Changing headlight bulbs

[Stuart W]

Has anyone any experience of changing the main beam bulbs in the Passat?

According to the manual it requires a bit of dismantling and is best done by a mechanic, but is this just one of these OTT things? It certainly doesn't look too difficult, but of course these things can be deceiving.

Reason I ask is that the warning lamp came on tonight, and one of the main beam bulbs was out. I gave the lens a thump and it came back on, but I suspect it's on the way out, although I suppose it could be a loose connection.

I've had both the front sidelights replaced, and they're not that easy to get out - I couldn't do it myself, but a mechanic with long fingers managed one and I think they used long-nosed pliers for the other one.

[domestos]

Beleive it or not, I heard the Halogen bulbs are covered for 4 years and 50,000 miles under VW warranty. Not sure if this applies to you, but it won't hurt to give your ******* a call and find out...

As for advice on self fitting... I had an horror story of having to take of a front bumper to get a bulb changed for my 2003 Alfa 156, but I have not yet had the "Oppertunity" to do this on my passat.... yet!

[gazza007]

I upgraded my dipped bulbs to Philps Xtreme, A vanity mirror & torch came in handy. I would imagine the mains will be similar. I also was sent some blue vision sidelights but gave up as just too tight a space.

[gamichea]

Have a look here http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?&id=2706234

Dips are much more accessible but principles are the same. Connectors on my car's dips are different to those on this North American spec.car.

[Stuart W]

I upgraded my dipped bulbs to Philps Xtreme, A vanity mirror & torch came in handy. I would imagine the mains will be similar. I also was sent some blue vision sidelights but gave up as just too tight a space.

It was actually dipped beams I meant gazza; I thought main beam meant the same as dipped beam, but perhaps main beam is the same as full beam

[gazza007]

You will be able to do it Stuart

[mikecb1]

Gazza

How would you rate the Philips Extreme bulbs for light output? A bit better, or loads better?

I was thinking of getting some myself, but past experience with other uprated bulbs was that the improvement in light output was marginal.

Mike

[gazza007]

Hi Mike, I think it was worth it not a massive improvement but much better than supplied bulbs. This is where I got them from.

Have ordered the Philips X-treme + 80% for £26.99 from Autobulbsonline, best price I could find.
http://www.autobulbsonline.co.uk/#Anchor_Philips_Xtreme

You also get a set of sidelight bulbs, so quite a good deal.
http://www.autobulbsonline.co.uk/#An...W__Blue_Vision

[Feeex]

I changed my dipped bulbs for HIDs at the weekend and the difference is tremendous. I went with 6000K bulbs and although fiddly, the entire process only took an hour or so, so replacing the bulbs alone could probably be done in 5minutes. As long as you leave one side untouched then you can refer back to the clip and bulb position and you can get away without using torches and mirrors etc.

I would highly recommend it.

ps: I don't have particularly small hands or long fingers.....!

[Stuart W]

You will be able to do it Stuart

Well the bulb's been fine since it went out temporarily a few days ago, so I haven't had a chance to put it to the test.

I'm certainly encouraged by the comments in this thread though