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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 18:34

Title: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 18:34
Hey guys I have a GTI with xenons, but do not like the yellow look to the main beem or sidelight bulbs. Which do you guys think are the whitest and brightest replacement bulbs and do any have sidelight bulbs to compliment them?
Also out of intrest since I did not spec my car from new, are all xenons the same? I have read some people have bi-xenons is this the same?
many thanks guys
Fin
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 18:42
Bi-Xenons are the only ones available on the Golf V.  Quite simply, Bi-Xenon means it functions as both a dipped beam and a main beam (works with a metal shield within the headlamp, behind the "golf ball lens"), whereas the original Xenons only worked as a dipped beam.

For the secondary main beam bulbs, hop over to www.PowerBulbs.com, and get yerself some H7 Philips X-Treme plus (I think thats what they are called).

If you have hands smaller than a pixie, then you should be able to change the side lights too - W6W are the bulbs you need, and if you get your H7s from PowerBulbs, they usually throw in a free set of "blue-white" W5W sides.

HTH
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 18:51
Thanks TT, I used to have a 2001 Lupo GTI and to be honest I thoght the xenon lights were better on that, not sure if they were bi zenon or not.
I have bloody huge sausage fingers so fittin these bulbs may be a problem!
Fin
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 18:57
Also TT are both these bulbs legal?
I see they chuck in the sidelights when you spend over a tenner.
Fin
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: 2007GTI on 12 August 2008, 19:36
W6W ?

what about these TT?

http://www.priracing.com/product.php/120/29/piaa-w5w--xtreme-white-wedge-5-10w-bulb--pair-
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 19:47
also is there a fitting guide anywhere? as I know that will be my next question one they arrive.
Fin
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: 2007GTI on 12 August 2008, 19:47
for the W5W, you just pull the hold out straight out, its a b!tch to do.
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 19:56
Thanks TT, I used to have a 2001 Lupo GTI and to be honest I thoght the xenon lights were better on that, not sure if they were bi zenon or not.
I have bloody huge sausage fingers so fittin these bulbs may be a problem!
Fin

Are you sure your Lupo had Xenons??  :huh:  Anyway, if so, they'd have been just the standard "dip beam only" Xenons, and used a separate halogen bulb for the mains.

If you do have phat phingers, then the sides can be changed with a pair of long nosed pliers.  The side lamp bulb holder is just a push-fit into the reflector - but because they are usually tight and stiff, and are at a funny angle, that's what makes em difficult little bu&&ers.  Some peeps have removed the complete headlamp housing to change the sides, but that means removing the bumper skin - which is easy, but a little daunting if you've never done it before.  :smiley:
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 19:59
Also TT are both these bulbs legal?
I see they chuck in the sidelights when you spend over a tenner.
Fin

All PowerBulbs.com stuff is totally UK and EU legal, appart from their "rally" bulbs, and they clearly state so in the relevent product description.

Don't be tempted to use some other online bulb sellers, as they are invariably cheap far-eastern junk of inferior quality.  Anyone remember the infamous retro fit Xenon thread?  :wink:
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 20:02
W6W ?

what about these TT?

http://www.priracing.com/product.php/120/29/piaa-w5w--xtreme-white-wedge-5-10w-bulb--pair-

Hmmm, they look OK, as long as they are genuine PIAA.  Trouble is, many are "pirate" copies, made in China or Korea!  And £12 - plus postage is a bit steep for a pair of sides, when you can get similar for free!
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 20:06
also is there a fitting guide anywhere? as I know that will be my next question one they arrive.
Fin

Have you looked in the child board at the top of the Mk5 index page?  :wink:

Here's the link: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=59.0

Maybe "The Doc"s post on setting Xenons for Europe might help, otherwise have a rummage through my post of free workshop manuals.

HTH
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 12 August 2008, 20:08
for the W5W, you just pull the hold out straight out, its a b!tch to do.

Yup.  If you had any skin on your knuckles before starting, cherish it, because it will be gone by the time you've finished!  :laugh:
Title: Re: best headlight bulbs???????????
Post by: finlayjacobin on 12 August 2008, 21:13
Am 100% sure my Lupo GTi had xenons they were standard fitment on the GTI models only, had washers and auto level too they were really stupidly bright too!
will get ordering some bulbs tommorrow.
Fin