2007 Solara SLE OEM H1R1 Headlights

[2005 Camry]

Has anyone had to replace the H1R1 9011 headlight bulbs in their Solara? I replaced the ones in our 07 once an had a real hard time finding some. The OEM were Toshiba 9011 H1R1 bulbs that even the dealer didn't have at the time and if I bought them there they were very pricey, I think in the $75 range. These are kind of a highbred Halogen and are not HID bulbs. I just went to order some on line and found what looks like Toshiba stopped making them but Philips has some they claim are the same. I'm looking for a good source, that are reasonably priced, they are about $50 a pair on line. I'm real happy with the performance and brightness of these but thought I would pick up a spare before they burn out again.

[DaOmG]

as far as i know the Philips brand bulbs are normal hallogen, where the Toshiba brand bulbs actually use the H.I.R. (Halogen Infrared Reflecting) technology. The last I recall there was a seller on eBay that had a surplus for the Toshiba ones, might be a good place to check if you want the real H.I.R. experience..

[2005 Camry]

I tried ebay but didn't find any right now. The Philips bulb is not the same shape as the Toshiba bulb was either, that is one of the reasons I was wondering if they were just as bright and worked as well.

I was hoping one of the Toyota Parts guys might wade in on what they may have experienced with these.

[DOHCammer]

Originally Posted by 2005 Camry

I tried ebay but didn't find any right now. The Philips bulb is not the same shape as the Toshiba bulb was either, that is one of the reasons I was wondering if they were just as bright and worked as well.

I was hoping one of the Toyota Parts guys might wade in on what they may have experienced with these.

I read that Toshiba holds the patent for the HIR bulbs so any other maker is just halogen technology with the correct base. You can buy Toshiba HIR's through any Toyota parts dept., both the Avalon and Solara use them for high beams. They are however pricey through Toyota but readily available. I modified a set to use in my 07 SE and they are beyond compare. Best high beams I've ever had. I will warn you that they do not like the lower voltage that DRL's provide. Toyota has a big problem with Avalons not getting proper lifespan out of the HIR's because of the DRL's. They recently extended the warranty on the HIR's used in Avalons and have a redesigned headlamp update that uses 9005's instead of the HIR's.

[2005 Camry]

Interesting. The car was 5 years old in Oct and if I remember right the first set lasted about 3 years. So I thought I ought to pick up a spare set. Both bulbs went out within a very short period of each other. I'll check with the local Toy dealer for price. You are right though it is my wifes car and have been very happy with the brightness of them.

[Lankan007]

I bought the HIR2 9012 for my honda accord and modified to fit it.
I heard very good things about the HIRs which is why I decided to go on that route.
I bought mine from amazon recently, it went for $22 per bulb.

[2005 Camry]

Lankan, Were the H1R2 bulbs Toshiba or Phillips? What did you have to do to modify it? Thanks.