Headlight bulb replacement recommendations
Thread Starter
2nd gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Headlight bulb replacement recommendations
As the original owner of a 2008 LS460 I am surprised and happy that the original headlight bulbs have lasted this until now. I am looking to replace the low beams with something significantly brighter and whiter than the OEM bulbs. Would like recommendations from people who have found a good bulb upgrade.
Welcome to the forum. There are several threads about bulbs. Try a search and do some reading. I will say that it's recommended to use only big brand bulbs (osram, Sylvania) from national vendors as counterfeits are abundant and off brands don't perform and/or last.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 966
Likes: 576
From: az
In my experience the oem hid ballasts often do not play nice with aftermarket bulbs. They may illuminate for a random amount of time ( 15 minutes, 2 hours, ect), then turn off until you restart your car. Unless your going to replace your ballasts I'd stick with oem bulbs.
Good post. The threads I recall never post back with long term results. I'm not surprised that people don't talk about their mistakes especially when it's an effort to "upgrade" from OEM.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 198
Likes: 47
From: NE
Do you have HID's or halogen? You can't switch between the 2. You also can't put in LED's. Your bulb housing is measured in microns and any deviation from OEM will create lighting issues for you and oncoming traffic.
If you have the 9006 I've read that you can upgrade the 9006 to the 9012 high beam with some trimming on the base. I have not personally done that one.
If you have the 9006 I've read that you can upgrade the 9006 to the 9012 high beam with some trimming on the base. I have not personally done that one.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 380
Likes: 175
From: NJ
Do you have HID's or halogen? You can't switch between the 2. You also can't put in LED's. Your bulb housing is measured in microns and any deviation from OEM will create lighting issues for you and oncoming traffic.
If you have the 9006 I've read that you can upgrade the 9006 to the 9012 high beam with some trimming on the base. I have not personally done that one.
If you have the 9006 I've read that you can upgrade the 9006 to the 9012 high beam with some trimming on the base. I have not personally done that one.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 198
Likes: 47
From: NE
You can't switch to LED's in a halogen housing. They are brighter and physically fit but they don't put the light where it's supposed to go. The only way you can put in LED's is if you buy a housing retrofit kit.
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