Advice: Replacing 2001 A3 headlight bulbs

[BobMahal]

Hi,

I have a 2001 (UK-spec post-mid-life update) Audi A3 1.8 SE with the standard (clear-glass) headlights.

The users manual advices owners to take the car to a dealer to get the headlight bulbs replaced, which seems a bit excessive. Is there any easy way of getting at the bulbs to replace them?

Also does anyone know what size of bulbs they take as I keep on getting conflicting advice from websites depending upon whether I have front fog-lights fitted or not!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Bob.

[mrleeS3]

they're pretty easy to replace...

the only hard part, is removing the battery.. its clipped down from underneath quite awkwardly....

the light unit comes out no probs..

[be warned... the main bulb can cost upto £80!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its some silly zenon filled bulb.... i managed to blag one from my local spares place at cost price tho... £35+vat... ]

[Trev McM]

Hi,

I have a 2001 (UK-spec post-mid-life update) Audi A3 1.8 SE with the standard (clear-glass) headlights.

The users manual advices owners to take the car to a dealer to get the headlight bulbs replaced, which seems a bit excessive. Is there any easy way of getting at the bulbs to replace them?

Also does anyone know what size of bulbs they take as I keep on getting conflicting advice from websites depending upon whether I have front fog-lights fitted or not!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Bob.

Bob,

First off you need to ascertain just what headlights you have - ignoring fog lights, there are two types; conventional filament bulbs (H7 dip and H1 main beam) or Xenon HID bulbs (these are v expensive discharge lamps),

If you have headlamp washers then you may have Xenon HIDs, otherwise conventional filament bulbs. Conventional bulbs are easy to change, you just remove the plastic rear cover of the headlamps, unclip the bulb and don't touch the glass envelope.

Xenon HIDS rarely need replacing, they will normally last the lifetime of the vehicle !! Recommend you ask the dealer.

Fog lamps - Do you have two warning lamps next to your headlamp switch ? One will be rear fog and if you have another then that will be front fogs. In 2001 I think fogs, if fitted, were part of the headlamps i.e. a triple headlamp, again look and see your headlamp switch. Triple Headlamps use H4 (dip and main) and H1 (fog) bulbs. That's possibly why you are getting conflicting info. Even more tricky if HIDs !!

Bottom line, conventional bulbs are fairly easy to replace, HIDs are not. In either case go and ask your Dealer - they usually don't charge if you just want to know !!

Trev McM

[Acidr8yne]

Hi,

I have a 2001 (UK-spec post-mid-life update) Audi A3 1.8 SE with the standard (clear-glass) headlights.

The users manual advices owners to take the car to a dealer to get the headlight bulbs replaced, which seems a bit excessive. Is there any easy way of getting at the bulbs to replace them?

Also does anyone know what size of bulbs they take as I keep on getting conflicting advice from websites depending upon whether I have front fog-lights fitted or not!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Bob.

Hey Bob,

Trev is correct in saying there are 2 types, but VAG usually only put HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps into the top models i.e. RS4, RS6, Some exec saloons and you could immediatelt tell without taking anything out if you have HID. They are the lights that are really blue, like you see on Range Rovers, Bently's etc.

Secondly there were two models in 2001 Mk1 A3 and Mk2 or Mk1 facelift.

I've got a Mk2 A3 or Mk1 facelift if you prefer. Does you're headlights look like mine? Clear lenses? non-seperate indicator on the front?

And finally........ I replaced my bulbs about 18 months ago, funnily enough from Autobulbs direct but I bought them on ebay! Cost me about £24 with free 501 sidelights. Got them next day! No problems since.

Make sure you wear some kind of latex/rubber glove when changing the bulbs though, as the acid on your fingers can sometimes make the bulbs fail! I learnt that the hard way! lol!

Don't bother taking it to VAG, i'm sure they would like you to @ £102 p/h labour rate + part cost + VAT = £150 for changing some bulbs which incdentally is a 5 minute job!

If yours is the same chassis as mine (8L) it's a simple task.

1. Pop the Bonnet and remove the battery, it's only held onto the plate by 2 nuts w/plates on.
you can remove them simply with an adjustable spanner or a socket set with an extension barrel, your choice.

2. Pop the back covers off the rear of the headlamps, remove the connectors, pinch the springs holding the bulb in place and out she comes!

3. To fit the bulb........Carefully slot it in, lining up the notches on the bulb shoulders to the one's in the headlamp housing, and voila! replace springs, replace connectors, replace covers, reattach battery to baseplate, ensuring it's tightly fixed onto the plate!

Here's a link to the bulbs you'll need:

By the way these are the same set & supplier i got mine off, you might find them cheaper elsewhere.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-A3-97-XEN...QQcmdZViewItem

Hope this helps

Chris

[BobMahal]

Thanks guys for all the responses. They've really been helpful.

FYI I have the conventiontal (non-xenon), REVISED Mk1 headlights so I'll definitely give the DIY approach a try!

Yeah I also learn't the hard way (in the past) about about the relationship between leaving skin grease from your fingers and premature bulb failure!

Cheers

Bob.