Headlight replacement... Too much bling.

[mot]

I had posted a one-off BMW projector headlight conversion pics in an old thread (was hoping that it was aftermarket), but I have found a multi-reflector one which is supposedly available now.

I know for the fact that it would only be good for those of us who live in the RHD countries (Japan, UK, OZ, etc...), but for me these would be cool because I have wanted to put in bixenon projectors where the low beams go and with the textured lens that would not have worked very well. But with clear lens, it would be perfect!

Now, there are people who purchase the LX450 lenses, grill, etc... from the US, despite the RHD/LHD issues and pass the inspection only when they CRANK the adjustment screws so they would not blind on-coming traffic. It's not ideal, but might be tempting (Don't let Cary or Idaho Doug) hear what I just said.

Anyway, just thought some of you might be interested (not jealous, I'm sure )

Mot

 

[Darwood]

Is it safe to assume that the lenses are a lexan, or plastic (i.e. not glass)

 

[Bear80]

Is it safe to assume that the lenses are a lexan, or plastic (i.e. not glass)

That's my beef with them also, I'd rather have glass. Is the chrome relector plating well done? I have seen some of this type that can be used to replace the older sealed beams and they are pretty cheaply made.

Hows the light pattern both low and high compare to the stock housings?

 

[Doc]

Those Rock!

 

[mot]

That's my beef with them also, I'd rather have glass. Is the chrome relector plating well done? I have seen some of this type that can be used to replace the older sealed beams and they are pretty cheaply made.

Hows the light pattern both low and high compare to the stock housings?

I was told tonight that they would be available to regular Joe Schmo sometime next month. The pic-ed vehicle is a proto type. But I was told that the lenses are glass (not confirmed) and that the chrome/fit'n finish is (much) better than that of the crystal front/rear lenses. I know what you mean by the cheapo replacement multi-reflector ones.

I prefer glass too, but what's your beef with non-glass ones, being prone to scratches/cracks? If so (or even if not) you could get the IdahoDoug moonlight special and you would be in business, right? Or are they susceptable(sp) to discoloration?

Anyway, I have asked some 80 owners, whoever gets them first, to let us know the light pattern, output, etc... I'm fairly certain that it would be at least on par with stock, if not better. I'll try to post once I hear anything.

Mot

 

[airlaird]

Headlights appear well made!

Yep I would have to say that looks very cool. They appear to be very well made. I've always thought our lenses are diffused too much..All this new stuff coming out for the 80...i'll never get rid of mine. Any idea of pricing?
airlaird

 

[Gold Finger]

Mot

I am very glad that you have posted this post and the one with the BMW Angle Eyes as I have been looking for that thread. I am very interested in some more information about both types as they would be suitable for me in the UK. the light output and pattern of the stock UK ones is diabolical especialy in LOW Beam

The first set that you put up the BMW ones is that what they are from a BMW? Are they a strait fit?

The ones posted here are they the free form type and do they use H4 main dip and a H1 driving light? Can you also indicate a price and where I may be able to get them from.

It would be good to know which set of lights gives the best light in terms of definition and pattern.

 

[IdahoDoug]

MOT,

Could you clarify. The pictured lights (gorgeous, BTW) are absolutely NOT for US owners as they're set up for RHD cars, right?

Gold - those are not FF, but a step below called multifocal. Both types shape their beam pattern exclusively with the reflectors and the lense can be clear as its only function is to protect the reflector from weather. Older frosted lenses meant the beam is also shaped partly by the lense, which is less efficient (heat, diffraction losses)

The difference between FF and multifocal is the expense of making the reflector. FFs use thousands of calculated points for a smooth (no flat spots) reflector that maximizes efficiency. Multifocal are a cheaper version using perhaps a hundred flat surfaces. Though cheaper, they still do an outstanding job compared to prior generations.

 

[ranma21]

THis looks really great. hmm, is this brighter than the stock FF? Let us know some pricing, I might get a set sunce my headlamp is crack and I was thinking to order a brand new one from the dealer.

 

[Gold Finger]

MOT,

Could you clarify. The pictured lights (gorgeous, BTW) are absolutely NOT for US owners as they're set up for RHD cars, right?

Gold - those are not FF, but a step below called multifocal. Both types shape their beam pattern exclusively with the reflectors and the lense can be clear as its only function is to protect the reflector from weather. Older frosted lenses meant the beam is also shaped partly by the lense, which is less efficient (heat, diffraction losses)

The difference between FF and multifocal is the expense of making the reflector. FFs use thousands of calculated points for a smooth (no flat spots) reflector that maximizes efficiency. Multifocal are a cheaper version using perhaps a hundred flat surfaces. Though cheaper, they still do an outstanding job compared to prior generations.

Thank you Doug, I was not aware of the niceties of desighn. So it looks like they should be better than OEM. What about the BMW ones The Angle Eyes are they a Projector desighn, how do they rate might they also be HID or is that unlikly?

 

[MLX450]

Nice! Will they fit on the LX450? i want them!

 

[cary]

Just an FYI,

Old Fashion reflector/lens lamps like in the stock LC are about 25% light transmission effective.

Multi Surface Reflectors like shown here are about 38-45%.

Current Projector lamps are about 45-50% efficient. The advantage of projector lamps is their cutoff allows maximum light to be right below the cutoff, rather than tapered like a multi relfector or reflector lens.

see: http://faqlight.carpassion.info/hl-systems.htm

The higher effenciency of the newer lamp housings means you are getting nearly twice as much output per lumen versus older lamps. This is one reason that HID's are not getting more poplular. A 1500 lumen bulb in a new fixture puts out as much light as an HID in a old lens/reflector design. The current problem with HID's is where to put the light without violating lighting regs, hence the very wide lighting patterns.

Finally, as I have mentioned before, if you want he ultimate, get the Hella 90mm conversion lamps and fab up mounts and covers (the guys with the japanese cars are doing this all the time now and getting very good at the conversions).

http://faqlight.carpassion.info/hella-90mm/


Cary

 

[Gold Finger]

cary thannk you for the explanation and also for the links they are excelant and give me food or thought, I did not realise that there was so much.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Ranma (and all US owners),

Read my lips. These are not for US roads. They are for right hand drive countries like merry England, Australia, Japan.

DougM

 

[cary]

Ranma (and all US owners),

Read my lips. These are not for US roads. They are for right hand drive countries like merry England, Australia, Japan.

DougM

Ditto what Doug says. . They will light up the wrong side of the road and blind drivers comming your direction.

 

[mot]

Steve/Gold Finger,

I will try to get them myself when they are available and I would be happy to do everything for you for a "small fee" or you can try to get them straight from vendors (I can give you the links as soon as they are available; right now I've heard that two shops are in the process of getting (or developing) them and will be available in the near future (w/in a month or two, I was told).

I was told that the stock set-up here in Japan would carry on with the multi-reflector set-up outer H4 and inner H3(?) for the fogs, but not confirmed.

Gold Finger,

The BMW was not an easy swap as I read that the lead mechanic of one of more reputable 4x4 shops near by worked on it for almost a year and many things are fabricated by him in order for them to work. Looks extremely clean though, don't they?

I was also told that you can get the matching crystal corner marker lenses from those vendors when they are available (but don't know how much).

I "should" be able to get them for around $450US (pair of headlights), plus shipping to my door (not much mark-up, trust me. ;p ) Maybe less if I bought them in bulk. But cannot confirm it as they are not available, just yet.

I've asked the guys from www.landcruiser80.com to give reviews as soon as they get them, including the light output and cut-off, etc...

So I will try to post when I hear anything from them and also will let you know the exact pricing of them (after shipping to my door, it would be somewhere north of $400, I just don't know by how much).

Let's cross our fingers that they may be of good quality!

Mot

Mot

I am very glad that you have posted this post and the one with the BMW Angle Eyes as I have been looking for that thread. I am very interested in some more information about both types as they would be suitable for me in the UK. the light output and pattern of the stock UK ones is diabolical especialy in LOW Beam

The first set that you put up the BMW ones is that what they are from a BMW? Are they a strait fit?

The ones posted here are they the free form type and do they use H4 main dip and a H1 driving light? Can you also indicate a price and where I may be able to get them from.

It would be good to know which set of lights gives the best light in terms of definition and pattern.

 

[mot]

MOT,

Could you clarify. The pictured lights (gorgeous, BTW) are absolutely NOT for US owners as they're set up for RHD cars, right?

Doug,

Since they are for the Japanese market, I am "fairly" absolutely certain that they are NOT meant for the N. American market.

But as I've said, some 80 owners here get the Lexus headlights exactly like those used in the US and still legally pass inspection(fairly strict) as long as they "crank" the adjusting knobs.

But I don't think someone like yourself or cary would be able to sleep at night knowing that they were not meant for the LHD Cruiser.

But for someone like myself who is dreaming of installing bixenon projectors on the outside, this makes no difference, as long as the lense has no textures.

Bummer for most of you guys though.

Mot

 

[mot]

Thank you Doug, I was not aware of the niceties of desighn. So it looks like they should be better than OEM. What about the BMW ones The Angle Eyes are they a Projector desighn, how do they rate might they also be HID or is that unlikly?

GF,

The projector ones of the BMW should be the HID (not bixenon though) low and H1 high (?). But as I mentioned above, they are not commercially available.

Mot

 

[mot]

Ranma (and all US owners),

Read my lips. These are not for US roads. They are for right hand drive countries like merry England, Australia, Japan.

DougM

Ditto what Doug says. . They will light up the wrong side of the road and blind drivers comming your direction.

See?

I KNEW IT!!!

 

[IdahoDoug]

Mot,

Ya....well....nevermind

I think Cary's on the same page with me here that some of the guys above were looking at this for a lighting output upgrade. Putting a beam pattern designed for a RHD country on a LHD truck with the light adjusters cranked so you can pass inspection would be a laughable downgrade in lighting. I can't believe the Japanese auto inspectors let a truck pass like that. Their freakin' job is to look for the correct designation molded into every headlamp for crying out loud. If someone's Japanese market LX lamps have "DOT" or SAE molded into them then I would not think they'd pass no matter what. For years, I've been under the impression that Japanese used car inspections were the most rigorous in the world. Now you've blown it for me....!

DougM