Headlights - Discussion and Questions

[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]

DRL LED and projector headlight

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

[boooosted]

Where to buy the best MK7 upgrade Bi-Xeon headlight kit

Hi all,

Haven't been on the forums in a very long time and pretty much out of the loop on all things VW, but just bought a new MK7 GTI but it hasn't got the Bi-Xenon headlights. ARGHHH!

So, just wondering what the best out there is besides from giving my first born child to VW spare parts Australia for a set. $$$$$$$$

Ive been looking at the headlight set from ECS 403 Forbidden

Would much rather something that looks 100% genuine though.

Keen to buy, just don't know which ones!

[Guest001]

Hi all,

Haven't been on the forums in a very long time and pretty much out of the loop on all things VW, but just bought a new MK7 GTI but it hasn't got the Bi-Xenon headlights. ARGHHH!

So, just wondering what the best out there is besides from giving my first born child to VW spare parts Australia for a set. $$$$$$$$

Ive been looking at the headlight set from ECS 403 Forbidden

Would much rather something that looks 100% genuine though.

Keen to buy, just don't know which ones!

Unless fitted with all the bits, washers. levellers etc are illegal unless under the light output which makes it not a worthwhile mod

Full cost about $4k

[Matt P]

Unless fitted with all the bits, washers. levellers etc are illegal unless under the light output which makes it not a worthwhile mod

Full cost about $4k

Quoted this in case you missed it

Its not a honda, don't rice it please

[AdamD]

Would much rather something that looks 100% genuine though.

Keen to buy, just don't know which ones!

Suggest you read through this thread, and see the woes that people have suffered through, before you commit to replacing your lights:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f197/group-buy-aftermarket-bixenon-headlights-winpower-lamps-98267.html

[DV52]

Quoted this in case you missed it

Its not a honda, don't rice it please

Matt: Hi. I've read and participated in lots of forum posts involving retro-fitted HIDs on MQB platform vehicles like the mk7. Truth is that it can and it has been done many times.

IMO though, the question is not whether it can be done, or even what's the best aftermarket assembly to buy, but rather - how much effort are you prepared to put into the project to comply with the ADR?

I don't mean to be provocative in raising this question, but it's an important consideration (IMO) before you start spending the quantity of money that's needed for a project of this type. And frankly, it's an overt decision that should be made from the outset with the full knowledge of both the ADR's requirements and the consequences of non-compliance !

You can of course entirely ignore the ADR and simply install HIDs without the required levelling or washer equipment and there's a good probability that you will not be caught (quite a few on this and other forums have done just this). Likely, the only consequence that result from non-compliance of the ADR will be the constant annoyance of cars travelling in the opposite direction, but for this you will certainly get excellent visibility from the fittings

However, the ultimate risk is that the incorrectly aimed HIDs will cause an accident, or your car will be involved in an incident in which your vehicle is found not to be roadworthy because of the HIDs. Such a finding will have all sorts of ramifications depending on the severity of the accident and particularly if the miss-aligned HIDs were found to be a contributory factor in someone's injury - or even worse.

So, ultimately a decision to pursue a project of this type is a risk-management decision (IMO). Each of us will value the break-even point between the risk-probably and the benefits differently. It's not until (and if) the worst happens that we get to know whether we made the correct decision - and it's pointless when this happens asking that most futile of questions: "perhaps it would have been better if I had not pursued this project?"!

Again, I don't mean to be provocative and I hope that you understand my intent in raising these matters
Don

PS: Just to help make your decision, here is a schematic of the necessary gear for the levelling equipment on a mk7 - sorry for the LHD pic, but I used the diagram to help a forum colleague that has a NAR model mk7. Please note that in USA, mk7's aren't equipped with the rear levelling sender - not sure if this is the same in Australia, perhaps someone here can advise

[wasabiz]

Hi all,

Haven't been on the forums in a very long time and pretty much out of the loop on all things VW, but just bought a new MK7 GTI but it hasn't got the Bi-Xenon headlights. ARGHHH!

So, just wondering what the best out there is besides from giving my first born child to VW spare parts Australia for a set. $$$$$$$$

Ive been looking at the headlight set from ECS 403 Forbidden

Would much rather something that looks 100% genuine though.

Keen to buy, just don't know which ones!

https://www.kufatec.com.au/shop/en/volkswagen/golf/golf-7-5q/complete-bi-xenon-headlamps-led-drl-golf-7-electr.-damper-control?action_ms=1

a complete set of retrokit. You're looking at $4.5k and that's without fitter and I'm not sure if it comes with a washer. I've been in plenty of situation where I was blinded by an oncoming traffic because they have fitted a HID kit and was not properly levelled, it can get quite annoying.

[boooosted]

Guess i didnt realise how in-depth the retro fit would be.

Maybe ill just opt for replacing the standard headlight bulbs with brighter, whiter ones.

In saying that, with the mk7, which bulbs would i need to replace? I assume the DRL and then also the standard headlights / high beams?

Sorry for the ignorance, what is the name of the bulbs id be looking to change? H..?

[DV52]

Guess i didnt realise how in-depth the retro fit would be.

Maybe ill just opt for replacing the standard headlight bulbs with brighter, whiter ones.

In saying that, with the mk7, which bulbs would i need to replace? I assume the DRL and then also the standard headlights / high beams?

Sorry for the ignorance, what is the name of the bulbs id be looking to change? H..?

Boooosted: Here you go - picture of the halogen headlights on a mk7 showing standard wattage lamps and their "H" number. The inner lamp is a dual filament fitting with the DRL/Parker function achieved by dimming the 15W element - Look at the Leuchte channels to see how this is done (if you have access to a VCDS cable)
Don

[boooosted]

Boooosted: Here you go - picture of the halogen headlights on a mk7 showing standard wattage lamps and their "H" number. The inner lamp is a dual filament fitting with the DRL/Parker function achieved by dimming the 15W element - Look at the Leuchte channels to see how this is done (if you have access to a VCDS cable)
Don

I was looking for an image like this for so long. such a legend! thanks.

Ok so now that bi-xeon dream is over, would you happen to know what type of bulb i would use so that i can make the headlights match the colour of the fog lights? They almost look like a white-ish blue colour? would something like a 4300k suit?

Just been looking on the powerbulbs.com.au site but still a bit confused on which bulbs to get and which will give me the best 'white-ness'.

[DV52]

I was looking for an image like this for so long. such a legend! thanks.

Ok so now that bi-xeon dream is over, would you happen to know what type of bulb i would use so that i can make the headlights match the colour of the fog lights? They almost look like a white-ish blue colour? would something like a 4300k suit?

Just been looking on the powerbulbs.com.au site but still a bit confused on which bulbs to get and which will give me the best 'white-ness'.

boooosted: Thank you for the generous words - but kudos for the diagram really belongs to VW!

Sorry, but I can't add value to your question about the choice of new lamps - I have retained the original lamps on my mk7. Perhaps someone here with better expertise in this area can help?
Cheers
Don