The chrome inside the headlight housing on my 2002 XKR is flaking very badly (just the driver's side - although the passenger side has seen better days too).

What's the best solution for this? Can they be fixed? Looking around, the price of new units is ridiculous!

 

The lens and reflector assembly is a separate part from the rest of the headlight. Once the headlight is out of the car, it just snaps in and out. It can be purchased for about $200 apiece new, much less the the enitre headlight.

 

Here are the part numbers for the lens/reflector only:
LJA4651BA LH with powerwasher
LJA4650BA RH with powerwasher
LJA4651AA LH no powerwasher
LJA4650AA RH no powerwasher

It is a common problem. While you have it out, you might want to consider performing this service bulietin instruction to add vents to reduce the condensation which damages the silvering:

 

Thanks. Found it for £130 in the UK

I may wait and see if one comes up on ebay.

Are they difficult to fit?

 

This thread should help you remove the entire headlight assembly (there are three fasteners):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ight=headlight

I had no trouble at all, but the bolt underneath is a bit difficult to reach, and I have heard some people report it sometimes might get siezed from corrosion.

Once the headlamp assembly is out, gently pry up the tabs separating the lens housing and the body of the headlight (I think there are 2 or 3 on each long side and one on each end). The lens and the housing will then separate, it will be helped automatically by the rubber gasket pressure. Replace the lens with the new gasket it comes with.

 

Thanks. I'm still coming to terms with the cost (and indeed disappointed that the chrome is flaking in the first place)

I've seen sone headlight "lenses" on ebay: they are xenon ones. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I have no idea what xenon lights are - I'm guessing they are different types of bulbs? So as well as the lenses, would I need something else?

 

I am pretty sure that seller does not know what he is talking about. Those look like the standard lenses. If you can get new ones for £130 each, why pay his price for used?

 

Those lenses are off xenon lamps which is why they are black, they will fit no problem and it does not matter that your lights are not xenon

 

Are these the same things as well?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tchlink:top:en

 

OK, I see that now, but although they fit, aren't they missing some of the chroming on the standard lenses?

 

The inside of the light unit is black and not chromed, that is how they look on the newer 2005 models, I beleive the first started using the black lenses around 2004.

I prefer them, the chrome on the early type lenses is rubbish and you can't clean them, unlike the black. It does not affect the lights performance at all.

 

my 2003 has the black too, my dealer service writer (promoted from mechanic) once asked me if I painted them. I did not, that was how it came.

 

Thanks. So there's absolutely no difference between the housing for a xenon light and the regular light?

While I'm doing the repairs, is it an easy and wothwhile task to "upgrade" to xenon?

 

Not the easiests of tasks I am afraid as the plug is different, it is possible to connect individual wires and then on to a different plug and then change the plug on your loom to the corresponding type on the light unit.

A lot of hassle.

I would buy the later glass and simply do a HID conversion, about 1/4 of the price.

If you buy a HID Kit, make sure it is a slimline as it will fit neatly inside the lamp unit, also when you do your search, DON'T mention Jaguar, instead search for H1, this is the type of bulb you will need, exactly the same kit but £40 ($60) cheaper

 

good suggestion xkracer! I totally concur, and if you want the closest to OEM 'color' and appearance, order the 5000k, or closest to it you can find. Because it won't be the OSRAM bulb, it won't be exactly matching, but I doubt anyone outside of the diehard techies would notice.

 

Thanks ... but now I'm confused

Are we saying that the units I linked to on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT will fit my car, and that they are a straight swap for what I have?

And that additionally, if I wished, I could slot in some xenon HID (indeed are xenon and HID the same thing?) lights? If so, could someone pint me to exactly what I'd need to do that, something that doesn't require any special skills, butchery and soldering?

Thanks for your patience!

 

Yes to all of the above......Yes they will fit and swap.....Yes Xenon and HID are the same..... And yes click HERE ...... They look a nice kit, a bit more expensive than some but a UK seller and would be better for you if you have any issues, also ask for a 6000K anything more and you will look like a chav.

Simple to fit, the biggest thing you will have to do is remove the headlight from the car, it can be done in situ but it is a serious PITA

Unless you fancy a drive to Norfolk and I will fit them for you

 

Thanks. I'm rather daunted by the challenge of having to fit them I must say...will probably wait until I can get a bargain and then get them fitted when I take her in for a service.

I'm still in two minds about the black finish ... does it look odd and out of keeping?

 

When you get the service done and if they fit the HIDs for you, tell them it should not take no longer than 2 hours and that includes removing the lights, I have heard some horror stories of people being charged £300+ ($450)


And I prefer the black, it what I have on my XKR

 

Well it looks like I may have got lucky. I won a pair of headlights for £92 on ebay. They are the black ones. I'd have preferred chrome, but maybe the black are more durable.

Been quoted 2 hours by the local independent Jag man, at £55 an hour...but he did warn it could be considerably longer if the bolts are seized.

Does this job require someone who knows his way around an XK, or could any competent mechanic have a go?