Better Uprated Bulbs Or Xenon Upgrade?

[Gods_gift]

Morning All

Last night I was out late believe it or not doing a midnight Tesco shop (joys of having a non sleeping newborn) and on the way back I found myself squinting at the country lanes ahead. I thought it was tiredness or dirt on me headlights but it was neither, it's the poxy drivers side bulb gone again 3rd one in 2 years.

Anyway as I sat there a 4am this morning feeding mini GG with his bottle an surfing the web I wondered if it's worth fitting uprated bulbs or xenon lights in terms of durability and cost.

Does anyone know or can guide me on the following:

1. Did a model of the 4.3's come with xenon lights so I can do a straight swap?

2. Are xenon's or other types of standard bulb more durable than the uprated bulbs I've been using (Ring Max+ 100% jobies) good bulbs in terms of brightness but don't seem to last more than a year (at avg 20000 miles per year)?

3. Anyone recommend a xenon aftermarket kit that they have fitted?

Cheers GG

[Big Kev]

Morning All

Last night I was out late believe it or not doing a midnight Tesco shop (joys of having a non sleeping newborn) and on the way back I found myself squinting at the country lanes ahead. I thought it was tiredness or dirt on me headlights but it was neither, it's the poxy drivers side bulb gone again 3rd one in 2 years.

Anyway as I sat there a 4am this morning feeding mini GG with his bottle an surfing the web I wondered if it's worth fitting uprated bulbs or xenon lights in terms of durability and cost.

Does anyone know or can guide me on the following:

1. Did a model of the 4.3's come with Xenon lights so I can do a straight swap?

2. Are xenon's or other types of standard bulb more durable than the uprated bulbs I've been using (Ring Max+ 100% jobies) good bulbs in terms of brightness but don't seem to last more than a year (at avg 20000 miles per year)?

3. Anyone recommend a Xenon aftermarket kit that they have fitted?

Cheers GG

GG....by the term "Xenon" kits, are you referring to / confusing with HID "kits" ?

You may be aware there is or is about to be something in the MOT regarding non OEM / aftermarket HID "kits" in that they will fail your car if not original fitted equipment.(As per usual, I may be haverin'...?)

Autobulbs Direct H11 bulbs have lasted me 28k miles / 2.5 years with no sign of fading or failure. They are not the cheapest. (Part No. PGJ19-2 "E").

Have yet to try the Ring ones Local Hero donated ages ago which you have just announced are prone to failing.....

Big Kev

[Dabooka]

I agree about the legality of the HIDs / xenon kits. When I had my 206 and frequented that forum, all the boy racers on there were banging on about "upgrading" so the mods started deleting any threads referring to them because of the legality issues. I think it's about having to be self leveling to not blind other drivers, which retro-fitted ones can't / won't be.

Try these links;

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/274702/headlamp_bulbs_tested.html

or for H4s (sorry, haven't had the RAV long enough to know what it takes! )

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/258424/headlamp_bulbs_tested.html

[Gods_gift]

Ok yes you're right I was referring to HID's. Were they ever standard or optional on a Rav 4.3? If so in theory I should be able to fit the Toyota ones an not break any law.

PS like to see how they are going to enforce that on the MoT when the DVLA can't even stop uninsured or taxed motorists! Also how the hell is an MOT tester gonna know if a model year make ever had HID'S or not??

[Red Yaris 54]

Ok yes you're right I was referring to HID's. Were they ever standard or optional on a Rav 4.3? If so in theory I should be able to fit the Toyota ones an not break any law.

PS like to see how they are going to enforce that on the MoT when the DVLA can't even stop uninsured or taxed motorists! Also how the hell is an MOT tester gonna know if a model year make ever had HID'S or not??

The MOT tester will know instantly the OEM spec of the car by inputting the VIN number.

It is all held on the VOSA computer these days so no escaping!

[Jamesbelfast]

As HID bulbs are that bit slower to reach heir operating light output any experienced MOT tester will spot the difference when the lights are switched. If HID builbs are fitted then the car will need to have a self-levelling system and headlight washers fitted. At the moment many examiners are failing to spot after-market fitments but as time goes on they will tighten up examining procedures.

[Dabooka]

Ok yes you're right I was referring to HID's. Were they ever standard or optional on a Rav 4.3? If so in theory I should be able to fit the Toyota ones an not break any law.

PS like to see how they are going to enforce that on the MoT when the DVLA can't even stop uninsured or taxed motorists! Also how the hell is an MOT tester gonna know if a model year make ever had HID'S or not??

I'd be intrigued if you manage this, as I suspect it'll be a lot harder than simply swapping the lights over; I would guess (probably incorrectly) that they'll be some gubbins behind to level them out? Either way, new bulbs seem cheaper!

[Jamesbelfast]

On factory fit HID lighting the headlights each have a motor to adjust beam height, These are controlled by a unit which takes signals from sensors on the front and rear suspension.

[Dabooka]

On factory fit HID lighting the headlights each have a motor to adjust beam height, These are controlled by a unit which takes signals from sensors on the front and rear suspension.

Thanks for the explanation, I knew they'd be more to it than switching units over.

Incidentally, what bulbs do the 4.3s use, H4s?

[Tech01]

H4's for mine - but do check in your handbook.

Before doing anything drastic or exotic, you should give Osram's Nightbreaker Plus a try. They're a simple bulb replacement, normal wattage, but "+90%" light output. Output is bright white, and not the compromised blue or dazzle of most HIDs.

Bulb life seems pretty well identical to standard bulbs.

Hope you get some sleep soon.

Chris

[Big Kev]

On factory fit HID lighting the headlights each have a motor to adjust beam height, These are controlled by a unit which takes signals from sensors on the front and rear suspension.

Thanks for the explanation, I knew they'd be more to it than switching units over.

Incidentally, what bulbs do the 4.3s use, H4s?

No Sam.....H3 and H11 (Both the 90 degree type / "L" SHAPED)

[Jamesbelfast]

I have found the online site below to have a reliable database when it comes to car bulbs.

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/

[Dabooka]

On factory fit HID lighting the headlights each have a motor to adjust beam height, These are controlled by a unit which takes signals from sensors on the front and rear suspension.

Thanks for the explanation, I knew they'd be more to it than switching units over.

Incidentally, what bulbs do the 4.3s use, H4s?

No Sam.....H3 and H11 (Both the 90 degree type / "L" SHAPED)

I have found the online site below to have a reliable database when it comes to car bulbs.

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/

Cheers chaps, exotic bulbs are as far as I'd ever go when it comes to headlights (although i will be looking at fogs in the future, should the wiring be present that is).

[Hoovie]

The Osram Nightbreaker lamps are available for both H11and H3 and make a big difference to the RAV4 lights I found. Plus for a fairly modern design vehicle, they at remarkably easy to swap :)

[Gods_gift]

Osrams it is then, damn you DVLA.

[Tony Barnsley]

I fitted the Ring XenonMax Plus to mine a couple of weeks ago, unfortunately since then I haven't had or been able to do any nightime driving to find out how good they are :(

I had planned a trip Dahn Sarf 10 days ago when I woudl have been able to use them in anger, but they day I was due to leave the Rav went into limp mode, and has been at Mr T's ever since :(

[Gods_gift]

I fitted the Ring XenonMax Plus to mine a couple of weeks ago, unfortunately since then I haven't had or been able to do any nightime driving to find out how good they are :(

I had planned a trip Dahn Sarf 10 days ago when I woudl have been able to use them in anger, but they day I was due to leave the Rav went into limp mode, and has been at Mr T's ever since :(

Don't get me wrong good, very bright bulbs just a bit disappointed with the life span.

[webleymk3]

I'm sure our late friend CharlieFarlie (God rest his soul ) changed his bulbs to some super bright dubbries. I tried to search but unfortunately the forum beat me and i just couldn't find anything useful.. Anyone else able to find the topic?

WibbleWobbler

[Guest]

I'm sure our late friend CharlieFarlie (God rest his soul ) changed his bulbs to some super bright dubbries. I tried to search but unfortunately the forum beat me and i just couldn't find anything useful.. Anyone else able to find the topic?

WibbleWobbler

wot this thread? http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=129901&hl=&fromsearch=1

Gus

[Tony Barnsley]

I'm sure our late friend CharlieFarlie (God rest his soul ) changed his bulbs to some super bright dubbries.

I did, which Is why I went for the Rings . . . I know the thread is out there . . .but I can't Find it now

[webleymk3]

I'm sure our late friend CharlieFarlie (God rest his soul ) changed his bulbs to some super bright dubbries. I tried to search but unfortunately the forum beat me and i just couldn't find anything useful.. Anyone else able to find the topic?

WibbleWobbler

wot this thread? http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=129901&hl=&fromsearch=1

Gus

That's the one I was thinking of.

[Manxrav]

Philips Xtreme vision 100% are the best on the market, and they last. Not over keen on the Ring bulbs, don,t seem to have longivty.

Regards Clare

[Hoovie]

Philips Xtreme vision 100% are the best on the market, and they last. Not over keen on the Ring Bulbs, don,t seem to have longivty.

Regards Clare

I like those Philips Xtreme lamps but couldn't find them as an H11 or H3 fitting (but are available as an H4 so can fit in the RAV4.2

[kanulondon]

Hi,

Sorry I am going to buck the trend here. As the Rav 4 T180 came with nice projector bulbs already, I performed a retro fit HID kit (such a dirty set of words) installation. Using a kit from a reputable seller and keeping everything OEM colour wise (4300k), no boy racer blue.

Cost me about £75 and it's one of the best mods for the car, the light and cut off is excellent. I had the T180 MOT'd last week and I even mentioned the fact I had a kit installed, but my tester seemed more concerned about the beam and the cut off. He duly the car with flying colours.

So I can only recommend them, and I think there is enough scope to the MOT rules to cover in the future.

I have also declared the modification to our insurers, again no dramas.

KL