HI Guys

How reliable and expensive are the HID lights on the XJ?

The reason I ask is that on my Prius, one started acting up after 3 years and cost around $500 to replace, although the ones on my 2000 BMW 740i have been fine.

I also notice the auto function for the headlamps comes on at the slightest hint of shade, and the lights will actually turn off and on during my drive home at dusk....does this affect the reliability of the HID.

SO what I am asking is, should I turn the auto feature off, should I turn the daytime running lamps off, or are they reliable enough or inexpensive enough not to care about it?

Thanks

 

They're VERY expensive on a X350, bulbs or ballast. Don't know what year you have, but the models with the 12 pin ballast are not that easy to get. If the ballast goes, the dealer only sells the entire headlight assembly so you're on Ebay looking for used ballasts. Every time these power up it puts a lot on both bulbs and ballast. I've used aftermarket bulbs and you can get those at a reasonable price over OEM, but the ballast is unique to the car.

On my 350 I leave the lights off unless I need them for nightime driving. I don't buy the daytime safety argument much either so I don't use headlights on any of my cars (or recommend to my customers) unless they are needed for darkness driving.

 

Thanks Steve

Mine's a 2008, but no idea if thats a 12 pin ballast or not! Anyway, auto feature and daytime running are now both off.

Cheers

 

I've seen twelve pins on early MYs (2004s). I think (and guessing here) it was used on the introductory X350, then redesigned to the 4 pin.

I am an indy with a small customer base so I wouldn't get to see an 08 like yours unitl it comes off warranty, so I am always 4/5 years behind current MYs.

 

When my bulb went i paid $100 for a new one. Jaguar wanted almost$ 200 for a new one. This is my first car with HID lights so I guess I got a good deal. And yes running the daylights is a stupid function especially going into tunnels and under overpasses

 

I don't have the HID lights on my car, but I did get the SilverStar Lamps and am very happy with them. I have heard so much about the cost of replacing the HID lamps, that I am glad I don't have them.

 

Would my 2006 have the 12 pin or the 4? Is the 4 pin something that is shared with more common cars? I agree about keeping the lights OFF unless really needed.....if you need a DRL function just run parking lights and foglights - people will see you. I will say my 2005 TL never had an HID problem in 150k miles, so here's hoping I'm as lucky with the Jag....