Headlights - Discussion and Questions

[agentthumb]

I've read about the replacement bulbs to the higher intensity headlights - are these bulbs "tuned" (in a sense) to the reflectors in the head lamp array?

Pros of this headlamp are the lights are whiter, brighter and illuminate a distance further than the halogens, plus they look more premium.

Cons would be that they don't last as long, potentially the reflections of the lights can dazzle oncoming drivers' eyes and they cost more in terms of bulb replacement.

If they can be replaced, is it a straight replacement? No issues of voltage reading errors showing up in the vehicle status messages between the old halogen vs these newer higher intensity bulbs?

@dero, I'm assuming you are referring to High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs when you are talking about "higher intensity headlights"?

If so, then no. They are not "tuned" to work with your stock halogen reflectors. Due to the different ways light is created between HID and halogen bulbs, you will end up throwing light everywhere when you simply replace your factory halogen bulbs with HID bulbs and ballast. This is illegal and will often daze oncoming traffic.

You can buy conversion kits that replaces the whole head light housing with correct light cutoffs for HIDs (to not daze on coming drivers) however, in Australia, the ADR specifies HIDs (or any front light sources brighter than 2000 lumens) will need to be fitted with headlight washer and auto levelling capabilities. These requirements render most, if not all after market conversion kits illegal.

The only legal option for retrofitting HIDs is to fit correct housing, washer and leveller. At the moment, only the factory parts offer these capabilities.

As for "brighter" halogen bulbs offered by Philips and Osram, they are just brighter based on better design and higher quality (i'm talking about bulbs here that run specified wattage, will get into higher wattage bulbs in a tick). I have tried Philips xtremeVision, and did find them to be brighter than the factory bulbs in my Toyota Camry, they are road legal and are relatively cheap (~$60 off eBay for a pair), I'd recommend you try these first. They are just a simple swap out from the original factory bulbs.

Some manufacturers offer higher wattage halogen bulbs ie. 100W as opposed to 55W standard. They are obviously brighter than your standard 55W bulbs, but be very careful using these. More wattage = more heat, you run into danger here of melting your head light housing etc.

Edit: forgot to mention that higher wattage bulbs can also damage your factory wiring.

[Zepto]

As for "brighter" halogen bulbs offered by Philips and Osram, they are just brighter based on better design and higher quality (i'm talking about bulbs here that run specified wattage, will get into higher wattage bulbs in a tick). I have tried Philips xtremeVision, and did find them to be brighter than the factory bulbs in my Toyota Camry, they are road legal and are relatively cheap (~$60 off eBay for a pair), I'd recommend you try these first. They are just a simple swap out from the original factory bulbs.

In case anyone is looking for a pair of Philips X-treme Vision bulbs, they are currently only $48 from powerbulbs.com.

[dero]

Thanks for the thorough explaination!

I'll look into which set of brighter halogens I may need to get to upgrade my headlights.

Another thing I've been thinking of is looking at the wreckers and seeing if a wrecked car has a pair of HIDs and maybe buying those off the wrecker for fitting. Would that still end up being more trouble than its worth? Reason I ask this is because my car has the Dynamic Chassis Control in it and I read a while back that there are a specific set of HID lights required for cars with active suspension. Is this something to do with a different way of auto-leveling?

[agentthumb]

No worries @dero.

I'm not sure about different parts for DCC equipped cars. Perhaps other forum members could shed some light.

Other than that, I can't see any reasons you can't get the required parts from a wrecker.

Just remember, you will need the housing (should include ballast and bulbs), components for headlight washer, and components for automatic levelling.

You will also need VCDS to code everything properly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dero]

Ok, just to confirm, the washer and components for levelling don't come as a part of the pair of headlight units? There are other components outside of this?

I recognise that cars, especially VWs these days are like big model kits. Just big handle'able blocks which slot into containers designed to house those blocks. Lights are one of them - I thought all the components (bulbs, levelling, washer, etc) are built into the lighting brick for either side of the car?

[agentthumb]

Ok, just to confirm, the washer and components for levelling don't come as a part of the pair of headlight units? There are other components outside of this?

I recognise that cars, especially VWs these days are like big model kits. Just big handle'able blocks which slot into containers designed to house those blocks. Lights are one of them - I thought all the components (bulbs, levelling, washer, etc) are built into the lighting brick for either side of the car?

Yes, they are different parts. I'm not sure what the OEM part numbers are, but here's an example of auto levellers. And looking at the description, it would appear there are different parts for cars with DCC. You'd have to install them (usually at the rear control arm) and run the wires back to the front of the car.

Auto-Leveling Headlights complete set - Retrofit - VW Golf 7 - Bi-Xenon-39934_M


As for headlight washers, they are a separate unit you will have to install. This involves cutting holes in your front bumper. (Apparently there are guides etched into the bumper from factory), obviously you'd have to run the hose to your washer fluid tank. OEM HID equipped Golfs also have an additional sensor in the fluid tank to warn you of low fluid levels. So there is yet another part to consider.

As @Jimi has already mentioned, previous attempts to retrofit ADR compliant HIDs have run upwards of $3k.

[brad]

@ dero: Nope.

level sensors are attached to the front & rear suspension.

Washers are usually in the bumper.

[dero]

Thanks for the tips guys. Probably not worth continue pursuing the idea of getting HID Xenons into my car unless I come into a big lotto win. Given that I don't get lotto tickets unless its the odd mega jackpot variety style of donations... I'll set this idea of upgrade aside then.

[LMF]

Has anyone try this headlight? Any feedback would be great.


3D BAR DRL LED DAY Time Projector Head Lights FOR Volkswagen VW Golf VII 7 13 | eBay

[ryanjames20]

I've dealt with Mars Performance previously on another car I had in the past and their headlamps are rather good quality, however miss out on a lot of manufacture "features" such as leveling motors and in this particular example for the Mk7, turn signals. I'm not joking turn signals. If you go on their you have the option of indicators but they aren't included standard.

>>Here<< is a link to their website.
Although I've had some good experience with them on a old Holden Astra (TS), I personally wouldn't recommend them for a european car. The quality just isn't there compared to the rest of the car, and I'd be unsure how the electrics would cope too - I'm sure all would be find but you interior leveling switch won't work and you'll find yourself just spending extra on "turn signals" and Xenon kits.

Alternately, Perhaps have a look at Ed's replica Golf R headlamps. I have them myself and they are great! Very high quality and everything remains working on the vehicle, including the leveling switch and comes with turn signals and bi-xenons standard For a similar price too.

Hope this helps