ColdFusion

iTrader: (2)

I recently got an '06 IS350, and am currently looking to replace the headlamp bulbs. The stock bulbs are just a bit too yellowish for me, and I want to change them to something whiter. I'm aware that there are two types of headlamp assemblies for the 2IS generation, either halogen-capsule or HID, but I can't determine which one I have. I've searched around the forum and am confident I know how to swap them, however I can't figure for the life of me how to tell the two headlamp assemblies apart.

I asked a friend and he said if my low-beam headlights have an upper "cutoff" on the road, then my headlamps are HID and contain a projector housing. Is this the correct way for discerning HID from non HID? My old car had typical halogen lights (96' Camry), and I recall the lights were basically just two tubular beams that shone out on the road; my IS350 doesn't do that at all.

If anyone has any input I'd be greatly appreciated . Thanks!

PS: On a sidenote question, are the foglights on the lower bumper just simple 9006 bulbs?

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

All projector has cut off light and no matter halogen or HID. if your headlight turn left or right when you steer, theN You got HID. If it's not, then you have halogen.

ColdFusion

iTrader: (2)

So only the HID version has AFS integrated into it?

Kvs_350

iTrader: (6)

Just pop the back cover off and check the bulb it only take like 2 mins if is d4s then hid if is h11 then halogen

Bichon

That's correct. Also the HID headlights have a shutter in the low beam that moves when you turn the high beams on and off. (hence the bi-xenon designation)

ColdFusion

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the clarification - I'll likely find spare time to open it up and see what I have.

Now, for both options, my understanding is this:

1) If the headlamps are HID (therefore D4S bulbs), I would just have to replace them with different HID bulbs of my desired color temperature.
2) If the headlamps are Halogen (therefore H11 bulbs), I would have to buy an HID conversion kit, including bulbs/ballasts/relays and fit them into the previous headlight assemblies.

Is this correct? Or am I missing something? I recall browsing old topics, and someone mentioned the halogen-style headlamp assemblies aren't projector, therefore I can't simply just swap in an HID kit without doing something illegal.

Thanks again

Phase2

Check your state laws.

Hids will normally have a round connecter that goes into the ballast.


Conversion kits at almost as easy as replacing the bulbs. Many hid setups are ran through projectors stock