Can't disagree with that statement. These things aren't cheap by any means.

If you're looking for something similar for a lot less money, you can always buy a 6000k-8000k set from a place like DDM. Plenty of those places have the generic D1S bulbs for $50 or so a pair.

They're usually just less bright, which for someone like me who lives in the country isn't a good thing. Of course, I went a step further and added the 85w driving lights to fix that even more.

Side note: Some Audis use 5000k bulbs from the factory. That may account for the difference in some of the S-Specs - we have quite a few out here.

 

Swapped the running lights for LEDs with no problems (went with coding instead of resistors). Went to swap the fogs with HID's (slim ballast), but they just flicker. I tried both ballasts, so it's looking like with the car under load the ballast can't get enough voltage.

Did anyone else have this problem? Or is there a specific ballast I should have gone with?

 

Yep, had this at first - couldn't figure it out.

Code out the fog light bulb checks - the low-volt checks that it sends to them screws with the ballasts. Mine worked great once I coded the fogs out.

Make sure to code out cold and warm checks!

 

theta.. .nice pics and write up on how to change the bulbs thanks

 

Sure thing! That's what I'm here for.

 

Where can I get projector headlights like yours?

 

Those are the factory HID/Xenons. The only difference is that I painted the chrome surrounds black.

 

What type of HIDs did you use. Like the manufacturer and where did you pick them up?

 

See posts #4 and #43:

Hope that helps!

 

Did this today, sort of. I wanted yellow fogs, so I got a set of Nokia yellow h8 bulbs. I plan on putting an HID kit in later, but I have some other plans for the car too that take precedence. I used some 5 SMD led bulbs I had laying about, but have a couple different 194 options on order, including the 15 SMD led bulb you mentioned, as well as a Cree XPE 194 bulb that might be cool.

When I did the fogs on my GTI, I removed the bumper to properly route wires and mount the ballasts. Theta, how did you mount your ballasts?

 

Sorry - lost track of this thread!

The ballasts were installed right onto the bumper through the round access opening. I used the slim type, of course. Had plenty of room in there!

 

Forgive the dumb question, but when you say HID - you don't mean an actual HID Swap - but JUST the bulbs - no wiring or new harnesses or anything?
One last newb question - are there two sets of bulbs in the fogs? Day Time Running Lights AND regular fogs?

Thanks! (Had the xenons before on my countryman S, loved those so much never even thought about swapping anything)

 

Well, in this case, it requires adding the HID bulbs, ballasts, etc. You do not need to re-wire anything, though, from the main wiring harness.

The 'fogs' are actually a group of two lights. The top area is a running light, and the bottom is a fog light.

 

Ah alright, thank you very much - I'll read the rest of this thread for info on the other parts - thanks again

 

Sure thing!

 

What'd the whole set up cost btw?

 

I guess that depends on which part you mean. Here's a ballpark on everything:

$50-60 on the 3000K HIDs with slim ballast
$25 or so on the LED running light bulbs
$300 or so for the driving lights, bulbs, and mounts
$200 or so on the Ultinon bulbs

So if you just want to replicate the lower area, you can do it for under $75.

 

Nice - thank you. Not looking for driving lights yet - but the lower area might be fun. Looks like i'll have to put er up on a jack and take off each wheel - sounds like a fun saturday gig

Thanks again!

 

Actually - you don't have to do that at all!

Surprisingly, I did the lower install on the ground without lifting or taking the wheels off. Just turn (okay, it filtered c*ck, which is a legit verb in this case) the wheels inward on each side you're doing, then just unscrew the screw holding the hatch and twist. Then you'll have enough room for one hand to do this, and a small light to guide you.

 

Awesome - thanks again!

 

Must say these are really easy directions to follow. I cheaped out and ordered the least pricy items on ebay. 2 slim ballasts, 2 HID bulbs - yellow and 2 LEDs cost me 35$ shipped to my door. I've got small hands, so I just left the tires straight, took about 30 minutes to install this way. I ended up double sided taping the ballasts to the covers and screwed them back in. Seems to be holding well for now about 6 weeks later. Didn't get any flickering or fog bulb out warnings. Had to code out the LEDs though.
Be careful about the stock running lights.. they are HOT for those tiny little things.

 

Thanks for that! Glad to hear its working for others!

 

Hey guys, thanks for all the info in this thread. If I wanted to just do a straight bulb swap to yellow without using HIDs, do I simply need a 15-SMD for the wedge running light and an H8 for the fog light?

(Therefore not needing any ballasts, codes, additional wires, etc.)

If so, any recommendations on the brands for each size?

I see these for the H8 (PIAA 18535 H8 Plasma Ion Yellow Bulb) but saw you mentioned Nokia.
I haven't researched 15-SMDs yet that would be just a straight swap.

 

If you use a wedge LED running light, you will need to either use a resistor (or buy a set with a built-in resistor) or code those bulb warnings out.

As for the normal H8 bulb, if you're looking for yellow while still using incandescent, the most yellow is Nokya, followed by PIAA. Keep in mind that it won't be that true HID-yellow 3000k color, though.

 

Gotcha, I suppose a non-LED wedge light isn't providing much benefit than what it does now. Thanks!

I see in your sig the 2013 JCW coming your way, jealous....