VVTiBob

As some of you know I've been refurbishing my 02 SC I bought last August.

Now that I done the tails it's time to focus on the front end. I am interested in understanding the differences between my 02 headlamps and newer versions, I believe 06 and later.

Also is, or was there a change to the grille in newer SCs?

If so, does the newer grille work with the older bumper cover, hood etc etc?

Any and all help on these two topics is appreciated.

VVTiBob

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Bob-

The 2006+ SC's had some slight changes to the front bumper and lights.

First of all the only two "noticeable" difference on the front bumper cover is the extra chrome around in the air vents by the fog lights and the headlamp. Our 2002-2005 just had a ring around the fog light, now you have the added chrome stripe in the middle of the vents. After closer examination, you will see that the 2006+ have a wider mouth air vent with one louver versus the four on the 2002-2005 cars. The extra chrome tends to sparkle more at first glance and the wider mouth appears more sporty as opposed to the color coded louvers in the 2002-2005.

The headlights went from a four bulb housing to a three bulb housing, killing the 168 side bulbs and changing the blinker shape and location within the housing as well (from top now to bottom). Totally different headlamp. I believe takes different ballasts and ECU. I believe a couple of folks on CL have done the conversion.

Just in my opinion the grill on the 2006+ (cannot prove scientificially) has more of a darker or smoked look to it looking straight on. After close examination, it seems that the lexus emblem has a darker tint in between the L's (the perforated part). Hard to truly tell any difference.

Just the chrome vents and the headlights.

Glock3540

scdroptop,
Excellent 02-05 vs 06+ differences description!
I thought the 06+ also had a slightly different grill with a larger "L" and the front clip
was slightly different to accomodate this. Is this correct?
Are the LED tails, the 6 speed trans and slightly different outside mirrors the only
other differences?
Thanks,
Brian

xenonrider

I'm interested in this swap as well. Is it possible to put the 06+ bumper on an 02 without changing the headlights?

Select

now that is what I would like to know too!

loveslexus

iTrader: (2)

Yes, but there are gaps as the 06 headlights are bigger.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

glock as far as differences...the 2005-2008 nav systems are different, adding bluetooth as well. Wheels of course. The 2008's and on have some different switches for the top and the adjustable lighting inside and of course different color combos. Dash is dark brown on the camel colored cars and headliner too which is cool. The aluminum kick panels in the doors are different as well. Mirrors which you mentioned. Might be some more we are forgetting...that's about it aesthetically.

Glock3540

Thanks for the info scdroptop!

xenonrider

Anyone have pictures of how big those gaps are?

tromly

^^^1, I love the look of the headliner with the camel interior

VVTiBob

Wait a sec... are you guys saying there are different color headliners available? If so what colors? My interior is black but with a white A pillar garnish and white headliner.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Bob-there are a few...believe it or not. I was floored when I sat in a pearl white 06 with the camel interior and started staring at the dash (because all I had ever seen was the black dash) and noticed it was not as dark...dropped the top and realized it was a dark chocolate brown!! BEAUTIFUL I am telling you with that camel interior. The best color combo is the Black or White SC's 2006+ with CAMEL interior and that brown dash.

Look up...and you've got the same dark brown headliner too!

All Pebble Beach/NM cars with the pimento (red) interiors also have red headliners as opposed to the ecru or black.

Little design changes/customization of these cars are severely underrated and rarely noticed. That's why I go nuts with the camera phone when I see something different on these cars!!!

Select

Thanks for the info! I wish the 06 headlights was cheaper

robsvdp

Starting in '06 (I think) the black interior has black A pillars and a black headliner. I never understood the white trim with the black interior.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

i see 06+ headlights on eBay all the time for $300 sometimes $250 and up. most of time clips are broken...not sure how hard they are to install with clips broken