Passat Xenons

[halo34]

So my high mile Passat has Bi Xenons and they are starting to look a little dull (2013).

I am a bit confused by upgrades and bulb types (seem to be ds3) - anyone experience of a decent place to get better bulbs or taken the step to convert to LED instead?

[catso]

Not sure on the bulbs but, converting to LED would be a big job, complete headlight swap and likely very expensive plus, not sure it'd be an improvement? - my Wife's Q2 has LED headlights and they're very good (plus, 9 years newer) but not as bright as the bi-xenons on my S4.

[halo34]

catso said:

Not sure on the bulbs but, converting to LED would be a big job, complete headlight swap and likely very expensive plus, not sure it'd be an improvement? - my Wife's Q2 has LED headlights and they're very good (plus, 9 years newer) but not as bright as the bi-xenons on my S4.

You can actually get bulbs that fit in place of the xenon bulbs/ballast that swap it to LED but a bit of research shows little improvement. So basically going to look for better xenon bulbs.

[Welcome.]

I bet you will find oe lamp replacements will be a massive improvement on the existing ones without going mad and getting upgraded units.

[cuprabob]

Although I've not personally tried them these seem to get good reviews;
https://www.osram.co.uk/ecat/XENARC%20NIGHT%20BREA...

[halo34]

Thanks guys - those bulbs look good too, but at £75 a pop feel a bit pricey!

Long as its DS3 I may go for cheaper options I think.

[Zebedee22]

Go for new replacement bulbs

[halo34]

Well that was a pain to say the least. Got replacement bulbs which were actually OEM.

Asked garage to fit them while the car was in for cambelt etc.

Once dark realised they were far worse and dark spots - basically terrible. Putting it down to alignment had a fiddle and no difference.

Garage shrugged shoulders but said headlights out otherwise. So I pulled out fuel filter assembly and found the locking rings hadnt been turned and the new bulbs were hardly pushed in. An hours swearing later got them both pushed in properly and massive difference in light levels now.

[Mark V GTD]

Better check the belt too if thats their standard....

[Bobupndown]

Have a 10 year old Tiguan. Both bulbs failed around 9 year mark. £40 replacements. Easy to remove headlights and replace. If all bulbs lasted as long as that I'd be happy.

[halo34]

Bobupndown said:

Have a 10 year old Tiguan. Both bulbs failed around 9 year mark. £40 replacements. Easy to remove headlights and replace. If all bulbs lasted as long as that I'd be happy.

Wish was that easy for the Passat. Unfortunately both headlights have single bolts under the front bumper, so despite taking scuttle off/grill I couldnt get them out.