R36 HID bulb replacement

**Domatron** · 13-05-2017, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by kamold

Do you want a new VW front badge? I have replaced mine with the ACC cover so mine is in a box.

Yes please! How much do want for it? And does it come with the dome surround? They are both cracked...

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**Domatron** · 13-05-2017, 05:48 PM

So I finished the bulb change today. Took about 4 hours start to finish. And as far as I can see they are exactly the same colour intensity as the originals! They still seem to have a yellow tint. Anyway there will be a full how to write up following...

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**seanmau5** · 13-05-2017, 05:55 PM

I'm not sure how much the R36 differs to the CC, but I changed my D1S globes by accessing the back of the headlight assembly through the wheel wells. Was quite easy; jack up the car, take the wheel off, remove 3 (I think it was) screws, bend the wheel well liner back which revealed the rear of the headlight. I was able to use 2 hands, one from through the wheel well and the other from the top and it gave me the room to remove the plug from the ballast and pull the globe out. As I said, I don't know how much they vary but it could be worth giving it a go that way next time.

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**Domatron** · 14-05-2017, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by seanmau5

I'm not sure how much the R36 differs to the CC, but I changed my D1S globes by accessing the back of the headlight assembly through the wheel wells. Was quite easy; jack up the car, take the wheel off, remove 3 (I think it was) screws, bend the wheel well liner back which revealed the rear of the headlight. I was able to use 2 hands, one from through the wheel well and the other from the top and it gave me the room to remove the plug from the ballast and pull the globe out. As I said, I don't know how much they vary but it could be worth giving it a go that way next time.

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If only it was as easy as that! You do have to remove the wheel well liner but only to access a couple nuts to remove the bumper. No access to the rear of the light unfortunately.

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**Passat R36** · 14-05-2017, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by Domatron

If only it was as easy as that! You do have to remove the wheel well liner but only to access a couple nuts to remove the bumper. No access to the rear of the light unfortunately.

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Yes, no chance at all. All metal and water bottle on the way.

Curious on what new bulbs did you install? I am always thinking about changing the bulbs to brighter ones, but will only do when they fall due to the difficulty of changing them.

**Domatron** · 14-05-2017, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Passat R36

Yes, no chance at all. All metal and water bottle on the way.

Curious on what new bulbs did you install? I am always thinking about changing the bulbs to brighter ones, but will only do when they fall due to the difficulty of changing them.

I got these from eBay.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322349160021

To be honest though I can see zero difference to the originals

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**kamold** · 14-05-2017, 06:32 PM

Did you look at them with one of each installed? 6000k is a fair bit whiter than 4300k. Normally has a very slight blueish tint.
4300k will have technically more light output (at least when new) however I personally find the higher colour temp easier on my eyes when driving resulting in less strain.
There are countless debates on the technical merits etc but I reckon it's more down to personal preference as everyones eyes perceive artificial (and natural for that matter) lighting differently.
I'm going to try and split the difference next time with 5000k

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**Domatron** · 14-05-2017, 07:10 PM

Yes I compared them after changing the drivers side. They both had the identical yellow tint. The originals were Phillips Xenstart which as far I can tell from checking online are 4300K. I didn't take a picture at the halfway point. Wish I had but.

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**kamold** · 14-05-2017, 07:41 PM

Just looked at mine and the difference in colour temp is pretty obvious. Doesn't work with a phone photo as they are too bright

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**Domatron** · 14-05-2017, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by kamold

Just looked at mine and the difference in colour temp is pretty obvious. Doesn't work with a phone photo as they are too bright

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Well I took this before photo and you can see the yellow colour temp. I don't have an after photo yet. Will take one in the sunlight tomorrow so that it is comparable. You can just about make out the different colour of the parkers.

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