Headlight Bulbs

**Michelin** · 02-12-2007,02:25 PM

Thinking of getting some of the Philips X-Treme Power bulbs for my Passat but have noticed that the low beam and high beam are seperate units which means i'd need to get 4 bulbs 2 low beam and 2 high beam also it looks a bit of a pig to change them i don't want to haveto strip the car to bits just to change the bulbs.So has anyone done this and what type of job is it and which bulbs would be best to change the low or the high

**paulthefox** · 02-12-2007,04:12 PM

its not a hard job to change the bulbs but it helps if u have small hands

would be better to change all 4 in my opinion,to keep them all the same

paul

**snapdragon** · 03-12-2007,12:37 AM

Also consider Osram Nightbreakers (+90%)
You'll probably notice more difference on the dipped headlights than main beam. It's pretty normal to have 4 bulbs except on rather old small cars. They aren't hard to replace, you just have to remove the air pipe on one side, and the PAS reservoir cover on the other. No tools needed. A vanity mirror and torch may be helpful to see the clips. IIRC the dips use a clip that you squeeze to unhook, and the main beam is a sort of bayonet fit that you turn 1/4 of a turn to lock and unlock.

**jamesmc1** · 03-12-2007,10:12 PM

Let us know if they make much difference as I'm thinking of getting some.

James

**Doogle.1** · 28-12-2007,01:13 AM

I fitted a pair of Philips X-treme (low beam) bulbs a while ago, they are well worth the money. Only changed the low beam as it seems to be a very rare occasion when high beam can be used these days, sorry, nights, unless you live 'out in the sticks' of course.

**claranet** · 06-01-2008,11:44 PM

I upgraded the bulbs with the Halfords 30% brighter ones and although I would say it IS worth the trouble - I'd leave it until the summer if I was you !

You need tiny hands for a start, then you have to take the drivers side air ducting out of the way. The Passenger side needs the removal of the black plastic bracket just behind the Headlamp - by the way make sure you don't lose the Plastic cap(s) that fits onto the headlamp unit(s).

If you think this is difficult; then try doing it on a Mk2 Ford Focus !!!!!! I gave up and took it to our Ford Dealer who admitted that the Grille, Road wheels,wheelarch liner all need to be removed just to unbolt the Headlamps! How on earth do they manage on the continent I will never know, it is a legal requirement to carry a bulb kit !!!!

claranet

**jlh345** · 08-01-2008,04:03 PM

I recently replaced all 4 bulbs with 2 xtreme and 2 Osram silverstars - far better than before...
As to fitting, I am reasonably able to do most things on a car, but gave in and paid the local vw garage 20 quid to fit...! See this link to a how to..
http://home.comcast.net/~slashpub/he...lightBulbs.pdf

**caldirun** · 08-01-2008,08:33 PM

I have just fitted 2 Osram Night Breakers from wendythebulbbird on Ebay, less than £20 delivered and only 15 mins to fit, they make the dipped beam whiter and brighter than the full (just got to get the lenses out now and give them a polish, they are well misted).

**slunker** · 10-01-2008,11:42 PM

Fitted nightbreakers myself, yes indeed it is a better light but the pattern seems to be the problem. the light does not go any further out. Is there a way to adjust this?

**caldirun** · 11-01-2008,08:59 AM

Originally Posted by slunker

Fitted nightbreakers myself, yes indeed it is a better light but the pattern seems to be the problem. the light does not go any further out. Is there a way to adjust this?

If the beam needs to be any further up the road use full beam, if another car is approaching then you dip to prevent dazzle (or keep your fog lights on, as more dildos are doing, and risk it running into you), dont mess with dipped beam adjustment, I may see you coming the opposite way one night!