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No not at all… the LS430 projectors have some of the best projecting side range which is why they were one of the favorites for those doing retrofits on other vehicles. Originally the Ultinons looked very similar when they were new… the comparison shot was just to show it was time to change them out. They weren’t putting out the light that they used to and with all this rain it was just dangerous at night. In CA we have a lot of 4-6 lane highways and the LS430 can light up all lanes and off to the shoulder with the right bulbs and cleaned headlights.
When I get time I’ll take a shot on a flat surface so you can see the cutoff line better. That’s the part that would need to be raised or lowered manually that could the problem for oncoming traffic for sure.
I'm tempted to switch to these NightBreaker bulbs. I currently have the next generation Xenarc Cool Blue intense D2S bulbs by Osram, rated at about 6200 kelvin.. granted I don't think I've burned them in long enough, but initial impression is that the colour is more 5000 kelvin, and certainly not as bright as I thought it would be. I was actually trying to go for that slightly blue look that a lot of the JDM Toyota cars have, but I'm sort of looking to prioritise performance now as I want the best vision at night time. What kelvin rating are these NightBreaker bulbs rated at? I hear 3900k, but not sure on that information.
Says 4350k and I feel like it’s pretty close to that compared to prior bulbs I’ve had at 6000k. I was the same as you but honestly now I just want to see lol. You’ll like these if that’s the case. They are closer to open but brighter.
Are the original Philips 4300k? they look very yellow but much more even than the newer bulbs. Yea, I'm suspicious that 4350k will make it that much more white, it looks at least 5000k and it looks like its not as even as the Philips, there's dark spots in the lit areas.
4300k is (was?) standard on a lot of Lexus so I’m guessing was the same for 430’s. It’s technically the brightest but will have a slight yellow to it. I think 5000k is straight white
The retrofit source if you want legit bulbs. I like Philips white visions because they’re pure white
this is the thread i needed. Thanks @MikeFoxx for the update. my 04 headlights just arent putting out the light i feel they should. I started to search online for aftermarket ones, but kept coming across people saying that ls430 lights are superior to aftermarket. going to get these bulbs.
I just recently replaced the originals (?) in mine too.
Low Beam - Hella D2R, 5000k
High Beam - Hella 9005, +50
I left the fogs alone. I do have some Hella Extreme Yellow 9006's for later. I had these in my old LS400; they're not really that extreme, IMO. More for visibility than looks. The tule fog here can get pretty thick between November and March.
I didn't bother with high end 9005's. Running them at a constantly reduced voltage causes them to turn brown in short order.
I do have a question regarding access to headlamp bulbs. When I did the bulb replacement, I removed items that allowed access to the back of the assembly. The correct procedure is to remove two bolts and pull the assembly out of the fender.
I tried it this way, but wasn't able to get the pin out from the fender. I quit for fear of breaking something. How do you folks do this? I've seen videos that show three different methods; the two bolts, thru the back of the assembly (the way I did it) and thru the inner fender cover.
I just recently replaced the originals (?) in mine too.
Low Beam - Hella D2R, 5000k
High Beam - Hella 9005, +50
I left the fogs alone. I do have some Hella Extreme Yellow 9006's for later. I had these in my old LS400; they're not really that extreme, IMO. More for visibility than looks. The tule fog here can get pretty thick between November and March.
I didn't bother with high end 9005's. Running them at a constantly reduced voltage causes them to turn brown in short order.
I do have a question regarding access to headlamp bulbs. When I did the bulb replacement, I removed items that allowed access to the back of the assembly. The correct procedure is to remove two bolts and pull the assembly out of the fender.
I tried it this way, but wasn't able to get the pin out from the fender. I quit for fear of breaking something. How do you folks do this? I've seen videos that show three different methods; the two bolts, thru the back of the assembly (the way I did it) and thru the inner fender cover.
I’m looking for the brightest head lights for a 05 LS.
I don't know how much choice there is other than OEM capsules. I'm a little puzzled though because the stock headlights in a facelifted LS430 are generally really, really, really good!!!
You guys should look into the new plug and play HID to LED bulb conversions. I'm guessing if you have HID's you already have projector lens. The LED can be as much as 40% brighter than the best HID bulbs. I was stuck for a long time thinking the HID's were great on some other cars I had that had HID's.
I also was hesitant due to hearing on the internet about cut of lines, blinding other on coming car, melting the projector inside, and so on. Tried the HID to LED conversion, not one problem at all. No one ever blinded, no one ever flashes me. Cut off was great. They are simple plug and play also.
Look up some good ones rated on Amazon and other comparison articles. They have them for Low beam and High Beam. I ordered a few diff ones to try about a year ago. Installed and tested at night. Some better than others. Settled on a good set that were so much brighter than the Hid low beam, and a diff set for high beam. The high beams ones light up the world. I made sure I got a set that fit and had the built in cooling fans. One set been in for 1 1/2 years zero problems.
