BiXenon Headlights - Passat MY12

[joedm]

Hi,

I'm sure HID headlights have been covered in other threads in this forum, but I just wanted to ask if anyone had successfully added the factory BiXenon headlights option after purchasing their Passat MY12?

I've had a look at various threads where people have discussed installing aftermarket headlights, etc. etc.
But I'm really not after an aftermarket solution without AFS (autoleveling and adaptive cornering).

If I could get the dealer to do this for me, I would but unfortunately my dealer said I'd have to order the vehicle with the option, which itself was not an option at the time.

So, I have me a 125 TDU Highline and I'm looking for a BiXenon solution that will also offer AFS.

So far, I have only found the following: http://www.alibaba.com/product/es100...Passat_B7.html


The seller is from Spain and is called "OMTuning".
They have what they say is an OEM Passat B7 Bixenon headlight assembly that they sell.

Including shipping the price will be ~$1300 AUD.

Has anyone heard of this crowd? Interested in hearing whether they do actually supply original equipment or whether it's some chinese assembly or even refurbished.

Also, does anyone know whether the European version of these headlights is equivalent to the Australian? i.e. for RHD?
I had queried another seller from germany previously but they told me they drive on the right hand side of the road so their lights would not be suitable.

[Lindsay]

You have to make sure that you get LHD units or they will dazzle passing cars. Next time you drive at night look closely at the light beam on the left side and you will notice it points up and to the left to light up road signs and the like.

Those headlights look a little too good (and expensive) to not be genuine units, but they will still technically be illegal if the don't have a washer system.

[joedm]

do all hid lights legally have to have a washer system?
and what is the likelihood of being booked for not having the washer system?

[sam_online]

I have done mine, I'm pretty sure passat is a golf seaden so...I think I can help

[team_v]

I have done mine, I'm pretty sure passat is a golf seaden so...I think I can help

The jetta is the golf sedan isn't it?


In regards to likelihood of being pulled over, it's pretty much slim to none but you have to weigh up the risk.
If they are levelled accurately it shouldn't be a problem so much as the washer's don't actually clean the lights very well.

[Lindsay]

do all hid lights legally have to have a washer system?

Yes, unless it is for off road use (e.g spot lights on a 4x4)

[Riker]

Hi joedm,

I guess first off I would like to say that if a HID light package is installed to replace original equipment halogen type lights after the fact (read: purchase) they need to use identical type features as used by the manufacturer, that is self levelling & auto spray wash system. A washer system is required in Australia, no if's or but's. As these are modifications to the original car your insurer also needs to be advised of the change. This isn't a grey area, it is the law.

Yesterday morning I went with a good friend of mine to 3 dealers in Sydney looking at B7 Passat sedans as he is currently in the throws of wanting to buy one. Having read this post earlier in the morning I asked this exact question of the 3 dealers 'can you install a HID light package to a non HID car'? Two said they had tried & it was a very involved job (Hornsby & Chatswood), the other (Mascot) was non commital. The big issue the 2 cited that tried it was the cost in man hours & cost to the customer. One point that was common between all three, they would not welcome the request to do it.

As for the LHD/RHD thing, if I recall correctly from my experience playing around with the multi function display in my Passat, there is a function within the MFD to change the directional alignment between LHD & RHD Passats fitted with HID's. I do not know if this feature is in the MFD Passats with non HID lights.

If you plan to do it yourself or have a non VW third party do the job then ultimately you will do what you want, provided the installer is willing to concede to your preferences. I suggest having no preference other than doing a complete install with all necessary bits & bobs. Generally I expect with many attempting a HID upgrade that they leave out the main features such as self levelling, swivelling & washer jets.

If you go ahead with it, good luck but be sure to do it right & have all the right parts installed. It could save you from possible trouble down the road such as legals no matter how unlikely. It is also not wise to drive with incorrectly aligned non moving HIDS as all you do is pi** off other road users at night. We all know the tendancy is to set the lights as high as feasible & doing so with after market HIDS is dangerous.

Let us know how it goes..

[cru22z]

Has any of you owners of Bi-xenon gets flashed during the day even when its not totally dark yet and the HID auto turns on??
I've had 2 cars high beam me already!!! I dunno if they high beam to say nice car /lights hehehe But on the serious note why ??

[Riker]

I haven't been flashed.....

Has any of you owners of Bi-xenon gets flashed during the day even when its not totally dark yet and the HID auto turns on??
I've had 2 cars high beam me already!!! I dunno if they high beam to say nice car /lights hehehe But on the serious note why ??

[booba]

I used to get this in the GTI all the time, I would flash them to show them what real high beams were.

Has any of you owners of Bi-xenon gets flashed during the day even when its not totally dark yet and the HID auto turns on??
I've had 2 cars high beam me already!!! I dunno if they high beam to say nice car /lights hehehe But on the serious note why ??

[joedm]

Cool, thanks for all the information..

Anyone know what the purpose of the washer rule is? If its a requirement for hids, then shouldn't it be the same for halogens?

Anyway, looks like I need to find a washer system as well.

[Riker]

The headlight washer law for HID's is for the purpose of keeping the headlight lens clean. HID lights are more powerful then halogen & to this point if the lens of the headlight is dirty light can refract due to the dirt/dust at angles that can be dangerous to oncoming traffic. A whiter light will always have longer lasting imparement effects on eyesight than a more yellow halogen light if looked at directly.

Now ofcourse there is always the argument that not everyone will activate the window washer often enough (which activates the HID washer system every every 5th use of the window washer) so the law is a bit ambiguous to some. Simply put however it is user beware, if you have it you must be reasonably aware of the requirement to keep your window, therefor HID's lens clean & clear. All of this works in conjunction with auto levelling lights. It is what it is & that is law.....

You can see why it is such a pain in the 'A' job when you look at all the work that must be done if done legally to change from halogens to HID's. You can also now begin to imagine all those cars driving around with illegally fitted & operated HID's because the owner couldn't be bothered to do the job correctly using all the required parts.....

Cool, thanks for all the information..

Anyone know what the purpose of the washer rule is? If its a requirement for hids, then shouldn't it be the same for halogens?

Anyway, looks like I need to find a washer system as well.

[Diesel_vert]

Anyone know what the purpose of the washer rule is? If its a requirement for hids, then shouldn't it be the same for halogens?

Riker has explained the reasoning behind the regulation, so here is the specific regulation if you're interested:

UN ECE Regulation No. 48 (ADR 13/00)

Paragraph 6.2.9

Dipped-beam headlamps with a light source or LED module(s) producing
the principal dipped beam and having a total objective luminous flux which
exceeds 2,000 lumen shall only be installed in conjunction with the
installation of headlamp cleaning device(s) according to Regulation No. 45.

A typical H7 bulb has an output of 1500 lumen, while a typical D3S bulb has an output of 3200 lumen.

In regards to the levelling system - it's designed to compensate for vehicle loads. Typically, the level is measured via sensors that are attached to components of the suspension. Here is the regulation:

Paragraph 6.2.6.2.1

In the case where a headlamp levelling device is necessary to satisfy the
requirements of paragraphs 6.2.6.1.1. and 6.2.6.1.2., the device shall be
automatic.

Which applies to the following types of dipped-beam headlamps:

Paragraph 6.2.9

(a) with LED module(s) producing the principal dipped beam, or
(b) with a light source producing the principal dipped beam and having an
objective luminous flux which exceeds 2,000 lumen.

The car won't meet regulations unless you install both the automatic levelling system and the headlamp washing system.

You should either go all out and buy all of the associated parts and wiring for the levelling, washing and cornering systems, or just install the headlamps as is (don't forget to buy the ballasts).

[Lindsay]

You should either go all out and buy all of the associated parts and wiring for the levelling, washing and cornering systems, or just install the headlamps as is (don't forget to buy the ballasts).

Not to mention the fact you will need a new front bumper (for the washers). Pros don't really outweigh the cons if you ask me

[joedm]

I have done mine, I'm pretty sure passat is a golf seaden so...I think I can help

what did you end up doing Sam?
Did you install washers, does your lights have AFS?