Headlights not to good

[Arragonis]

Hi,

I have a 2007 with Xenons and they seem to be a bit useless if I'm honest. I don't normally drive out of town but when I did last night the output from the dipped lights seemed very dim and not very long. I note some have commented on this on other threads and not just A6s.

So a couple of quick question :

1. Is this normal, and if not what is the cure. Both bulbs are reasonably new.
2. It could be adjustment - is there an easy adjustment procedure ?

Thanks

EDIT - as an example of how dim - I could not make out the stop line (could see the sign OK) at an unlit junction until less that 50 feet away.

[M1tchy]

To align them it needs to go to a garage as you could end up blinding other traffic.

If they are getting dim, yellow/orange and the light output isn't great, try replacing the bulbs. Did this on my wife's recently and they are much better now.


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[EssexGonzo]

It's entirely possible that the bulbs are the ones that came with the car from the factory - they do last a long time but they also fade. I replaced my originals a couple of years ago with Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited and the difference was HUGE!

[Arragonis]

Thanks both - the bulbs have both been replaced so they are pretty new, I don't think it is an age thing - except for the driver maybe.

I thought the range might be low as it seems to light only maybe 20-30 feet in front of the car.

I've found a VAG-COM article on doing it, but wondered if there are some nice old-school thumbwheels I can turn ?

[M1tchy]

There are some screws on the lights but they need an Allen key to operate them. I think it's best to drop it into an MOT centre who will charge you a minimal fee to align them.


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[MarkTM]

I think it's best to drop it into an MOT centre who will charge you a minimal fee to align them.
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On my other car with xenons they charged 12 squiddles.

Another thread showed my beam pattern to cast a greater range than another poster also with xenons, so yes can be down to adjustment, or it could be the xenon adjusters are out* (or the sensors are). In my case my A6 adjustors don't work and my lights are set in a single position which passes MOT just fine :)

VCDS should tell you though.

[Arragonis]

Thanks - will get them checked. Got a nail through the side of the tread of a rear tyre this morning so that needs replacing - not going to risk it although the tyre is holding up just now.

[Arragonis]

Update - adjusted lights seem better, not had chance to get out of town to check on dark roads yet.