Headlight Bulbs

**james_tiger_woo** · 30-05-2008,08:58 AM

Has anyone changed their standard headlight bulbs from the standard (non Xenon ones) to something a bit brighter? If so, what did you change them to and how easy was it?

**Feeex** · 30-05-2008,10:17 AM

I have an 08 Sport and swapped mine for some HIDs, 6000K units. The swap was quite easy, a bit fiddly, but do one at a time and refer to the other while you go and it shouldn't take more than 30minutes or so. The light output from the HIDs is totally different but much much brighter than standard bulbs.

Do it!

**james_tiger_woo** · 30-05-2008,10:32 AM

Where did you get them from? Is there a part number I need to be aware of? And will they need adjusting afterwards?

And I will

**Quatrelle** · 30-05-2008,11:47 AM

Found this in Wikipedia:

"European vehicles equipped with HID headlamps are required by ECE regulation 48 also to be equipped with headlamp lens cleaning systems and automatic beam levelling control. Both of these measures are intended to reduce the tendency for high-output headlamps to cause high levels of glare to other road users."

**james_tiger_woo** · 30-05-2008,11:53 AM

Hmm - food for thought...

I do however have a manual lens cleaning system and manual beam control

**Feeex** · 30-05-2008,12:11 PM

James,
The kit I used was bought from a guy on another forum but to be honest they're pretty much all the same, with the exception of some of the latest kits which have super slim ballasts. To prove this, I bought some from a guy based in China selling cheap kits on ebay. All three kits worked perfectly.

With regards to European regs on auto cleaning etc, I'm with you. My car is kept very clean, especially the lights, as when required they are extremely critical to safe driving. The reason they were changed in the first place is that the standard lights are pretty poor so imagine the light output if they were to get dirty; and with no auto clean feature they may as well not be there! That's how I would argue it with the police around here.
The Passat projectors (I assume you have them fitted) do a very good job of preventing glare so again, I'd argue that with anybody. The standard VW HID kit may have slightly different projector lenses (I don't know, just commenting) but your average plod isn't gonna be able to spot that. And anyway, I live in Nottingham so if he hasn't got something better to be doing he needs to take a look at his priorities! Also, I've never had anybody flash me for causing glare and to prove the point, I drove around with the lights on their highest setting for a while to see if anybody complained.

As I said, get on and do it. Have a look on Autobulbs.co.uk for some U.K. kits, think they were £99 last time I looked and with decent replacement bulbs costing £15 each, I know what I'd spend my money on. Alternatively, check out the guy on ebay. Delivery took 4days from China which is very impressive and the total price, including shipping was £34. Make sure you order the correct kit though and don't rely on his applications guide. I bought some for my motorbike and his guide was incorrect. Can't remember off hand the bulb size and am away for the next week and a bit, but I'm sure somebody on here can help.

Is this the longest post ever?!?!?

**garrad** · 30-05-2008,12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Feeex

James,
The standard VW HID kit may have slightly different projector lenses (I don't know, just commenting) but your average plod isn't gonna be able to spot that.

The HID headlamp units do look different, the projector lens is mounted in a 360 degree swivel mounting and the side lights have a pronounced circular lens, but the main tell tale sign is the cut in the bumper for the washer jet to pop out of! Can you tell I've been headlamp spotting recently?

I wouldn't risk fitting HIDs because they'll probably invalidate your insurance but you'll only find out when you need it and by that point it will be too late!

**gamichea** · 30-05-2008,03:58 PM

Originally Posted by garrad

I wouldn't risk fitting HIDs because they'll probably invalidate your insurance but you'll only find out when you need it and by that point it will be too late!

Hadn't thought of that but did wonder about potential MOT failure. If its in the ECE regs.then it ought to be part of the MOT check, didn't it?

**james_tiger_woo** · 30-05-2008,04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Feeex

James,
The kit I used was bought from a guy on another forum but to be honest they're pretty much all the same, with the exception of some of the latest kits which have super slim ballasts. To prove this, I bought some from a guy based in China selling cheap kits on ebay. All three kits worked perfectly.

With regards to European regs on auto cleaning etc, I'm with you. My car is kept very clean, especially the lights, as when required they are extremely critical to safe driving. The reason they were changed in the first place is that the standard lights are pretty poor so imagine the light output if they were to get dirty; and with no auto clean feature they may as well not be there! That's how I would argue it with the police around here.
The Passat projectors (I assume you have them fitted) do a very good job of preventing glare so again, I'd argue that with anybody. The standard VW HID kit may have slightly different projector lenses (I don't know, just commenting) but your average plod isn't gonna be able to spot that. And anyway, I live in Nottingham so if he hasn't got something better to be doing he needs to take a look at his priorities! Also, I've never had anybody flash me for causing glare and to prove the point, I drove around with the lights on their highest setting for a while to see if anybody complained.

As I said, get on and do it. Have a look on Autobulbs.co.uk for some U.K. kits, think they were £99 last time I looked and with decent replacement bulbs costing £15 each, I know what I'd spend my money on. Alternatively, check out the guy on ebay. Delivery took 4days from China which is very impressive and the total price, including shipping was £34. Make sure you order the correct kit though and don't rely on his applications guide. I bought some for my motorbike and his guide was incorrect. Can't remember off hand the bulb size and am away for the next week and a bit, but I'm sure somebody on here can help.

Is this the longest post ever?!?!?

Yes, yes it is

Who did you buy the kit from and who was the seller?

**gazza007** · 30-05-2008,05:27 PM

Did them a while back

Re: Xenon lights or not?
I fitted my Philips X-treme bulbs yesterday, a little tricky but not too bad.
Def improvement over Std Philips Long Life H7's.