Replacing Xenon bulbs in 1999 Q45t

[ZMARKUS]

Now I've replaced many halogen bulbs in my previous vehicles with ease. I've had bit of an interest in changing the factory Xenon HID bulbs in my Q to the next higher temperature bulbs. Is this process as easy as changing out halogen bulbs?

[maxnix]

Higher color temperature for less lumens? Why?

Read the FSM. It's very explicit.

Remove each unit and clean it and maybe even armor it after you polish each lens.
Modified by maxnix at 11:29 PM 10/20/2007

[ZMARKUS]

Well my factory HID bulbs are about 4300k temperature. I like the blue light they emit but it's the first couple minutes on you only see this. After that it's mostly white light with slight yellow. Upgrading to a 8000k HID from a factory 4300k HID is comparable to going from a halogen to a HID. The look is a brighter light blue. Definitely a more appealing higher end look.

[maxnix]

Well my factory HID bulbs are about 4300k temperature. I like the blue light they emit but it's the first couple minutes on you only see this. After that it's mostly white light with slight yellow. Upgrading to a 8000k HID from a factory 4300k HID is comparable to going from a halogen to a HID. The look is a brighter light blue. Definitely a more appealing higher end look.

But less lumens.

Function vs. Fashion. What really works best vs. what looks kewl.

[ZMARKUS]

Checked that lumens reference you brought up and you're right. The 8000k and up HID bulbs may win a car show but are not as practical. After further researching it seems to maintain the luminosity of the 4300k HID but still wanting to change the color temp, one must install a 5000k or 6000k HID .

But less lumens.

Function vs. Fashion. What really works best vs. what looks kewl.

[maxnix]

5600°K - 6400°K is sunlight color temperature.

[Q45tech]

Since most use of lights is at night the most important numbers are YOUR INDIVIDUAL EYES [Left and Right vary] COLOR FREQUENCY SPECTRUM sensitivity.

Not what color they look like to someone else.

[ZMARKUS]

Since we're on the topic of lights. Those white light license plate bulbs I see on these new Lexus models. Man, I think thats a hot look. Anyone know if the industry making these bulbs for other earlier model vehicles( assuming it's as simple as a bulb .) to acquire this look.

[qship96]

they are simple LED`s, they do look crisp at night!