Headlight / Headlamp Upgrades (Bi-Xenon / HID / LED / Replicas)

[jozeff]

So can i just confirm, this latest retrofit everyone is talking about is still illegal?

I've noticed in my new Mk6 GTI there are cut outs for headlight washers.... hmmmmm if this retrofit kit is manually adjustable like whats been said, and we somehow put in headlight washers, would it then magically become legal?

[Diesel_vert]

So can i just confirm, this latest retrofit everyone is talking about is still illegal?

Headlamps with gas discharge light sources aren't illegal per se...

However, in order to be roadworthy (i.e. fit for use on public roads) any dipped-beam headlamps with a light source exceeding 2,000 lumen (basically anything with HID bulbs) must be fitted with a headlamp cleaning device and an automatic headlamp levelling device (to compensate for vehicle loads and passengers).

It is a current and active EU requirement, which the ADR has adopted literally word-for-word. I believe the regulations in North America and Japan are not nearly as restrictive (which can easily lead to unacceptable levels of glare for oncoming traffic).

This partly explains why the OEM HID headlamp option costs as much as it does.

I've noticed in my new Mk6 GTI there are cut outs for headlight washers.... hmmmmm if this retrofit kit is manually adjustable like whats been said, and we somehow put in headlight washers, would it then magically become legal?

It won't be roadworthy as it isn't automatic, but at least it allows you to operate the lights in the spirit of the regulations.

Do you seriously want to go to the trouble of making them roadworthy? Just clean them yourself when they get dirty.

[SMOK3Y]

when im in 'hilly' places i just adjust lights manually to point down further same if i have full load in back. its just a matter of being dilligent with all situations

[jozeff]

when im in 'hilly' places i just adjust lights manually to point down further same if i have full load in back. its just a matter of being dilligent with all situations

Guys, dont get me wrong, i really really want to get these lights done. But in my past life, i was given a wrap over the knuckles by a judge (ended up in court appealing my drivers licence) and thus pardoned. Anyhow long story short, i had to go to a series of 'safe driving lectures' and one of them was on insurance.

From what i understand, insurance companies will do ANYTHING to get out of paying out a large claim. Imagine one day your kids are in the back seat and accidentally throw ice cream around and distract you. You then look back for a split second and plough into a shopfront causing half a million dollars of damage. If the insurance company find out you have ANYTHING non ADR on your car, they will use it as an opportunity to deny paying out your insurance, leaving you financially crippled. Are you willing to take the risk?

I think ide stick with some phillips silvervision till someone finds a better alternative.

Sorry to be so negative guys...

[Diesel_vert]

when im in 'hilly' places i just adjust lights manually to point down further same if i have full load in back. its just a matter of being diligent with all situations

The concept of the adjustable beam level (whether it be manual or automatic) is designed to compensate for vehicle loads and onboard passengers, which might otherwise aim the headlamps towards to sky.

I don't think it's necessary to adjust the beam level on hills - the slope of the road doesn't change the headlamp aim relative to the vehicle. The only point where you would blind oncoming traffic is on a crest, which is unavoidable for any type of headlamp, and only very briefly.

Guys, dont get me wrong, i really really want to get these lights done. But in my past life, i was given a wrap over the knuckles by a judge (ended up in court appealing my drivers licence) and thus pardoned. Anyhow long story short, i had to go to a series of 'safe driving lectures' and one of them was on insurance.

From what i understand, insurance companies will do ANYTHING to get out of paying out a large claim. Imagine one day your kids are in the back seat and accidentally throw ice cream around and distract you. You then look back for a split second and plough into a shopfront causing half a million dollars of damage. If the insurance company find out you have ANYTHING non ADR on your car, they will use it as an opportunity to deny paying out your insurance, leaving you financially crippled. Are you willing to take the risk?

Sorry to be so negative guys...

Not at all.
If you personally think they're not worth the trouble, then that's that.

I think ide stick with some phillips silvervision till someone finds a better alternative.

As long as the headlamps have a European Type-Approval (or "E-mark"), then they should be fine. It's really the absence of the supplementary systems that renders the vehicle unroadworthy.

Unless the EU drops the washer and levelling requirement, the "alternative" is to get the whole shebang fitted.

[nat225]

Guys, dont get me wrong, i really really want to get these lights done. But in my past life, i was given a wrap over the knuckles by a judge (ended up in court appealing my drivers licence) and thus pardoned. Anyhow long story short, i had to go to a series of 'safe driving lectures' and one of them was on insurance.

From what i understand, insurance companies will do ANYTHING to get out of paying out a large claim. Imagine one day your kids are in the back seat and accidentally throw ice cream around and distract you. You then look back for a split second and plough into a shopfront causing half a million dollars of damage. If the insurance company find out you have ANYTHING non ADR on your car, they will use it as an opportunity to deny paying out your insurance, leaving you financially crippled. Are you willing to take the risk?

I think ide stick with some phillips silvervision till someone finds a better alternative.

Sorry to be so negative guys...

go Phillips Xtreme Vision or Osram Nightbreaker Plus, better lighting, no dramas, nothing illegal, no worries ;p

OSRAM NIGHTBREAKER PLUS H7 OSRAM H7 NIGHT BREAKER PLUS | eBay

H7 X-TREME VISION PHILIPS H7 100% EXTREME X-TREME POWER | eBay

i have had an insurance claim in the past, it was a total write off at the other party's fault. although there was nothing illegal with that car, the process getting the payout was quite troublesome.

i'd imagine if they could find anything illegal, they'd be more than happy to pin point that your retrofitted bi-xenon (unless you go with the whole bits and pieces incl jet washer / auto leveling / etc.. for around AUD$4000) / retrofitted HID H7 bulbs was the cause of the accident... thus reducing or denying your claim.

[SMOK3Y]

From what i understand, insurance companies will do ANYTHING to get out of paying out a large claim. Imagine one day your kids are in the back seat and accidentally throw ice cream around and distract you. You then look back for a split second and plough into a shopfront causing half a million dollars of damage. If the insurance company find out you have ANYTHING non ADR on your car, they will use it as an opportunity to deny paying out your insurance, leaving you financially crippled. Are you willing to take the risk?
Sorry to be so negative guys...

nah totally understand mate. ive found insurance companies have actually been the opposite of your worries (i tell ya if suncorp coulda got out of my accident they couldve.. i was totally honest with them and they still covered)

The concept of the adjustable beam level (whether it be manual or automatic) is designed to compensate for vehicle loads and onboard passengers, which might otherwise aim the headlamps towards to sky.

I don't think it's necessary to adjust the beam level on hills - the slope of the road doesn't change the headlamp aim relative to the vehicle. The only point where you would blind oncoming traffic is on a crest, which is unavoidable for any type of headlamp, and only very briefly.

ya i fully understand Diesel_Vert

[Skriblz]

Guys,

FYI: I'm organising a group buy order for the replica OEM HID headlights (with LED) for halogen cars found in this thread (starting from page 17) . It's the same Chinese supplier that some of our fellow forum members have purchased from (eg Spydar). Since the factory (who also supply to websites such as dnauto.uk) stopped making RHD versions due to low demand, the supplier has mentioned that if there are a minimum of 10 orders for RHD, they will organise the factory to make this special order.

Feel free to PM me and I will pass on the website with the details. (the website for the group buy order is on the "other" vw forum so wasn't sure if it is appropriate to post it on here)

Cheers

[DoggieHowser]

Drove a Polo with the xenon upgrade in the rain last night and the visibility was awful. Wish there was a way to toggle between regular halogen and HID.

[Diesel_vert]

Drove a Polo with the xenon upgrade in the rain last night and the visibility was awful. Wish there was a way to toggle between regular halogen and HID.

It would've been better if it was fitted with Osram 4150 K bulbs (OEM), instead of those 5000 K or 6000 K bulbs.

[DoggieHowser]

This was the original factory upgrade.

[Diesel_vert]

This was the original factory upgrade.

Ah well, you win some (clear conditions), you lose some (inclement conditions).

[DoggieHowser]

True. I found that using fog lights helps a little in the rain. But I'm not sure if this contravenes any highway code in Australia.

[5317707]

True. I found that using fog lights helps a little in the rain. But I'm not sure if this contravenes any highway code in Australia.

Agreed ! i just find it helps that much more with the splash of light in front of the car. Darn I really miss HIDs

[nat225]

left Phillips Xtreme Vision

right stock Honda HID



to be honest, i prefer the Phillips halogen in the rain.