Hey all,
I have a 2004 XJ8 and I wanted more light, so I found some Xenon HID bulbs that said that they are a direct replacement bulb. They are 12V 100W 5900k (white) H& bulb, so I used them. Worked fine looked great, they driver side went out (8 months). I went to replace it and the socket is cooked, came apart in my hand as I remover the bulb. I am looking to go back to sock but I need that connect. Are they sold as just the socket, the wiring is good. Should the light have done that? Do I need a kit of some kind to upgrade my bulbs?

 

RedJag,

I doubt what you got were Xenon bulbs. You got really powerfull hallogens. Xenons are not direct replacement - you need a ballast to drive the bulb. Xenons are usually 35W.

Considering the stock bulb is 55W, the replacement 100W cooked the socket - yes it can do that.

Jag dealer may be able to sell you the connector separately - just call the parts dept.

 

If you want more light, get the Sylvania SilverStar lamps. Much better lighting and still 55 watts. I tried the 100 watt lamps, but got less brightness than the SilverStars. Glad I took out the 100 watt lamps!!

 

Silver Star Ultras are supposedly even better than the standard Silver Stars.

 

I've used Silverstars in the past and they were good, but I'm using these now they're even better, dunno if you can get 'em in the US - http://www.ringautomotive.co.uk/prod...t2=48&cat3=205

 

I love the Sylvania SilverStar bulbs!!! More money but worth every penny, Good luck.

 

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the info I put the factory bulbs back in (got the socket to work). Next set of bulbs will be the Silver Star Ultra, saw them on Ebay (new) for ~$35.00 and free shipping. Thanks again....

 

These are great it what I got.

Hey OP, those were definately not HID bulbs and just cheap high wattage halogens. They almost always cause problems (did so on my 95 c220). But if Im not mistaken doesnt the 04 XJ just have simple crimp connections and no harness ? thats what my car had, they looked like angled speaker connections.