Very dim dip headlights

**Jon James** · 16-12-2009,10:00 PM

Hello

I have had many VW' and Audi's and generally are able to solve most problems but this has me stumped!

I have just acquired a 2000 (W) A4 B5 TDI Estate and I'm really happy with it. However I notice that the headlights are really dim when dipped. Not too bad on full beam but then again not as good as my old VW Caddy pick up!

I have replaced all the standard H7 55w bulbs with Xenon 100w bulbs and although a little brighter on main beam the dip is still really poor.

Any ideas?

Kind regards
Jon

**martinA4passat** · 17-12-2009,10:59 AM

I am guessing you have a face lift model and it is normal the dipped beam is very weak. I upgraded to a HID kit which has solved the problem. I think the projector lense for the dipped beam on the face lift headlights is too thick for standard bulbs and reduces the brightness.

**JON IOW** · 17-12-2009,04:42 PM

I would go the same route as martin above. If you have projector lenses you'll be fine with HID's, 6000k are probably the best for on road use.

I've been running them on my BMW for years, they're cheap(ish) and easy to fit and will be the first thing i fit when i finally buy the new car.

Only problem with HID's is that once you've used them you will hate driving without them.

**Jon James** · 17-12-2009,08:16 PM

Originally Posted by martinA4passat

I am guessing you have a face lift model and it is normal the dipped beam is very weak. I upgraded to a HID kit which has solved the problem. I think the projector lense for the dipped beam on the face lift headlights is too thick for standard bulbs and reduces the brightness.

Indeed it is a facelift.
Thanks for the advice.
Looks like I had better look into getting four HID kits (dip and main) any ideas where is the best place to get them at a reasonable price? What with Xmas on the way things are a little tight.
Cheers

**martinA4passat** · 17-12-2009,08:22 PM

HID's direct were pretty reasonable paid around £80 with delivery for a set of 2, off ebay. Don't bother with the £25 to £50 kits as I wouldn't want to be stranded out somewhere if they fail and I have heard of some kits not working when fitted and you have to go through the hastle of replacing.
I didn't bother changing the main beam as the dipped beam stays on when you put on the main beam so you still get the extra brightness.

**JON IOW** · 17-12-2009,08:25 PM

Here's another vote for HID direct. The service Martin provided me was spot on

**Jon James** · 17-12-2009,10:39 PM

Cheers for the advice guys.
I have just noted that HID Direct sell on ebay (slightly cheaper than the website) so I will get a set from there.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50w-HID-Conver...item334d72c892

Looks like the 4300k is the brightest so might get them, or as you say the 6000k. Is there any advantage to them having a bluer look?

Cheers
Jon

**JON IOW** · 18-12-2009,02:37 PM

4300 have a closer to OEM orangy ting to them. 6000k are crystal white and the bigger the number the bluer and less effective the beam.

4300 and 6000 are the ones to go for and you can make your choice based on the look you want. I prefer the 6000's for the white beam and i persnally think they are brighter. 4300 will be alot brighter than OEM though.

Just stay under 8000k and you'll be fine.

**martinA4passat** · 18-12-2009,11:02 PM

4300K are closest to white everything higher is less white and more into blue. I have 4300K and they are white in the road with a blue tinge, I would go for 4300K as anything higher will not illuminate quite as much, It's down to preference I wanted mine to supply the brightest light and best visiblility, some people want that blue colour but you do get that even with 4300K.

**Jon James** · 19-12-2009,11:33 AM

Some great advice here guys, I'm going to go for the 4300k as I want as bright as possible.
Now all the sets I have looked at with HID Direct say "This product is sold for 'off road' and 'show' purposes only. "
Why is this?
Are they MOT legal?
Jon