myst Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I went to buy Vw's headlamp protectors today (£30.50). I was told (backed up by a 'phone call to VW UK) that with Xenons the protectors would melt onto the lamps. It was pointed out to me by Robinson's VW of Norwich that the fitment of the VW protectors could cost me £1200!!! I wonder why there is no mention in VW's latest price list (Issue 6 - 2004) to this effect? The more I see of VW's marketing the more I think that they employ young children straight from school with not a clue about cars. Am I wrong or living on a different planet??? How many of you have quite rightly fitted these protectors to avoid a £600 bill for a broken headlight? Then, how many of you have been told by VW that they are totally unsuitable for Xenon lights? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KEVINP Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I have had them fitted for a couple of months and have not been advised that they could cause any problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NNS32 Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I'm just about to go out @ lunchtime to buy the protectors ! - can't believe that advice is true ? - other guys on this forum swear by them (I also don't fancy a hefty bill if some rock cracks the lens - especially come spring when they start resurfacing roads round here). Any further advice/commentss guys before I commit ? Thks Nige Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritey Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I've seen quite a few 32's with them on, by the looks they'd been on a while and didn't seem to be stuck!! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon690 Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I've had VW protectors on my headlights for the last 5 months and they show no signs of melting or distortion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerbera Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I've had mine on for 6 months - had them fitted by the dealer the day I picked up my car! No problems other than sometimes difficult to get them off if some grit has got in underneath them. Wouldn't drive without them to be honest and I reckon this is a load of 5hite! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 my headlight protectors have been on for 6 or 7 weeks now - no sign of any problems. I got them from a VW garage in Reading and spoke to a mechanic there who also owns an R32 with them fitted - he said they are fine and designed for use with any MkIV, including the R32. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Sorry - but I don't believe it. I've had protectors for over a year now, and driven with the Xenons on for long periods of time (5 hours was the most IIRC) and although the lights get warm, they've never been so hot I couldn't touch them. For the Xenons to melt the protectors (which sit about 3-4mm away from the glass) they would have to be feckin hot IMHO. Every dealer I have spoken to recomends them over a big bill for a smashed lamp. Has your guy got any evidence to back it up? Surely the wind factor of driving alone keeps the heat down, even in the summer. Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I got them from a VW garage in Reading and spoke to a mechanic there who also owns an R32 with them fitted - he said they are fine and designed for use with any MkIV, including the R32. [/ QUOTE ] Slightly off topic (sorry guys, don't distract from title please!!). Bazza, was that Ridgeway? If so, do you know who you spoke to? IIRC the only senior Tech there is called Dean (could be wrong(on name)nice guy)), if he's got an R32, I might just take my car back there for it's service as they supplied me with mine. Shame my experiences of the desk service is so bad (IMHO). Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moschops Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Mikey, Here you go, I asked the same question last month. Heres the linky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moschops Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 oooh, that links gone a bit pear shaped!!! <font color="blue"> just sorted it for ya! - Al </font> Anyway, I was told the same thing,"the heat would melt them!!!!" but I 've still fitted them. We also have them on the wife Polo GTI, Xenons and washers as standard on this car, and I've had no problems what so ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon690 Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 [ QUOTE ] No problems other than sometimes difficult to get them off if some grit has got in underneath them. Wouldn't drive without them to be honest and I reckon this is a load of 5hite! [/ QUOTE ] I think this sums it up nicely. I would recommend the VW protectors to anyone with xenons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Well it sounds like the official line may be not to use them. Of course, they don't tell many people this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Thinking about it better, surely the "official" line is always included in the price list. And it's not in the price list at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 It was once alleged that there's a "special" dictionary in MK Library. Under "official" it says: "asses situation, apply what fits best to "our" advantage" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 It's amazing that all written confirmation sent out by VW customer service has to go via a proof reading department and yet it still allegedly contains inaccuracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulboy Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 If ANYONE who is reading this thread has ever had a problem with the headlamp protectors melting can they comment please. If no comments appear, I think we should assume that they are ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaffaCake Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 If you're concerned about it, call VW customer service and ask for confirmation in writing. That's always worth a good laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Slightly off topic (sorry guys, don't distract from title please!!). Bazza, was that Ridgeway? [/ QUOTE ] sent you a PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myst Posted March 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Thankyou people. I did not expect mass comment on such a minor subject. That's what this forum is about - sharing experiences. I shall now ignore VW Robinsons, Norwich (& VW UK- so whats new?) & buy a set tomorrow. Your experience is good enough for me & if they haven't melted after one month, never mind 6 - they never will! Cheers guys . Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I was told (backed up by a 'phone call to VW UK) that with Xenons the protectors would melt onto the lamps. It was pointed out to me by Robinson's VW of Norwich that the fitment of the VW protectors could cost me £1200!! [/ QUOTE ] I'm guessing you did not ring VW UK yourself but the dealership 'did' Well I suppose they are not called stealers for nothing. £1200 is beyond a joke. Ian C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gti_Fly Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Is it me, or has am I reading more and more toss lately here?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 How d'ya mean mate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gti_Fly Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Just in the way where it seems like lots of posts that are silly/pointless/no brainers etc.. Don't u think? Like the leather seat issue, and now a dealer saying don't fit headlamp covers as they get melted.. what a joke! what's next i wonder.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 In some respects I do agree, but to a point some of it is potentially important. If the light protectors could damage the xenon then it is an expensive mistake which people should be aware of, you know in the spirit of sharing information. But I have found the R32 forum has lost its edge in the last couple of weeks, I prefered to here the vroom vroom stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now