Buy Nissan 370Z Headlight Assembly

Background Info

Quick Overview

The Nissan 370Z headlight-also called a headlamp, front lamp, or lighting assembly-is a bi-xenon projector unit that uses a D2S-type high-intensity-discharge (HID) bulb and an integrated LED daytime-running-light strip. It is standard on every 370Z from model-year 2009 through 2020. The lamp is auto-leveling, meets U.S. FMVSS 108 rules, and can be swapped, serviced, or upgraded to modern LED projector housings. (Nissan News USA, 350Z & 370Z UK)

Basics

What It Does

The 370Z lamp provides low- and high-beam light from one bi-functional xenon projector. A separate LED bar acts as the daytime running light (DRL) and parking light.
Auto-on/off control and automatic beam leveling keep the light aimed correctly even when the car is loaded or parked on a slope.

Specs & Fitment

Key Specifications

• Years covered: 2009 - 2020 coupe and roadster-including NISMO trims.
• Bulb type: D2S (sometimes listed as D2C/D2R) 35-watt HID capsule. (Diode Dynamics, SEALIGHT)
• Housing type: Projector with smoked lens and LED DRL strip.
• Factory part numbers: left lamp 26060-1EA0A/B/C and right lamp 26010-1EA0A/B/C (later "C" supersedes "A/B"). (Nissan Parts Deal, Nissan Parts)
• Connector: 10-pin multi-plug plus separate HID ballast harness. (350Z & 370Z UK, The370Z)

Bulb & Harness Details

Bulb Sizes

← scroll table horizontally →

Tip: A long-neck Phillips screwdriver can reach the vertical aim screw from above without removing the bumper. (350Z Tech)

Common Problems

Condensation & Moisture

Owners occasionally report fogging after heavy rain or a car-wash. Forum users recommend removing the bulbs, drying the lamp with mild heat, and greasing all rubber seals-including the HID ballast O-ring-before re-installing. (The370Z, 350Z & 370Z UK)

DRL Strip Failure

If the LED strip flickers or stays off, cycle the headlight switch; the DRL only lights when the main lamps are off and the transmission is in Drive. Persistent failure usually points to an internal driver board fault that requires lamp replacement. (The370Z)

Beam Aiming Complaints

The factory auto-leveling system uses height sensors; lowering springs can make the beam appear low. Because the motor self-calibrates at start-up, you may need to reset sensor links or adjust ride-height to restore aim. (350Z & 370Z UK)

Maintenance Tips

Keep It Clear

• Wash the lens with pH-neutral soap; abrasive cleaners remove the factory UV hard-coat.
• Apply a plastic-safe UV sealant twice a year to slow yellowing.
• Inspect the rear breather caps; clogged vents trap moisture and cause condensation. (350Z & 370Z UK)

Bulb Replacement Steps

1. Turn the steering wheel away and remove the front inner-fender clips.
2. Twist off the HID dust cap, unplug the igniter, and release the spring clip.
3. Swap in the new D2S bulb-do not touch the glass.
4. Re-seal and test. A short tutorial video shows the entire process in under ten minutes. (YouTube)

Legal & Safety

U.S. Rules

The lamp must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for photometry, glare limits, and beam switching. Any retrofit or LED conversion has to stay within those limits to remain road-legal. (Federal Register)
Before selling a car or importing lights, check the VIN recall page maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to confirm there are no open headlight recalls. (Nissan USA)

Upgrade Paths

LED Projector Housings

Several aftermarket manufacturers sell plug-and-play LED projector assemblies with Kuria-optic lenses, sequential turn signals, and white DRL strips that reuse the OEM wiring harness. (Morimoto)

HID-to-LED Bulb Kits

If you prefer to keep the factory housing, D2S-base LED capsules can replace the xenon bulb without splicing wires, but be sure the kit fits inside the dust cap and does not trigger dashboard errors. (Lasfit)

Useful Resources

• Federal regulations: Read the full FMVSS 108 text in the Federal Register here.
• Official Nissan brochure: 2019 370Z PDF with lighting specs here.
• Recall lookup: Enter your VIN on Nissan's site here to check safety campaigns.
• DIY video guide: Step-by-step bulb replacement video here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Headlight Questions & Answers

Q: What bulb size does the 370Z headlamp use?
A: It takes a D2S 35-watt xenon bulb for both low and high beams. (Diode Dynamics, SEALIGHT)

Q: Can I aim the lights higher?
A: The lamps level themselves; manual vertical adjustment is limited. If the beam seems low, check the suspension height sensors or ride-height changes. (350Z & 370Z UK)

Q: Why do my lights fog up after rain?
A: Moisture sneaks past aged seals. Dry the housing, grease every gasket, and confirm the breather vents are clear. (350Z & 370Z UK)

Q: How do I tell left from right headlamps?
A: The stamping on the back lists "LH 26060-1EA0C" for driver-side and "RH 26010-1EA0C" for passenger-side units. (Nissan Parts Deal, Nissan Parts)

Q: What's the white strip under the projector?
A: That is the LED daytime running light. It switches off automatically when the main headlights turn on. (The370Z)

Q: Will an LED conversion kit fit?
A: Yes-if it has a D2S base no wider than the factory bulb and the driver fits behind the dust cap-otherwise the cap may not close. (Lasfit)

Q: Are upgraded LED projector housings legal?
A: They are legal if they carry DOT or SAE markings and meet FMVSS 108 beam and glare limits; always verify documentation. (Federal Register)

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to change the whole lamp?
A: Yes. You must unclip the front bumper cover and detach three mounting bolts per lamp before unplugging the harness. Plan 1-2 hours for the first side. (YouTube)

Q: Is there a recall for dim headlights on the 370Z?
A: As of May 2025 no headlight-specific recall is listed, but always confirm using the VIN lookup tool. (Nissan USA)

Q: What are good ways to protect the lens?
A: Apply a UV-blocking clear film or wax-based sealant twice a year and park in the shade to prevent yellowing. (350Z & 370Z UK)

By covering specifications, maintenance, legal points, and upgrade choices, this guide helps shoppers-or search-engine visitors-understand everything linked to the Nissan 370Z headlight assembly.