[mark62]

I'm thinking of upgrading my std halogen headlights and spotted a pair of used Xenon/LED-Headlights for sale (£800).

Would this be a simple swap over for my local independent VW specialist? Or are there complications involved?

 

[calumski]

The halogens' height are manually controlled in the cockpit with the thumbwheel next to the light switch. (Legally...) Xenon units should be automatically set using control arms that exist on the front and rear axle and they'll adjust dynamically depending on weight distribution.

I had the same units as yours and opted to replace the halogen bulbs with LED units and the difference is outstanding! I put a post in here somewhere around the differences and from memory I think the cost was around £200 for main and dip.

Here's the thread - LED replacement bulbs - H7 & H15

 

[NoobyT]

Just go with LEDs, but make sure they are good quality with a well shaped beam so you don't dazzle others.

I recommend Philips Ultinon.

They are the only lights I've ever had where you can see the beam shape on the road in the summer when you go under some trees!

 

[mark62]

Thanks Nooby and Calumski, I’ll take your advice and go with LED’s for headlight/side lights.
Must admit I’m slightly worried about the MOT due in three weeks, so might fit them after the MOT test and worry in 12 months time.
Do the same MOT regs apply to the rear bulbs? Rear lights and reversing lights?

 

[Black Grouse]

Certainly changing the reversing lights to canbus-compatible LED hasn't given me any Mot issues over several years.

 

[calumski]

Thanks Nooby and Calumski, I’ll take your advice and go with LED’s for headlight/side lights.
Must admit I’m slightly worried about the MOT due in three weeks, so might fit them after the MOT test and worry in 12 months time.
Do the same MOT regs apply to the rear bulbs? Rear lights and reversing lights?

In the depths of my thread you'll find a conversation I had with my local MOT garage. His words were "as long as the beam isn't dangerous he's fine with it". Legally they're not allowed.

I took @NoobyT advice on the Philips and can vouch for them - they rock!!! Hope you have baby sized hands as the right one is a ballache to get in!

 

[mark62]

Thanks Calumski, I just read through your thread, very interesting and I can now see switching to LED's needs a bit off research before hand.

Could you or NoobyT post a link for the actual model Philips Ultinon's required please? I'd like to go with main & dipped beams and the day time lights too.

 

[calumski]

The DRL's are built in as part of the H15 units and act in exactly the same way as the standard halogen units. Will find the links and post up later.

 

[calumski]

Ultinon
Twenty20s

 

[mark62]

Thanks Calumski, much appreciated

 

[mark62]

I’ve ordered the Ultinon H7 bulbs, but the H15 twenty20 impact bulbs are out off stock, and can’t find them anywhere else. Any recommendations on a H15 alternative?
Sorry to be a nuisance

 

[calumski]

In short nope! I think I would just hang fire and wait. The H7's were my biggest issue more than the H15's but when the 15's come back in stock I recommend you get them. 😎