has anyone opened up the reflector thingie underneath the side mirrors on LS 430.. i wanna change the bulbs to something more white

thanx in advance

 

I did, changing to high intensity green (Raybrig 5W Hyper Green) that match my interior lights. The owners guide or service guides do not show how to replace the wedge type 194 bulbs, but the service guide did show how to remove the side mirrors and disconnect the wires. It says to place a thin cloth behind 1/2 the mirror and pull toward you. I found gentle prying of the mirror with fingers from the top and side closest the body did the same trick w/o cloth. Then disconnect the white and blue wire plugs by sliding them up and down (to the center of the mirror assembly). Now undo the screws holding the black plastic plate and the light bulb is behind the plate in it's own assembly. Note: It appears like the light bulb assembly is designed (with clips) to be pulled down out of the mirror without needing to be taken apart, but my best safe prying methods didn't work until I removed the glass mirror and screws (as stated above). If I was to try again I'd use equal pressure on all side of the clear plastic pulling directly down before dissambly of the mirror.

Hope this helps.
P.S. my high intensity bulbs came from www.eautoworks.com, I'd think the PIAA extreme white or platinum white would be what your after and I wouldn't go for anything less than 5w.

 

well thank you for that explanation, i will try it... but i got my eye on Polarg M4 bulb, i have polarg all inside my car and the light output is just too nice (piaa are ok too but polarg gives off a little bit of purple)

 

Personally I would not mess around prying out the mirrors . I replaced mine with LED and this method I found in the search area of the forum worked great for me I had both mirrors done in ten minutes , get two thin plastic spackle knifes and pry out the plastic lens from the bottom just be careful and go around the entire lens ,once its out the bulb is right there just pull out the 194 and replace very easy just take your time

 

Personally I would not mess around prying out the mirrors . I replaced mine with LED and this method I found in the search area of the forum worked great for me I had both mirrors done in ten minutes , get two thin plastic spackle knifes and pry out the plastic lens from the bottom just be careful and go around the entire lens ,once its out the bulb is right there just pull out the 194 and replace very easy just take your time

 

I'll give you credit for searching, but why bump a 16 year old thread? LOL

 

I replaced both of mine pretty quickly by prying out the lens using a credit card and a screwdriver, just go slow and evenly all the way around. There are other threads on this topic with pictures that show you where the plastic hooks into the mirror housing, this helps with your prying. The LEDs I installed are definitely way brighter than the stock bulbs.