Hello!

I started noticing that my left xenon headlight ( I think it is bi-xenon) is sometimes working and sometimes simply "faded" or simply weaker with a slight yellowish/orange-ish look to it on normal beam.

It even gave me a warning once on the drivers info panel that I need to check the Dipped headlight (something) and didn't show up anymore even that the light is faulty.

Any idea?

Thank you and happy holidays :)

Edited 22 December, 20169 yr by Septor

Time for a new xenon bulb, or the ballast could be faulty.

Not sure how difficult the xenon bulb replacement is, but if you're able to swap the bulbs over you should be able to work out whether it's the bulb or the ballast

Really easy to change the bulbs, easier than most halogen set ups to be honest. Not sure if the ballasts aren't part of the bulbs on the D3S bulbs too?

By ballast I assume you mean the amplifier?

 

Also, which bulbs should I buy? I want the same as the original, and without errors of course :D

 

Thank you!

By ballast I assume you mean the amplifier?

 

Also, which bulbs should I buy? I want the same as the original, and without errors of course :D

 

Thank you!

 

Originals are D3S Philips Xenstart 35W, though any D3S should be fine (match the colour temperature though if only replacing 1 bulb - around 4300k)

 

Really easy to change the bulbs, easier than most halogen set ups to be honest. Not sure if the ballasts aren't part of the bulbs on the D3S bulbs too?

 

Ignitors are integrated on D3s, still has separate ballasts though.

Replace in pairs imo. Otherwise you'll end up with colour shifts between sides.

I highly recommend the Osram Night breaker Xenarc range. Fitted them to my Superb and the output is excellent. Much better than the OE Philips that was in there.

Buy from a reputable place like powerbulbs so that you don't end with fakes. Cost me £105 last December for a pair. Now been through 3 cars.

How long is your manufacturers warranty in Israel?

 

Bulbs can be classed as consumables but xenon bulbs are supposed to be longer lasting so a failure as premature as this would have me pursuing it as a warranty claim.

Yeah if one of my bulbs failed within 3 years there's no way I wouldn't expect a replacement under warranty.

Hey,
So the warranty in Israel for Skoda is only 2 years and unfortunately,  I am beyond that by a few months.
But, I did go to the garage and it was indeed the bulb that was faulty, it had a leakage in the gas chamber, thus becoming orange-ish after heating a while.

 

Anyway, so I am looking on Ebay to purchase a pair of bulbs, but I can't tell which are compatible with the car.. I know I need the "metal fitting" and not the black kind of something that there is at the base of the bulb itself (not the metal box beneath). I had on my car "PHILIPS XenStart 9285 335 244 D3S 35W" and I was wondering if the same bulb but with code "9285 304 244" will work as well?

Thank you and happy holidays :)

Happy holidays! You need D3S bulbs, though I'd advise not to buy from eBay as there are lots of fake Philips and Osram Xenon bulbs out there. I'd also advise to avoid the cheap non-branded xenon bulbs as they look terrible.

Go for an Osram or Philips D3S from a reputable online shop and you're sorted!

Happy holidays! You need D3S bulbs, though I'd advise not to buy from eBay as there are lots of fake Philips and Osram Xenon bulbs out there. I'd also advise to avoid the cheap non-branded xenon bulbs as they look terrible.

Go for an Osram or Philips D3S from a reputable online shop and you're sorted!

Can you recommend any stores? 

Can you recommend any stores?

https://www.powerbulbs.com these guys are good.

https://www.powerbulbs.com these guys are good.

I second this. Not sure if they deliver to OP's country though.

*Edit - just checked and they do, but might be better going to the Philips and Osram sites to see if there's any authorised dealers located in your Country.

Edited 26 December, 20169 yr by ahenners

One more question though, my Mechanic told me to avoid the "black ring" fitting on the right and take the "metallic ring" fitting on the left. Is there any truth to it? He said that the right one is older fitting and won't work with my car. A different guy said that all I need is D3S and it should work.. though D3S from my understanding is the connection port, and not the fitting..

http://imgur.com/6bcn9KY

I can't see how the rings would make a difference as the bulb doesn't come separate to the square Base with the connector.

All of the D3S Osram and Philips bulbs on Powerbulbs site, all appear to have the black ring, so I'm unsure why he would have said that. Any D3S bulb will fit fine.

If the car is still under warranty then try to get information if the xenon bulbs have warranty in your country or not. For me, I get full cover on the xenon bulbs until the end of warranty period.

 

And on top of that, you mentioned having a message, so you might want to check for error codes as well (go to the dealer if you do not have a reader).

If the car is still under warranty then try to get information if the xenon bulbs have warranty in your country or not. For me, I get full cover on the xenon bulbs until the end of warranty period.

 

And on top of that, you mentioned having a message, so you might want to check for error codes as well (go to the dealer if you do not have a reader).

As stated before, the warranty is for 2 years and I am a few months after that.. so no go on that one.

 

And I think I'll go for the OSRAM Xenarc night breaker.. that extra distance will be great for my night traveling :D

https://www.osram.com/automotive/products/vehicle-and-bicycle-lighting/cars/xenon-headlight-lamps/xenarc-night-breaker-unlimited/index.jsp#

 

Edited 27 December, 20169 yr by Septor

As stated before, the warranty is for 2 years and I am a few months after that.. so no go on that one.

 

And I think I'll go for the OSRAM Xenarc night breaker.. that extra distance will be great for my night traveling :D

https://www.osram.com/automotive/products/vehicle-and-bicycle-lighting/cars/xenon-headlight-lamps/xenarc-night-breaker-unlimited/index.jsp#

 

 

 

hi

 

have been considering these - interested to know what you think of them compared to stoick

hi

 

have been considering these - interested to know what you think of them compared to stoick

I still haven't ordered, will do in the next few days probably and it will most likely take between 2 weeks to a month for them to arrive..

I'll keep you updated :)

I still haven't ordered, will do in the next few days probably and it will most likely take between 2 weeks to a month for them to arrive..

I'll keep you updated :)

 

Following this with interest also :)

Just a word of warning for those looking to upgrade their current OEM bubs with so called uprated xenon bulbs.

 

There have been several threads on this over on the MkII forum over recent years and there was very little improvement to be had. I appreciate the MkII uses different xenon bulbs but the technology hasn't changed.

 

Fine if having to replace failing bulbs but for those looking to upgrade I'd be careful if you are expecting an improvement in light output.

 

See here...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/385060-bi-xenon-upgrade-options-found-vrs-afsii/

Edited 28 December, 20169 yr by silver1011

So.. It took quite a while for the bulbs to arrive and for me to install them.
Because I don't have any means to determine if the light is actually brighter or gets farther besides my eyes, I can't really tell that there is indeed an improvement..

So my verdict will be that if you don't mind shedding another 20 pounds per bulb to give it a try while your older bulb is dead, go for it.. otherwise don't bother "Upgrading".

 

Thank you all again for the kind help!