ocrp Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Is it necessary to take my car (Passat '99) to the dealer for a n/s headlamp bulb that's blown, as stated in the manual, or is that the manufacturers trying to rip us off at the stealers? Are the bulbs standard type i.e readily available? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulkbear Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 They are a bit tricky to change but it can be done, and the blubs are readily available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 Yeah, you can change them easily enough. I changed a full headlight recently. I had to take the entire spoiler and a lot of other parts off to get to change it!! Mine (2001) kept blowing the bulbs because the wiring was bad inside the headlight (thats why i changed the entire unit in the end). I changed loads of bulbs at the side of the road, even did 'em in the dark without a torch last off!! They are standard bulbs, most motor factors will stock them. I keep going to try these HID bulbs, never got round to it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlpearson Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 Be careful when changing your bulbs especially if you want the "HID" look. I bought some HID effect bulbs the other week and put them in my Passat. It failed MOT on the bulbs as "headlight bulbs in cars must only show a white or yellow light" according to the MOT test book. Blue lights or for emergency vehicles only. I don't know what will happen when these new cars with HID lights have to have their first MOT's. maybe the law will then change because the HID effect definatley gives off a blueish light. Even though they improve visibility massively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 My X-2000 B5 Passat passed the MOT with a HID kit installed by myself. It really depends on the MOT tester, by law, we obviously can't have blue light from the headlamps, which the tester pointed out to me. But he knew I'd just return for the re-test with standard bulbs, and refit the xenons afterwoods, so gave me a break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 Thats ok when it was a free re-test. Its not with the new system. So the inspector will be happy if you leave site to fit the other bulbs, he'll make a few extra ££! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meriafel Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 What are these HID bulbs, are they worth fitting, which makes are the best and how do they compare to Bi-xenons? Lots of questions I know but there must be lots of tyresmokers out there including myself who have seen these bulbs advertised but are otherwise 'in the dark'. My 2002 sport tdi has factory B-xenons which are brilliant, whereas my wife's 98 sport Tdi has the normal setup which I have always found adequate. Are the results of upgrading with HID worth the effort and cost? Are heavy duty relays needed etc etc? Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 I think they are just standard bulbs with Xenon gas inside. I hope we can get some posts up from people about these. I am 'in the dark' as well, hopefully we can start to learn from this post! Do they last longer than standard bulbs? I have a feeling the bi-xenons will be way better than these cheaper bulb only replacements Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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