The DRL alternatives I have in my pre-FL are basically the US or Scandinavian settings in VCDS, or to use fogs.

It seems it is my Xenon bulbs being used by the first two, which I don't want to wear out, and I'm not convinced about the legality or practical use of fogs as DRLs, and they also look a bit boy racer. So I am tempted to look at some kind of alternative solution, maybe LED based.

Before I do, I'm not missing a trick with the existing set up that will use the sidelights rather than the Xenons am I?

Thanks

Adam

You have it right, both the North American and Scandinavia set-ups utilise the dipped headlights.

Your only other option (aside from using the front fogs at reduced intensity) is some aftermarket LED strips.

Opinion varies for a number of different reasons but if your worried about looking "a bit boy racer" I'd avoid like the plague.

See here...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/269287-drl-placement/page__hl__%20aftermarket%20%20drl

Thanks silver. I thought as much and have been trawling the posts here without getting a whole load of inspiration to be honest. Some of the options around are sooo naff...

Anyone tried these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Octavia-A5-1Z-Laura-04-08-2004-2008-DRL-Daytime-Running-LED-Light-for-SKODA-/121014332601?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Model%3AOctavia&hash=item1c2d042cb9

Thanks

Adam

That's where I mounted my Ring ones. £99 is a bit much IMHO for those though.

Thanks agree they are pricey. What are the "Ring" ones you mention pls

Another alternative is to set the car to Scandinavian or NAR setting but then reduce the output brightness (in VCDS) to say 1%, this will turn off the xenons and leave you with the sidelights as DRL’s, then replace the sidelights with a bright white bulb, something like the Philips BlueVision.

(I have done this on SWMBO’s TT as I was in the same situation as yourself)

That's a good idea gizmo thanks. Didnt realise the reduced percentage setting would switch the drl option to the sidelights.

Thanks again

Adam

It doesn’t do that as such,

under the Scandinavian setting you have DRL’s (headlights) and all the sidelights on, basically two options rolled into one code, when the headlight brightness is reduced low enough there is insufficient power to light the bulb… so in effect they are turned off, leaving just the sidelights on.

I see, makes sense thanks

When running Scandinavian, should the side lights stay on when the headlamps are turned on? They appear to do so for me.

Adam

Just got my "new" motor last week, and have fitted these...

http://www.ebay.co.u...T-/251106920629

Pic doesn't do them justice, but IMHO they do look really good and are very easy to fit...

When running Scandinavian, should the side lights stay on when the headlamps are turned on? They appear to do so for me.

Adam

Yes,

Scandinavian mode means front and rear DRL’s, the rear DRL’s are achieved by turning the sidelights on.

Ta

Just fitted the sidelight bulbs recommended by gizmo, well impressed by their brightness. Thanks again mate

Which type of bulbs, if not a secret

Philips blue vision. Less than a fiver a pair on ebay.

Adam

Just resurrecting this thread as getting a tax rebate so I'm still tempted by these despite their expense. For me they look to be the best aftermarket look given I have front fogs.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=121014332601

It unfortunately says they don't come with instructions so a little wary especially as they seem to come with a little more wiring than expected. I think I know how to fit them but need some confirmation.

Does anyone know what the control boxes do with these sets?? Is it to do with the switching on with the ignition, fusing and necessary dimming that the regulations require??

Or could I alternatively wire them straight into the switch which has the necessary controls i.e. turns them off when side or dipped headlights go on??

Any help gratefully received.

Thanks

Adam

I used a DRLR2 unit to drive my DRLS:

http://www.genlabs.co.uk/products/drlr/drlr2.html

(instructions on there, can see the control unit on your one being any more complicated........it's not a complicated function really.)

Was a tenner off eBay. Should work with those DRLs too.

I'd still say £100 for these is expensive. DRLR2 and a set of Ring LED DRLS would be less than half this cost.

I took a line from the right-hand dipped beam to trigger the dimming function and a switched live line direct from and empty socket on the fusebox for "when the car is running" line.

I have installed a pair of "Philips daylight guide" on mine and I'm happy with them. They are quite bright and they are dimming automatically when the dipped beam comes on. If you do a search on youtube on "philips daylight guide installed", you can see the video that I've uploaded.

Thanks both, most helpful.

King@rthur: how did they fit to the grill, via a bracket?

RainbowFire: do you avoid any Canbus errors as suggested by the product?

Cheers

Adam

No CANbus issues at all. The current involved is tiny, it's only being a trigger. No problems when I re-coded the lights for HID either.

My DRLs are installed into a slot on the grille beside the fog-light. (place fingers on the top bar of the grille, pull down and forward. Pops out, pops in.) The slot is under that top bar on the grille. (If I remember I'll grab a photo or two during the day)

Thanks do they clip in then?

@adamal: yes, they come with a bracket and all the others accessories needed for the installation. You can find with a quick search on youtube a lot of "how to install..."videos. They have the same type of supports like all the Philips drl lights.I would've put the links myself, but right now I'm out on sea, on gprs, and is taking me ages to upload such websites... Sorry if is not helpful enough.

Thanks do they clip in then?

No, but, depending on what ones you get, they can be a tight fit. I think I screwed mine to the back of the grille and ran the wires through the slot.