RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Looking to upgrade to LED headlights, what do you recommend?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-13-19, 09:39 AM
  #1  
29er
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
 
29er's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 152
Received 33 Likes on 19 Posts
Question Looking to upgrade to LED headlights, what do you recommend?

I have a 2013 RX350 with HID headlights. I'd like my headlights to match the color of the running lights which are LED and look much whiter.
Have you swapped your headlight bulbs out for LED's or something whiter? Looking to see what's popular here.
Thanks,
Old 06-13-19, 11:24 AM
  #2  
Kansas
Lead Lap
 
Kansas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Kansas
Posts: 3,586
Received 254 Likes on 201 Posts
Default

There are conversion kits to replace halogen bulbs with HID and there are conversion kits to replace halogen bulbs with LED bulbs but I've never heard of a kit to replace HID bulbs with LED bulbs. The technology between HID and LED headlights is significantly different. I suppose you could replace your OEM HID bulbs with HID bulbs that have a higher Kelvin ("K") color temperature but the 4100K HID bulbs that Toyota uses provide better lighting than higher "K" bulbs that look whiter to the human eye. I've seen cars with 8,000K bulbs that apparently look pretty cool to the owner but don't produce enough visible light to drive safely at night.

I'd say be happy you have HID headlights instead of the standard halogen headlights. If you had the standard halogen headlights, you could get an LED aftermarket conversion kit but there has been a lot of dissatisfaction with those kits.
Old 06-13-19, 07:51 PM
  #3  
svnsales
Former Sponsor
 
svnsales's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: MO
Posts: 81
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

As much as I love to put LEDs on everything, I am yet to find a suitable technology to replace HID bulbs. What I've had a chance to explore so far either isn't very bright, doesn't retain beam pattern, or requires irreversible modification. If you'd like to color match the lights, I'd suggest replacing the HID bulbs with some good quality 5000K - 6000K units.

I worked with a RX350 recently, and found the best results this way.
Old 06-13-19, 09:31 PM
  #4  
Mikes94GS3
Pit Crew
 
Mikes94GS3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: OR
Posts: 129
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

There is a factory LED headlight option, a couple grand though! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Lex...QAAOSw8Y1bs8Sj

We’re happy with the factory HID setup as well.
Old 06-14-19, 04:27 AM
  #5  
Stoodo
Advanced
iTrader: (4)
 
Stoodo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: FL
Posts: 542
Received 87 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

Can confirm, the factory LEDs are awesome!
Old 06-14-19, 07:32 AM
  #6  
JerseyJim
Driver School Candidate
 
JerseyJim's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: NJ
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I installed an LED headlight conversion kit and a high beam LED conversion kit from XenonHIDS.com and am pleased with the result. They come with a lifetime warranty. I'm not sure how they compare with the factory LED's.
Old 06-14-19, 04:27 PM
  #7  
takeshi74
Advanced
 
takeshi74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: TX
Posts: 582
Received 35 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

If you're dead set on trying to color match I'd +1 svnsales. That said I'd highly recommend leaving your HID's alone.
Old 06-17-19, 09:53 AM
  #8  
heshamos
Pit Crew
 
heshamos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 155
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Your genuine HIDs are 2500 kelvin as far as I can remember. There are 5000 Kelvin sets on Amazon that will give you what you are looking for without breaking the bank or modifying the electrical circuit. This would be my first choice.

Cheers...
Old 06-17-19, 05:34 PM
  #9  
roy7777
Pit Crew
 
roy7777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: California
Posts: 126
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I have Philips 6000k & 6200k HID, both are whiter than the running light LED, so 5000k should be more similar.
Old 07-03-19, 03:53 PM
  #10  
Alexbenz
Advanced
 
Alexbenz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: ca
Posts: 737
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

They have xenon to led kits you can buy. Just google it
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
K4RMA
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
4
06-24-19 04:54 PM
heybro
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
2
02-02-15 06:30 AM
Woowee
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
12
06-06-13 01:26 PM
Och
Lighting
7
11-07-10 12:30 AM
Killak9
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
13
07-18-10 09:41 PM



Quick Reply: Looking to upgrade to LED headlights, what do you recommend?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:46 PM.