Ok, I know this has probably been covered before - but I couldn't find anything quickly so apologies!

My question is this. How easy is it to DIY swap the OEM halogen headlights (pre-FL 2009 vRS) for xenons? I'm asking because according to this site - My link - you can simply swap the bulbs with no extra adjustments. While this seller (who I have seen recommended in another thread) - My link - like many others sells xenon kits. Clearly the bulbs only swap option is a lot cheaper (and I assume a lot easier), but is that really all there is to it? Isn't there alignment issues at least? And what about the ECU, will it recognise them without problems? I'm confused!!!

I doubt they will provide much light without a ballast.

*edit* having looked at the link, one is a fillament bulb filled with xenon gas and one is a HID bulb conversion. HID bulbs do not use a filament, but create an arc to product the light (think MIG welder).

Edited 30 June, 201015 yr by foo

Dont xenons have to have auto alignment/adjustment and washers?

Edited 30 June, 201015 yr by Rhoobarb

Do not confuse filament bulbs with the gas discharge type.

I fitted the recommended and magazine tested, brighter ,filament type, bulbs and the difference was not really noticeable to me.

This is a simple bulb swap but the headlights need to be removed as per other threads. I adjusted the alignment afterwards as the main beams were always too high on the default 'O' setting.

Edited 30 June, 201015 yr by gregoir

Dont xenons have to have auto alignment/adjustment and washers?

Factory fitted Xenon headlights MUST be self-leveling and have a headlight washer (they are also Projector style)

When fitting after-market Xenon's, Self-Level and Washers are not needed, nor do they need to be a Projector style unit. My last car passed MOT with no issues as does the wife's current car. as has been said already, real HID's don't have a Filament and DO require a "ballast" as they work at a few thousand volts. (but less watts)

Personally, fitting Xenon bulbs in place of Halogens is very much worth it, but don't go beyond 5000 degrees kelvin, as the colour becomes very Blue even purple at 10,000 degrees! - factory fit Xenon's are 4300 degrees. (and you WILL be pulled at 10,000 degrees and above!)

Al.

Ok, I know this has probably been covered before - but I couldn't find anything quickly so apologies!

My question is this. How easy is it to DIY swap the OEM halogen headlights (pre-FL 2009 vRS) for xenons? I'm asking because according to this site - My link - you can simply swap the bulbs with no extra adjustments. While this seller (who I have seen recommended in another thread) - My link - like many others sells xenon kits. Clearly the bulbs only swap option is a lot cheaper (and I assume a lot easier), but is that really all there is to it? Isn't there alignment issues at least? And what about the ECU, will it recognise them without problems? I'm confused!!!

Firstly I would check out this recent post, a lot of good input regarding replacement HID xenon's. Having looked at both, Canbus and non-canbus I think the latter is the better option, however there are lots of members who swear by the former.

On the subject of the ECU, as I understand the canbus type are pretty much plug and play as they fool the ECU, whereas the non-canbus will require a mod of some kind via a VDCS, however there is bound to be a member near you who will perform the necessary action for a 'drink'. Again I would refer to the above link for more detailed advice and I'm sure will get further advice from more 'experienced' members.

With regards to the replacement filament type bulb the Philips extreme are apparently a good option, but the bulk of members will recommend these as a superior alternative. Personally I am torn between the 2, tbh I am relatively pleased when the standard lights so probably an upgrade on the standard H7 will be enough for me but each to there own.

Good luck with it,

HTH Lee.

I posted some data on headlight brightness tests here:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/159082-brightness-of-headlamps-inc-hids-some-data/page__p__1958801__fromsearch__1entry1958801

So if you want to stick with an H7 then go for a Bosch Pure bulb - its not far off the brightness of HID's

If you want to fit HID's then get a non-CANbus 'mini ballast' kit and code the controller to tell it the car is fitted with HIDs. Its simple enough and mimics the HID fitment of OE HIDs.

I don't think its a good idea to fit 'CANbus error cancelling' kits. These kits basically strap a large capacitor between the lamp supply and ground to smooth out the PWM supply to the bulbs. These capacitors will have a high inrush current that the controller is not designed to supply and (I think) could reduce the life of the driver transistors in the controller.

Thanks for all the replies guys, it's a lot clearer now! I think I'll go for the straight xenon swap bulbs given how cheap they are rather than a full xenon HID kit, and get some blue tint sidelights at the same time to match. I guess the H7 bulb upgrade solution can be described as the 'xenon-lite' option, but as I'm not particularly technical and don't want the expense of having someone fit a full xenon HID set-up it seems the best choice for me