevents hazing and fading, ensuring proper illumination and operational safety

Stroock639

is it an HID? if it is then a new one will be in the region of $1700 for an oem new one. my tip on where to get one would be ANYWHERE OTHER THAN A DEALERSHIP! oemlexusparts is a good site, a new one from them is *only* $1300. non HID list price is about $500, which becomes $380 on the website. that really sucks though, but remember this is essentially an $80,000 car so things won't be cheap, especially considering almost the entire car uses parts made in japan, i have yet to see made in china anywhere on the car

dantampa

Yeah, factory HID.

AutoLightsBulbs on Amazon has the unit (HID) for $198. Non-OEM, I imagine.

dantampa

Based on recommendations here on the forum and from a friend, I'm probably going to order the following unit in the next hour or so:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HID-Xenon-Headlight-Headlamp-RH-Right-Passenger-Side-for-98-00-Lexus-LS400-/310573522742?hash=item484f9fdf36&vxp=mtr

UNCNOR

iTrader: (1)

Please let us know how the quality,fit and warranty turn out.

dantampa

I'm having a friend help me replace the headlight unit when I drive home this weekend. It's a 150 mile trip down the Interstate. Is it going to be okay if I drive down during the day (assuming no rain) with the bulbs exposed now that the lens has mostly fallen away?

I looked into removing the bulbs today and it looks like a fair amount of work (I am not mechanically inclined whatsoever and am likely to screw something up even more if I get my hands under the hood).

Also, what about if it does rain? Would that change things considerably?

lexmoose

Ideally I would put a transparent piece of heavy duty plastic sheeting to prevent more damage.

Water could damage the bulbs and the electrical components

dantampa

That makes sense. How would you go about taping it down so as to not damage the paint?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Just use clear tape to cover it.

lexmoose

I would tape it around the light on top and side and let hang a longer piece that I would insert between the bumper and light.