Jaguar XK8 Headlights
Shine forth a beam powerful enough to match the supremacy your Jaguar coupe commands on the road with headlights for the XK8. The right headlights are just as much of an aesthetic boost as they are a safety concern. Select the headlights that complement the luxurious design of your Jaguar XK8.
What types of headlights are available for the Jaguar XK8?The two types of lighting technology most commonly used in Jaguar XK8 headlights are high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). HID bulbs make use of a conventional glass housing to contain two tungsten electrodes that are activated by discharged noble gases to create a brilliantly bright electrical arc. HID bulbs are considered the gold standard when it comes to vehicle lighting and are rated to last between 1,000 and 2,000 hours. LEDs consist of compound semiconductor materials that produce a largely heatless and energy-efficient source of light. LED diodes are incredibly small and are rated to last 50,000 hours.
Should both headlights be changed simultaneously?When only one headlight assembly in your Jaguar XK8 is experiencing issues, it may be tempting to only replace that component and to leave its counterpart alone. However, traditional HID bulbs lose up to 20% of their luminosity over time, and the plastic cover in a headlight assembly can gradually become obscured by particulate matter that amasses inside the lens. Not only will replacing only one headlight assembly lead to a lopsided look, but the variation in brightness between the two headlights may also cause distractions on the road. For these reasons, it is recommended that both headlight assemblies be replaced at the same time.
How do you replace Jaguar XK8 headlight assemblies?When it comes time to replace the headlight assemblies in your Jaguar, grab a socket wrench and set aside about an hour to install both parts. Then, follow these straightforward instructions to remove the old assemblies from your car and to get started with some ultra-bright replacements:
- Pick a side to start with, and turn the wheels so that the wheel well on the preferred side is exposed.
- Remove the headlamp access panel by turning the T-nut and unhooking the lower retaining catch. Remove the wheel arch liner bolts, and pull the wheel well liner away from the vehicle to access the headlight assembly.
- Remove the bolts on the bottom and top of the headlight assembly. Pull the headlamp forward, and disconnect the headlamp washers if equipped. Disconnect the electrical harness.
- Connect the electrical harness to the new headlight assembly. Insert the headlamp washer hose if equipped. Push the headlight assembly into the cavity.
- Replace the top and bottom bolts to secure the headlight assembly. Replace the wheel arch liner and headlamp access panel to complete assembly. Repeat these steps for the opposite side.