Gasman, it would seem iDENTITi has already told us the sidelights are the same bulb as the DLR's using PWM (whatever that is) that makes them orange/yellow.

I need to take a look at this, I've seen some guy on here posting about different VCDS settings for lights, must be something in there to maintain DLR's instead of switching to sidelights, its the only way I can think around this issue as we're not gonna fight the hard wiring of the lighting system so, it'll have to be a software switch.

I'll come back to you when I've sussed it.

PWM is Pulse Width Modulation.

It cycles the power on and off to modulate output.

It's mainly used in LED and motor control.

It's just a more efficient way than controlling voltage/amperage

There does appear to be a VCDS fix see link. http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/340652-vcds-adaptation-for-side-light-voltage/?p=4095386

 

I don't have a VCDS but, should be able to get this done at the next Meon Hut meet so, I'll let you know whether it works then.

Any updates on this topic?

TMWNA how are the MTecs H15's going? Online there seems variable reviews of their longevity.

They also seem to just fall outside the UK allowable K level 4300 vs 4200 (is this marked on them?), the supplier TMWNA used will no longer sell to UK but still sells to rest of Europe.

Supposedly Osram Cool Blues will be available in H15 by September, I may just wait for these if reports on the other options aren't great.

Supposedly Osram Cool Blues will be available in H15 by September, I may just wait for these if reports on the other options aren't great.

That's what Osram said to me. Pity they're not Nightbreakers but they'll do.

Any updates on this topic?

TMWNA how are the MTecs H15's going? Online there seems variable reviews of their longevity.

They also seem to just fall outside the UK allowable K level 4300 vs 4200 (is this marked on them?), the supplier TMWNA used will no longer sell to UK but still sells to rest of Europe.

Supposedly Osram Cool Blues will be available in H15 by September, I may just wait for these if reports on the other options aren't great.

I've had no problems with the MTec's reliability wise and yes they're a little over the limit but IIRC, the measuring equipment may not be accurate enough to tell the difference and will certainly not be able to tell on anything other than a freshly cleaned car.  I certainly followed Police cars with these lights without any issue whatsoever.

 

The VCDS fix works for the PWM is Pulse Width Modulation colour issue which I now have altered and I'm very happy with them.

 

I also so agree, Nightbreakers would be better from Osram but, I put these against Nightbreakers at a Meon Hut meet and these were the same if not slightly better for colour but, slightly less than the Nightbreakers on distance.

Good thread - thanks for the infomation.  I've had my 2016 Octavia Estate SE L for a couple of weeks now and find the standard headlight bulbs are borderline dangerous.  They have no penetration on their highest setting, my 15 year old Honda (with HID) gives off more light, over twice the distance with only one headlight working!  I was goingt to call Skoda to ask if they are even legal.  Trying to drive at night on country B roads is a nightmare with about 60ft of vision bathed in a  dim yellow light.  I am now regretting not paying for the HID option and am considering paying for Skoda to to the upgrade whatever the costs.  I'll try all the proper bulbs recommended here before going down that route. Skoda - your standard headlights are rubbish.

 

Apart from this (and the rear suspension), I like the car.  The 1.4 TSI engine is sufficient, if not exactly exciting.  I'm only getting 36.7 mpg over the past 600 miles, but I should be looking at 40 ish after a little longer. Excellent value for money, great build quality, load lugger.

Edited 21 September, 201510 yr by OccamsCat

As mentioned on the other thread, the Osram Cool Blue H15 bulbs are an improvement at full beam, especially when twinned with H7 nightbreakers, and a slight improvement on the colour of the DRLs. Unfortunately because the sidelights are so dim there is no change there and they look just as yellow as before.

thanks webo'

 

ill give them a go!

 

john

I have Osram Cool Blue H8 35W bulbs in my foglights, there are equally as bright as the OEM Osram bulbs but less yellow in colour; personally I am disappointed with the 'lack of whiteness' as the bulbs were quoted as up to 4200K. If it is a white light you are after these are not the bulbs for the job; I think the MTecs suggested by themanwithnoaim be a better option if you want a white light. The bulbs I got were:

 

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product/osram-cool-blue-intense-h8-twin

Just to revisit this thread and try to guide you guys a little.

 

1. Different Makers, Models of bulbs will have light colours

2. H7, H8 and H15's are not widely available in the same Makers, Models

3. The sidelights percentage brightness can be altered by VCDS to remove the yellowing effect

 

Regards

T

If anyone is interested to try these cheaply or just some cheap spares!

 

ABD H15

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131616127691?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

MTEC H15

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131616122074?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

MTEC H7

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131616117887?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

john

Well, first bulb blew today...Nightbreaker fitted around 22nd Sept last year.

Well, first bulb blew today...Nightbreaker fitted around 22nd Sept last year.

Not good, just over the 12 months warranty

Just my luck.. well I thought I'd try the Philips Xtreme Vision +130's this time..see how they compare to the nightbreakers.

nightbreakers £17.99 per pair eurocar parts H7  (and an extra 10% off today)

Happens to be where I ordered the Xtreme Visions from..19.99!

great stuff

By far the best upgrade bulbs I've ever used (both brightness and longevity) are PIAA Extreme White Plus. Had them in H7 application on a few different cars and the difference is amazing vs. standard for just a bulb change.

 

They're not cheap, but they are clearly fantastic quality - you can tell just by looking at the bulbs.

 

Beware of fakes though on the internet - I always ordered mine via a local specialist who were an official PIAA dealer.

By far the best upgrade bulbs I've ever used (both brightness and longevity) are PIAA Extreme White Plus. Had them in H7 application on a few different cars and the difference is amazing vs. standard for just a bulb change.

 

They're not cheap, but they are clearly fantastic quality - you can tell just by looking at the bulbs.

 

Beware of fakes though on the internet - I always ordered mine via a local specialist who were an official PIAA dealer.

Do they make H8 & H15's in those as well?

Do they make H8 & H15's in those as well?

 

Hi mate,

 

No not that I can see from looking, but the standard dipped beam bulb is a H7 isn't it? Here's the link anyway!

 

http://www.piaa.co.uk/bulbs/bulbshow.asp?ID=xtwhiteplus 

I have just fitted Phillips X-treme vision +130%, they are better than the standard yellow candles, but still nowhere near xenon standards.

I have taken pics with only one bulb changed, but the difference can't really be seen in the pics, it was twilight so I may try a couple of pics in pitch black.

 

I do have some H7R xenons, I may try one of these & check for beam distortion. I do know these conversons sometimes cause dazzle on dip beam.  I also think I'll be fitting H15 HID conversions to the main beam. the only problem with HIDs in the main beam is the time they take to "fade up" when switching from dip to main beam.

 

I had HID conversions fitted in my 06 Passat & my 10 Ibiza, the lights were great, so much so I was a little disappointed when I got my Leon FR with standard bi xenons.

I have just fitted Phillips X-treme vision +130%, they are better than the standard yellow candles, but still nowhere near xenon standards.

I have taken pics with only one bulb changed, but the difference can't really be seen in the pics, it was twilight so I may try a couple of pics in pitch black.

 

I do have some H7R xenons, I may try one of these & check for beam distortion. I do know these conversons sometimes cause dazzle on dip beam.  I also think I'll be fitting H15 HID conversions to the main beam. the only problem with HIDs in the main beam is the time they take to "fade up" when switching from dip to main beam.

 

I had HID conversions fitted in my 06 Passat & my 10 Ibiza, the lights were great, so much so I was a little disappointed when I got my Leon FR with standard bi xenons.

 

You'll actually see the best difference (in terms of colour in the light) in the daylight actually. The glare tends to ruin the night time shots. 

 

Other thing to do is to park the car in front of a flat surface  - white garage door is perfect, and show the difference that way

I have done that, yes you can see the difference on the garage door, it is just the difference does not show in the photos. I had intended to post a pic showing the standard bulb and the X-treme vision bulb.

I will pm you as you may be able to help me with another matter

Just ordered a set of osram nightbreakers from euro car parts, £17.99 with free delivery with is a half price online offer.

I have fitted the Phillips bulbs, they are better than standard, but still disappointing.

I then tried one H7R HID conversion units, light output is so much better, beam pattern did not appear to be distorted as sometimes happens with HID conversion kits. However, bulb warning light was triggered and light started flickering about two minutes of switching on.

Ballast was not Canbus compatible. Fitted a (supposed) Canbus ballast, light illuminated ok without engine running, started engine and light went out almost straight away, switched off lights, then switched them on again, light flashed on the went off almost immediately, so the Canbus ballast I had does not work.

I may try a brand new Canbus ballast to see how this works, as I'm still disappointed in the halogen lights, especially after having had bi xenon so on my Leon FR.