The RX350 is the first vehicle I've purchased that has High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. From what I've read, HID has a better longevity than the standard halogen bulb. It doesn't contain a filament that eventually burns out and doesn't generate as much heat. So far the HID's have been a pleasant surprise and will be one of the requirements for me on the purchase of our next vehicle.

I'm wondering what the actual rated life span is for the HID lights on the RX? Has anyone had to replace theirs? If so, what was the approximate price paid?

If you have any detailed information regarding HID technology, please post that as well.

 

From Osram/Sylvania:

What is HID?
HID stands for High Intensity Discharge. It refers to lighting technology that relies on an electrical charge to ignite xenon gas contained in a sealed bulb. The technology of HID automotive lamps is similar to that of common vapor-filled street lamps. HID lighting doesn't have a filament but instead creates light by igniting an arc between two electrodes.
HID lights get their name from the intense white light produced by the electrical discharge. HID lamps are also called xenon lamps, referring to a gas inside the lamps. HID general lighting has been used for years in sports arenas and stadiums around the country.

How is HID different?
HID lighting provides about three times the light output of standard halogen headlights while using less energy. HID lights are designed to last up to ten times longer than standard halogen lamps.

The graphic depicts the performance levels of standard HID (4100K) versus standard halogen light in a low beam application.

What about HID's color?
The color of the light source is expressed as its color temperature. As the color temperature increases, the color of the light moves from yellow to white to blue-white. HID headlights provide light at a higher color temperature than standard halogen headlights, which gives them a crisp white appearance. The table below shows the color temperature of various light sources. As a reference, sunlight at noon is 4870K.

 

Both my OEM HID bulbs in my 1998 LS400 went out this year.

You've got lots of options to replace them... bulbs from the dealer can be pricey (I seem to recall $300 - $400) but quality aftermarket can be $100 or less. Widely available, even from our CL vendors like XenonDepot.

 

Already? I think I've seen cars where ordinary bulbs last longer than that.

 

Is that $300-400 per bulb? If so, ouch!! I don't mind aftermarket as long as I can install them myself. Not quite sure how complicated it would be for the RX.

I can't imagine how halogen bulbs would last longer than 6 years unless they were hardly used. I use my lights daily because I have a long commute and start the day before the sun rises. I estimate I changed out my halogen bulbs every 6-8 months.

 

Mileage may vary depending on usage, temperature and a lot of other conditions. My 98 GS HID bulbs are still going strong.

I've seen a lot of ordinary bulbs go out a lot sooner than that too

 

shud @least last u 5-7 years
bulbs are avialble thrupout ebay for just 80 usd for a pair,brand new, OEM type