Upgrading stock low-beams - what are you using?

[spooltime]

Thank you, good reminder. I looked over the manual again and it does point out the adjustment screws. I’ll try that when find a true level surface. I did do a quick look in my unlevel garage and it appears the beam on my passenger side is approx 2” lower at about 18” away from the garage door. That pretty significant at that close of a distance.

Interestingly enough, the manual gives instruction on how to replace almost all bulbs, but says the HID low beams should only be done by a service tech! Yikes

 

[CharlieS]

It is BS. HID bulbs can be replaced by anyone. Just be smart, disconnect the battery, don't get oil from your fingers on the glass of the bulb, etc. You will laugh out loud how absurd that warning is once you've changed them one time.

 

[bloc]

Yeah I’d bet it has to do with the temperatures involved. Both the ability to burn the s*** out of you if you don’t let them cool, and nuke a bulb if it gets the oils Charlie mentioned on it.

Plus in that type of housing a shattered bulb would be really difficult to properly clean out.

 

[spooltime]

Thanks, I should be able to get it done. Thank you for the tips and encouragement.

Found this link that also concluded the Philips X-Etreme is the best, which is what the OP wound up installing. They seem to be a lot better than the Ultinon that was recommended in another thread.

BulbFacts | HID Chart (OEM)

Bulb Facts, Lab testing on automotive headlight & foglight bulbs, comparison chart before you buy.

www.bulbfacts.com

 

[CharlieS]

I used the Morimoto HID bulbs in my '13 and they are terriffic.

 

[CruiserFan88]

Chalk another one up for ARB IPF LED H11 for Low beams. I've had these installed for the last two years, no issues and still have another year under warranty. Straight plug-and-play. Sat a week in customs but I wasn't in a rush.

US Amazon - $260
Amazon Japan - $178 with shipping

 

[spooltime]

Hey Cruiser, did you install these are a 13’ or newer LC / Lx? From all the different recommendations it was unclear to me what style bulbs people were upgrading from. I have stock OEM HID, so under the impression to upgrade that the best / easiest is just go with better HID, like the Philips. If you have an 08-12, best option seems to be upgrade the Halogen to IPF LED like you have done. What year ride did you upgrade? Thanks

 

[CruiserFan88]

Hey Cruiser, did you install these are a 13’ or newer LC / Lx? From all the different recommendations it was unclear to me what style bulbs people were upgrading from. I have stock OEM HID, so under the impression to upgrade that the best / easiest is just go with better HID, like the Philips. If you have an 08-12, best option seems to be upgrade the Halogen to IPF LED like you have done. What year ride did you upgrade? Thanks

You are correct, mine is a 2008 so halogen to LED for low beam is likely the best you can do on factory set-up. I would assume you would have to stick with HID since the 2013s are factory HID. Someone with a 2013 would have to confirm whether you can move from HID to LEDs without modification. In my opinion, if you could move to LEDs I would personally as they tend to last longer. Ive had HID go out on a Lexus LS500 prematurely.

 

[bloc]

I personally didn't like the IPF LEDs I had in place of my high beams, but I realize I'm in the minority on that.

For the toyotas I've owned the best option by far was Philips HIR 9011 or 9012 depending on which bulb you are replacing. Cheap, no dodgy quality, no compromises on beam pattern quality, no blue tint, just way more light.

 

[nhutnyak]

Thanks, I should be able to get it done. Thank you for the tips and encouragement.

Found this link that also concluded the Philips X-Etreme is the best, which is what the OP wound up installing. They seem to be a lot better than the Ultinon that was recommended in another thread.

BulbFacts | HID Chart (OEM)

Bulb Facts, Lab testing on automotive headlight & foglight bulbs, comparison chart before you buy.

www.bulbfacts.com

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I will be installing these this weekend. Feel free to impart any tips or if you found guide for installation.