New LX570...No HIDs!!! Sigh.
05-07-08 | 07:12 PM
#158
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Just to beat this horse to death, I think the original purpose of this thread was that with the technology available and the price point of the LX\LC, not to have HID's is a strange omission. I do not buy the "blinding other drivers" rubbish or the "failure due to rough roads" one either. If there is an available technology that is legal and will help ME see better at night, I want it !! I have HID's on other vehicles and I am very pleased with their performance. Maybe they left them off to see what sort of responses it would garner in forums such as this !! Mine is a moot point since I wouldn't be caught dead in a new LX. Once I saw one in person that killed any notions of choosing it over the LC200. I personally think the exterior is terribly gawdy in comparison with the LC. I think the interior of the LX is quite fetching, but not enough so to make me forget the exterior. While the LC200 might not have some of the "luxury" touches of the LX, it suits my needs just fine. To me, the LC is the "real" deal and the LX is nothing but a Lexus Escalade\Navigator poseur (I do not feel the same way about the LX470, BTW). I will in all likeliness be getting an '09 LC (with HID's IF they're available) thank you !! 
05-07-08 | 08:25 PM
#159
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Are HID's legal?
Installing HID's into a vehicle not originally equipped with them from the factory is technically illegal. Practically speaking, you stand little chance of being cited for them provided you educate yourself on the requirements of HID lighting and take the necessary steps to ensure you have the right equipment and adjustments to keep it safe. That is, make sure your vehicle's headlight assembly uses an appropriately designed projector lense (as opposed to a reflector), and of course that your headlights are properly aligned after installation. Many newer vehicles use projector lenses because stock halogen bulbs also benefit from the "light shaping", but having just any old projector lense does not necessarily ensure that the beam pattern will be correct. It is absolutely essential for HID's to give the light output a sharp cutoff line to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. As HID's become more popular, aftermarket projector housings are being produced for some vehicles.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that improperly-installed HID's are getting a lot of complaints. Vendors will usually include a disclaimer that they are intended for offroad use only, but it's no secret that people don't follow this rule. Now, there are a lot of aftermarket automotive parts that qualify as illegal but aren't strictly enforced. Logically, the safety implications of blinding oncoming drivers are more serious than, say, an exhaust that exceeds the legal noise level. So the DOT has actively gone after vendors of HID conversion kits, threatening monetary fines if they continue selling them, and consequently there are now fewer places to buy them.
Be responsible. Do your research. Nearly every vehicle make and model imaginable has an enthusiast community on the web. The people there take this kind of stuff seriously and can help you understand the HID requirements for your car.
The following is a copy and Past from DOT
NHTSA 43-04
Contact: Rae Tyson, Telephone: (202) 366-9550
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
NHTSA ILLEGAL LIGHTING CRACKDOWN CONTINUES
Continuing its crackdown against manufacturers and suppliers of illegal lighting equipment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its decision that high intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits produced by a Texas company do not comply with federal safety standards.
The owner of ASTEX USA, a supplier of aftermarket HID kits, was ordered to conduct a recall campaign and provide a no-cost solution to the customer. The company is based in Dayton, TX. When installed in a motor vehicle, the HID kits “can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists and others,” NHTSA said in its decision.
To date, NHTSA has investigated 24 HID conversion kit suppliers; all investigations have resulted in recalls or termination of sales.
“These illegal lights are a potential hazard to those who share the road,” said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, MD. “And we will continue to pursue those offering them for sale and violating the law.”
Companies that sell, import or manufacture non-compliant equipment could face substantial civil penalties, NHTSA said.
As a lay person, If you cause a accident and the on coming car said that you blinded them due to your HID lighting system, you’re going to loose if the lighting was not part of the original equipment. Not only that, but your insurance company will not help you since you were breaking the law. Your Liability insurance will do you no good, and if it should kick in, it won’t cover the cost of the law suit and judgment.
Installing HID's into a vehicle not originally equipped with them from the factory is technically illegal. Practically speaking, you stand little chance of being cited for them provided you educate yourself on the requirements of HID lighting and take the necessary steps to ensure you have the right equipment and adjustments to keep it safe. That is, make sure your vehicle's headlight assembly uses an appropriately designed projector lense (as opposed to a reflector), and of course that your headlights are properly aligned after installation. Many newer vehicles use projector lenses because stock halogen bulbs also benefit from the "light shaping", but having just any old projector lense does not necessarily ensure that the beam pattern will be correct. It is absolutely essential for HID's to give the light output a sharp cutoff line to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. As HID's become more popular, aftermarket projector housings are being produced for some vehicles.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that improperly-installed HID's are getting a lot of complaints. Vendors will usually include a disclaimer that they are intended for offroad use only, but it's no secret that people don't follow this rule. Now, there are a lot of aftermarket automotive parts that qualify as illegal but aren't strictly enforced. Logically, the safety implications of blinding oncoming drivers are more serious than, say, an exhaust that exceeds the legal noise level. So the DOT has actively gone after vendors of HID conversion kits, threatening monetary fines if they continue selling them, and consequently there are now fewer places to buy them.
Be responsible. Do your research. Nearly every vehicle make and model imaginable has an enthusiast community on the web. The people there take this kind of stuff seriously and can help you understand the HID requirements for your car.
The following is a copy and Past from DOT
NHTSA 43-04
Contact: Rae Tyson, Telephone: (202) 366-9550
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
NHTSA ILLEGAL LIGHTING CRACKDOWN CONTINUES
Continuing its crackdown against manufacturers and suppliers of illegal lighting equipment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its decision that high intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits produced by a Texas company do not comply with federal safety standards.
The owner of ASTEX USA, a supplier of aftermarket HID kits, was ordered to conduct a recall campaign and provide a no-cost solution to the customer. The company is based in Dayton, TX. When installed in a motor vehicle, the HID kits “can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists and others,” NHTSA said in its decision.
To date, NHTSA has investigated 24 HID conversion kit suppliers; all investigations have resulted in recalls or termination of sales.
“These illegal lights are a potential hazard to those who share the road,” said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, MD. “And we will continue to pursue those offering them for sale and violating the law.”
Companies that sell, import or manufacture non-compliant equipment could face substantial civil penalties, NHTSA said.
As a lay person, If you cause a accident and the on coming car said that you blinded them due to your HID lighting system, you’re going to loose if the lighting was not part of the original equipment. Not only that, but your insurance company will not help you since you were breaking the law. Your Liability insurance will do you no good, and if it should kick in, it won’t cover the cost of the law suit and judgment.
05-08-08 | 12:05 PM
#160
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Texas
OK, Ralph Nader...Let me clairify...Did I state or imply anywhere about "adding" HID's. No !! I am speaking ONLY about installed from the FACTORY. My mention of "legally" means factory installed, as well. If there are some "illegal" HID's factory installed on vehicles, that is no fault of the consumer. Aftermkt ones, possibly, but there was no mention of aftermkt HID's anywhere in my post. Technically, driving into oncoming traffic with your high beams on is "illegal". Pulling all high beam bulbs out of autos would cure that ! Effective, yes. Realistic, no. Read what is written..Not what you assume to want to hear !! I think I see where this is headed.. 
Last edited by Twstrchasr; 05-08-08 at 01:59 PM. Reason: Spelling correcrion
05-08-08 | 02:29 PM
#162
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Twstrchasr You did not start this thread. If you have been reading it from the first you would know that LX 570 does not come with HID even as a option, you have to use a 3rd party system. My post just happened to followed yours, but I was addressing the whole thread.
For those who were considering adding HID lights, you just need to make a educated decision. I think that anyone who can afford a LX is prime fodder for attorneys thinking they have found someone with lots of money.
For those who were considering adding HID lights, you just need to make a educated decision. I think that anyone who can afford a LX is prime fodder for attorneys thinking they have found someone with lots of money.
05-08-08 | 05:31 PM
#163
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Twstrchasr You did not start this thread. If you have been reading it from the first you would know that LX 570 does not come with HID even as a option, you have to use a 3rd party system. My post just happened to followed yours, but I was addressing the whole thread.
For those who were considering adding HID lights, you just need to make a educated decision. I think that anyone who can afford a LX is prime fodder for attorneys thinking they have found someone with lots of money.
For those who were considering adding HID lights, you just need to make a educated decision. I think that anyone who can afford a LX is prime fodder for attorneys thinking they have found someone with lots of money.
