Morimoto LED XB Headlight review

so are these the only aftermarket LED headlights available (or going to be available) right now?

 

Exactly why I went with the hid instead of the led

 

Oh for sure. But I don’t think these were targeted to compete with a quality HID though. I’m a little disappointed in the low beam output, but that’s only because I’ve been spoiled with high output projectors.(even though these XB’s are much better than OEM).
Triple RX350 retro’d in these would be LIT.

 

I can’t imagine how hard it is to align all those separate projectors. I’m ocd about just two.

 

The way morimotos are setup is kinda odd...
The outside Low beam projector has a step cutoff, but the middle low beam is only a flat cutoff(no step).
When both are powered on, it creates a “single” beam pattern(although 2 different lights are projecting 2 different beam patterns.
They are bolted together internally, so it’s actually just as easy as adjusting 1 projector on an OEM headlight

 

So does the Morimoto xb have a yellowish color? It looks more yellow vs cool white or natural white in the pictures, especially compared to the m led

 

If I had to guess it’s in the 4300k range.

 

So having come from 2 previous HID retrofits with a nice, colorful, sharp cutoff, do you think I may be disappointed with these LED units? I don't really know how much retros cost these days but I can tell you neither of my last 2 retrofits cost $1,250!

 

A good retrofit nowadays will run you probably 1500 maybe more

 

I can't speak for you, or anyone else. But for myself I am definitely changing out the internal projectors. I love everything about the headlights but the low beam performance. But like I mentioned before, I have been spoiled with SC430's,RX350's, D2s 4.0 retofits (Which are the top benchmark for projectors). This is my OWN opinion, but I think Morimoto could have kicked it up a notch on the projectors. I mean.. look at the 5.0, M-led, Mini 4.0, etc. They definitely have the capability. Maybe it came down to cost, or easier manufacturing, IDK.
At the end of the day, they still are the best DROP IN headlight on the market. Take it for what it's worth

 

I forgot to mention I also got the rx350 projectors with clear lens upgrade

The whole thing cost me $720

 

These are $1000 delivered to your door. You make the call whether it’s worth it or not.

 

Good write up, I was afraid of selling these instead of retrofits.
I personally run a set on my F150 but wasn't sure as I haven't had a set of these in my hand yet.
Glad to see the Toyota ones are good too!

 

Do you think this is a easy change so they are full brightness all the time?

Realistically, if I wanted to upgrade my housings from the tacomabeast ones to something much better, is that something you're willing/able to do or should I get these new setups? I love the looks of the tacomabeast housings, but I want better light output and too afraid to try any of it myself lol

 

Thanks for your reply, greatly appreciated. My first retros were TSX projectors with "cutoff mod" (spacing the shield, I guess, I didn't make 'em) and they were cool. Then the next ones were SC430 projectors with clear lenses and they were incredible. Still have those (but not the car they went on, ha ha). Sounds like I may be better off to get a true retrofit since I'm quite used to the HID experience.

Where'd you get them done? Did you send out your OEM headlights to have them retro'd?

When I had my Civic retro'd, it was like $200-250 for a spare set of OEM lights (I know, half of what used tacoma lights go for) and then the retro stuff and labor was like $7-800. I think I was still under 1K with shipping and everything on them.

 

Just noticed this reply. Thanks. This is interesting since things have come such a long way from the old days where they literally had to find and remove projectors from wrecked vehicles!

 

Sorry if I missed it, but do these lights have warmers in them for snow and ice melting? Generally LEDs do not generate enough heat to melt to cold stuff.

 

I purchased them through the retrofit source
I did all the work myself along with the BHLM
Not hard at all

 

I have OEM headlights right now and I swapped the bulbs to some Amazon LED bulbs about a year ago. They definitely look nicer, but the light throw is absolutely pathetic and definitely worse than stock. I have never been spoiled by a true retrofit or anything like that. Obviously it's subjective, but do you think I am going to be disappointed with the low beam performance going from my worse than stock bulbs to these new LEDs?

 

My dad has a 2017 off-road and he got the hid kit with the stock projectors And he loves them
I’m ocd and like a clean cutoff so I went with the projector upgrade also