Hello! I have a 2003 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 L. I have 'repaired' my auto leveling headlights with the screw method I found on YouTube. However, my actual headlights are very dim. The dealer has stated that I must replace the entire unit, @ $900 each, in order to replace the headlights. Yes, I am a Girl who is just really learning how to maintain and fix her beloved car. Any advice? Thank you.

 

If it's just the bulbs you can replace them without needing to buy the entire unit. I wouldn't let a dealer do it due to the cost.

edit: pah! "but" changed to "buy"

 

If its been fixed with the screw method then there is no need to replace them entirely. Dont do it at the dealer, take it to a local mechanic and have him put brighter bulbs in for you. Should only take him 20 mins to do so. You can save some money buying the bulbs yourself at a local auto parts store.

 

You have the xenon HID arc lamp headlights? You'll need the special capsule. It's not a regular headlight bulb. Search on the forum for the spec. I've never replaced one but reportedly it is not an easy job. I think you have to take the bumper cover off and take the headlights out. A body shop should be able to do that for less cost than a regular auto mechanic shop. The S-types do not have BI-xenon headlights, though. The low beam is xenon HID but it does not have the movable cut-off shroud and the high beam is the inner headlight which has a regular halogen filament bulb.

I don't think you'll need a brighter bulb. The HIDs are bright at stock/OEM level. What you probably need is headlight aim and maybe the outer headlight lenses to be polished and de-oxidized.