James3131

So I just bought a 2004 ES330 perfect condition 85k miles on it.
Drivers side head light bulb went out which is a PAIN to access. I bought one bulb at NAPA ($90) and ended up having to take it to lexus to help me install (they could barely get it in). Well it turns out the bulb is a different color since its in a different stage of life then my other headlight. (Also NAPA wasn't aware that your not supposed to touch an HID with your bare hands so I've got that on my mind as well too).

Im going to replace both bulbs with online purchases. I definitely prefer the blue color that comes in the 6000k - 8000k range. Can i put any temp HID in there?? How can I tell what parameters i need to meet to get the right HID bulb in my 04 ES330?? Ive done some reading but can't find what bulbs exactly I can put in there. Keep in mind it came factory with HIDs I didnt put a conversion kit on it.

Any info will help! Thanks!

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Ideally you're going to get 4300k phillips bulbs. about 100$ for a pair

You can get any color, but then you're looking aftermarket and the quality isn't always there - for example those 15$ specials work, but unknown for how long, and the worst thing is, I've seen the ebay bulbs overheat and explode inside the headlight = ruined. You have glass shards melted into the headlights because you used cheap replacements.

Don't go past 6000k in temp. since anything past that translates to much less visibility.

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

Your 2004 ES330 uses D2R bulbs for the factory HID set up. You can put any color temperature you want but keep in mind the higher you go in kalvin the less light output you will get. If you want a light with some blue in it I would recommend going with 5000K or 6500K.

We have the XenonDepot D2R bulbs available in 5000K, 6500K and 8000K. As a forum member you also get an extra 10% off all D2R bulbs by using coupon code "KBD2R"

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Danny

Chocolate

You can also replace the parking and side marker lights through the splash guards. I have 20-SMD Leds in each of the 194 sockets (the small bulb at the edge of the headlight).

Chocolate

I would go with 4300K, that is going to give you the best output.

allgoodman

^Agreed. I'd also go with 4300K.

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

We also carry genuine Philips D2R HID bulbs.

Steve

Megafast13

Always want to replace both of your headlight bulbs at the same time, every time. I recommend 6000K for a nice look and great output. People always through the light output card, but I have never had a problem with 6000k, and 4300k is way too boring in my opinion. Your output isn't going to be up to par since you have D2R's anyway.

Also, the installation of the bulbs isn't that bad, let me know if you have any questions regarding the 4ES.

Definitely order bulbs online from somewhere affordable, no reason to shell out a lot of money at an auto store or dealership!

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

6000k does have a nice color, but typically 6000k bulbs have approximately 20% less lumens then 4300k D2R HID bulbs.

Steve

NickTee

Too boring? 6000k is just as boring, you need pink or purple light output if you wish it not to be "boring."

Megafast13

Say what you want about 6000k, but here are mine in my new FX-R 3.0 bi-xenon projectors:

NickTee

Meh, not pink.
As I have said in other places, the number really doesn't matter that much due to the quality differences in the kits. Some 6000K look like 8000K, some like 5000K, and others actually look like 6000K. While I find the slight blue looks nice, the 4300-4700K bulbs(assuming same quality ballasts and bulbs) will have more light. Considering the purpose of the headlight is to shine light, I will take the maximum output over having a pretty blue hue. Others have differing opinions on this, that's just my take.