How do I replace the low beam HID bulb on a 03 W8

[rg0115]

I am trying assist my father in replacing his drivers side low beam Xenon (HID) bulb. I did a little research and found the following article which shows how to get to the bulbs.

http://web.njit.edu/~rxp0835/b5/headlights.php?Link=0


Unforntunately, the headlight assembly of my dads W8 looks different from behind. Are there different instruction on replacing the low beam on a W8 passat? I believe this car has self leveling headlight, which probably make the difference here. I hope I don't have to take out the entire headlight, there has to be an easy way. The vehicle is a 2003 W8 Wagon. Dealer wants $450 to replace just the drivers side. Rediculous for one bulb, they have to be kidding me.

If anyone has written up instructions on how to do this on a 2003 W8 that would be great. Also, the low beam xenons are D2S correct? I have some spare Phillips from my other car, they should work if I am not mistaken. Thanks in advance for any assistance.


Here are a few pictures of what this headlight looks from the back. The red square must be where the high beam bulbs sits.


This how the back looks from a picture taken in the above link that show the instruction i found online, not the actual car of my dad. Notice there is round cover on the left which I think hold the low beam, the W8 does not have this.



Do I have to remove the entire lamp assemply to get to the low beam. Is the low beam behind where the finger is pointing?

[rg0115]

No replies. A little disappointing. I figured you guys here would know.

This is what I found online.

A:
You have to remove the headlamp from the car. To do this remove the grill, undo all bumper fastners and outer wheel arch liner fastners x 3 and screw that holds bumper to the wing x 1 (on both sides of car). Remove bumper retainer screws x 5 behind grill, pull bumper forwards to unlatch from wing, undo headlamp screws x 4, 2 top and 2 bottom, disconnect wiring loom from headlamp and using a bit persuasion (or have someone pull the bumper forward) remove the headlamp from the front of the car. Remove cover covering the lamp, 3 screws and 1 catch, replace bulb and reverse procedure for re-install.
Dirvers side you have to remove the air intake duct (just pull off) and passenger side you have to remove cover covering power steering fluid and abs system before undertaking the above.

[David Horn]

Do you know why the bulb has gone? HID lamps very rarely fail, and given the large voltages driving them it might be worth seeking an expert opinion. They're also, as I'm sure you know, ludicrously expensive to replace. ;-)