Hi,

Comparing the high beams on my XK and my XJ, I notice the intensity of the high beam is quite lower on the XJ (and other modern cars I have).
I'd say acceptable light level on the XJ, esp. compared to older generation cars, whereas the XK is very intense.
Is this normal and if not what could be the explanation? Ageing bulbs? Both cars have ca. same age/mileage.

BR,
T.

 

I replaced my headlight bulbs with and there was a vast improvement in both low and high-beams. If I were to do it again I'd also look at OSRAM XENARC Night Breaker Laser D3S, 200% more brightness, HID xenon bulbs, discharge lamps, 66340XNL-HCB (twin) . Both are great. Only downside is the replace the bulbs you have to remove the front bumper cover and R&R the headlight units. My tech at the dealer did it for me and charged me 1.5 hours labor. Money well spent.

 

thierry, I noticed that on my xj, the lighting is aimed almost a little up above level. So, while you may not see everything quite as intense, you are seeing for a much longer distance. If you find a long road with a bend say a 1/4 mile up (maybe even further), turn on your high beams and find the bright spot in the trees. That is the center of your headlights. It will probably be about 20ish feet up in the trees.

 

Thanks, yes, replacing the bulbs is a PITA, so I will only consider if no othar option...
Will first check the adjustement, and then also have the headlamp glass polished... may be enough...

 

The HID bulbs do decline with age. I replaced both on my old 2005 S Type R.
They were visibly brighter than the old ones. I was surprised at the difference.
.
.
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Thanks all.
Ok, so as far as I could check and was told, polishing will not bring anything, as there is no transparency issue.
But before replacing the bulbs, I will try to lower the high beams, as I noticed, like Thermo suggested, they were a little high.
Now, I found the two Allen adjustment holes next to each headlight housing, but I don't know what both of them do, and esp. which one, turned into which direction, will lower the high beams (and if possible only the high beams, as low beams seem fine).
Any hints?

 

I do not recommend lowering the low beams as then your light will not reach out far enough to illuminate the road and markers on low beam to be comfortable driving as was my experience. As for adjusting the headlamps the inner adjustment is height and the outer is for the swing around turns. As one who has owned my XJ from factory order to over 104,500 miles. Get the Phillips bulbs and have them installed. You will probably them have to play with the adjustment. Lastly my low beams are adjusted maybe 1 degree down and reach our a very comfortable distance at 80+ miles per hour. The high beams are a little high and are not as useful as the lows and never have been.