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Hi, my 1997 XK8 in New Zealand has failed its' the corrosion clearly visible. RH side only.
6 monthly inspection due to corrosion on the headlight reflector. Can the reflector be changed and if so, where can I get one as the whole lamp unit will cost a fortune in the UK (I got a price of 650 GBP plus shipping and tax). There also seem to be 4 different types of lamp and risky which one might fit (It doesn't have powerwash)
The reflector is replaceable, but I wasn’t able to source one. I ended up installing a high beam LED projector, as well as changing my lower beam projector for a Bixenon HID projector. This was a bit of a project but I did document it on the forum. It was a great upgrade in light output, but it changes the car’s appearance and requires lots of DIY. This is not a mod for everyone but it is something to consider.
As these Cars get older, all kinds of things happen! It has to be fixed, that's for sure....
The Reflector is replaceable.....but you have to remove the entire Light Assembly to do it....Then you either replace it with a new one or I guess you could clean the stuff off of it and have it re-chromed.....Glandanielxk8, has gone the very best way there is...but it's expensive....although, either way, you have a lot of work to do!
If you can find a used Head Light from a wrecked Jag, then all you would have to do is replace the Reflector or the Headlight. That's the easy way! Other than that.... You would have to take it apart and replace the Reflector.....Not many ways to go with this one as it has to be replaced to past inspection....Remember, your X-100 has Full Chrome inside the Light, whereas the newer Models have the High Beam area painted Black. You need to watch that when purchasing another Headlight Assembly....Just remember to get an "early" Headlight! Also, consider upgrading the High Beams to LED Bulbs and replacing your Low Beams with new HID Bulbs and Ballast. They should be about old enough @ 24 years, they should be replaced....I would think!
Wish you the best of luck! Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch-Houston .
Hi Billy, I urged my car technician to remove the unit and repair or replace the reflector. His reply was "to repair these headlights is a very complex job with all the motors that have to be removed I would recommend you buy a new unit" This doesn't really make sense to me... which motors is he talking about?
Hi Billy, I urged my car technician to remove the unit and repair or replace the reflector. His reply was "to repair these headlights is a very complex job with all the motors that have to be removed I would recommend you buy a new unit" This doesn't really make sense to me... which motors is he talking about?
It’s nonsense. He just doesn’t want to do it. On cars with HIDs like mine, there is a stepper motor for automatic beam height adjustment. It does not affect in any way replacing the High beam reflector. On your car with halogens, the stepper motor is not even present.
Hi Billy, I urged my car technician to remove the unit and repair or replace the reflector. His reply was "to repair these headlights is a very complex job with all the motors that have to be removed I would recommend you buy a new unit" This doesn't really make sense to me... which motors is he talking about?
A 'very complex operation' involving several bolts. All six of mine have been off and on, some several times.
As always, the first time took about half an hour on and off, every other time faster.
Mucking around changing the internal broken lens, once, much longer than the removal/replacement...
The Headlights of the 90's or not much different than the one's in the 2000's...There is a Motor that moves both the High Beam Reflector and Low Projector up and down when you turn on the Headlights...They are both connected to the same base and the Motor levels the Lights. (Go around to the Front and watch it while someone turns on the Headlights....What you need to do is go to Dave Yau's break down of the Headlights @ 09/24/2019 @02:16PM or go to: High Beam Projector: where glandanielxk8 breaks down the entire Lighting system and changes the system to HID....You will understand the Projector and the how they work as originally designed...They did a god job...just used the wrong Bulb....Be sure to cleanup the HID system!
Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch - Houston
Last edited by Norri; Mar 15, 2021 at 09:02 PM.
Reason: Added links
Corroded headlight reflector
