Headlight bulb replacement procedure & where to get replacement HID bulb

[Corrado]

Changed the oil yesterday and washed the car....go to drive it and "bam!" got a funny warning message on the dash. It's my Audi so I now by now after owning the car for 4 years that when you do one thing, something else completely unrelated happens (washing car and oil change should have nothing to do with a headlight problem I know.)

Ok, here is the noob question of the day - how do I replace the driver's side headlight bulb? Do I have to take out the entire headlight, or just reach through the back?

I've searched and searched and can't find anything about just a bulb replacement. Most threads are about DDM tuning ballasts and such. Or about the clear corner mod. Or something else.

I didn't have any warning signs (pink bulb) or anything else...so does this mean I need a bulb and not a ballast? Headlights always fire up right away until last night.

I've seen D2S bulbs go from $15 to $90. I want a stock color so perhaps 4300k, 4500k, or 5000k probably. Where is the best place to get bulbs from? Do you really get what you pay for with a bulb?

Amazon? (MaxLux seems to be popular brand for about $30)
HIDconcept?
ECS tuning?
DDM Tuning? ($15 for a pair???)

[somebody5788]

Changed the oil yesterday and washed the car....go to drive it and "bam!" got a funny warning message on the dash. It's my Audi so I now by now after owning the car for 4 years that when you do one thing, something else completely unrelated happens (washing car and oil change should have nothing to do with a headlight problem I know.)

Ok, here is the noob question of the day - how do I replace the driver's side headlight bulb? Do I have to take out the entire headlight, or just reach through the back?

I've searched and searched and can't find anything about just a bulb replacement. Most threads are about DDM tuning ballasts and such. Or about the clear corner mod. Or something else.

I didn't have any warning signs (pink bulb) or anything else...so does this mean I need a bulb and not a ballast? Headlights always fire up right away until last night.

I've seen D2S bulbs go from $15 to $90. I want a stock color so perhaps 4300k, 4500k, or 5000k probably. Where is the best place to get bulbs from? Do you really get what you pay for with a bulb?

Amazon? (MaxLux seems to be popular brand for about $30)
HIDconcept?
ECS tuning?
DDM Tuning? ($15 for a pair???)

In before everyone tries to tell you to go DDM, I'll be one of the few to say just stick to the Phillips 85122+ that you can get at any parts store. They run a little pricey but they will last longer, brighter, and run cooler then the cheaper options. You can opt to go to the new Phillips CBI (Cool Blue Intense) to get a little color but still have white light they are basically a 5000k bulb compared to the OEM 4300k

[Corrado]

Thanks Nic. I want to keep it stock!

No DDM ballasts or that stuff. Just want to get a new bulb.


Theretrofitsource.com has a pair of the Phillips 85122+ for $95. Seems like a good price over Ziza or other questionable brands.

[somebody5788]

Thanks Nic. I want to keep it stock!

No DDM ballasts or that stuff. Just want to get a new bulb.

If you order from Amazon you can sometimes snag the Phillips bulbs for a great price.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Xenon-...words=85122%2B

Not a "great" price but it's still pretty decent.

[julex]

If you order from Amazon you can sometimes snag the Phillips bulbs for a great price.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Xenon-...words=85122%2B

Not a "great" price but it's still pretty decent.

That a very good price. These will last as long as the orginal set which would be the rest of life of most of S4s on this forum.

[Corrado]

When researching bulbs more, I found this:

====
Note: There is no such a thing as PHILLIPS 85122+ anymore. PHILLIPS 85122+ has been replaced by 85122wx.

====



Can anyone confirm this:
85112 = "standard" = 4300k
85112+ = 85112wx = Ultinon = 6000k

????

[somebody5788]

When researching bulbs more, I found this:

Note: There is no such a thing as PHILLIPS 85122+ anymore. PHILLIPS 85122+ has been replaced by 85122wx.

Is this correct?

I've not heard of that. I honestly don't think it's true but I could be wrong.

Also if you don't mind buying a pair here's a little better price http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=148

Pairs always match better BTW.

[Corrado]

To replace - do I have to take out the entire headlight, or just reach through the back?

[getslideways]

When researching bulbs more, I found this:

====
Note: There is no such a thing as PHILLIPS 85122+ anymore. PHILLIPS 85122+ has been replaced by 85122wx.

====



Can anyone confirm this:
85112 = "standard" = 4300k
85112+ = 85112wx = Ultinon = 6000k

????

I was just looking this info up as well, and essentially what I found was:

The 85112+ was the same as the 85112 (both are 4300k) however the "+" resisted "color shifting" after so many hours of use where the regular bulb's color would eventually change.

The 85112CM is slightly 'whiter' at 4800k vs 4300k, but retains the ~3100 lumens rating

The 85112WX is the 6000k blue bulb, has a much lower lumen rating, therefore worse output, and is often called the 'ultinon'

Check out this site for all kinds of useful HID Bulb/Ballast/Projector info and comparisons:

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...M-and-85122-WX

Also be warned, there are plenty of fake Phillips bulbs on Amazon and Ebay, TheRetrofitSource.com deals with Phillips directly (as you can see by the post i linked)

[getslideways]

Here is a better breakdown of each and every bulb and its specs:

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...bout-HID-bulbs

[julex]

I run Xenarc 66240CBI and boy are they so much brighter than normal stuff on standard 35w ballast but I also bought TRS 50w ballasts.

[getslideways]

I run Xenarc 66240CBI and boy are they so much brighter than normal stuff on standard 35w ballast but I also bought TRS 50w ballasts.

i have been looking at those to replace my current stock 12 year old bulbs, do you have any pics you can post up or PM me?

[S4 00 2.7]

I was just looking this info up as well, and essentially what I found was:

The 85112+ was the same as the 85112 (both are 4300k) however the "+" resisted "color shifting" after so many hours of use where the regular bulb's color would eventually change.

The 85112CM is slightly 'whiter' at 4800k vs 4300k, but retains the ~3100 lumens rating

The 85112WX is the 6000k blue bulb, has a much lower lumen rating, therefore worse output, and is often called the 'ultinon'

Check out this site for all kinds of useful HID Bulb/Ballast/Projector info and comparisons:

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...M-and-85122-WX

Also be warned, there are plenty of fake Phillips bulbs on Amazon and Ebay, TheRetrofitSource.com deals with Phillips directly (as you can see by the post i linked)

Good info, thanks for sharing.

[PearlS4]

To replace - do I have to take out the entire headlight, or just reach through the back?

I've always just pulled the housing out from the car, makes it easier for me. Not a lot of room in there to screw around the other way.

[somebody5788]

To replace - do I have to take out the entire headlight, or just reach through the back?

I would do it in the car so you don't have to re aim the headlight when you're done. Just be very sure that you have the alignment tab lined up.

[pharkwar]

I've run across these guys recommended on a few forums - hidbulbzrus.com

Not the most confidence-inspiring name I've ever heard, but I will be buying from them for a full headlamp refresh when my E-codes arrive.

[Corrado]

I would do it in the car so you don't have to re aim the headlight when you're done. Just be very sure that you have the alignment tab lined up.

I guess I'm a headlight noob, but I'm really suprised I can't find a DIY or Tech article about how to replace the bulb. And yes, I don't want to fart around with aiming or a VAG-com (don't have one) or breaking a tab or any of that stuff. I'll try reaching through the back once I get the new bulbs.

[BlazinB5]

i paid $35 (includes the bulbs and shipping) for my 5000K bulbs from DDM Tuning, and i'm still using the factory ballasts

[Corrado]

I just ordered a set of Morimoto 5000k bulbs from The Retrofit Source. These seem to have most of the qualities I'm looking for (a 5000k color) at a great price.

Going to try to replace them without removing the entire headlight housing. Seems the driver's side will be tough, and the passenger's side will have more room since I have a cone intake.

Once they are in I'll try to get a few comparison pictures.

[HomeSlice]

My headlights suck compared to my B8 I can't see anything. Will swapping out the bulbs help at all or do I need some new lenses?

[julex]

My headlights suck compared to my B8 I can't see anything. Will swapping out the bulbs help at all or do I need some new lenses?

Fidn a thread in this forum about TRS clean lens swap, it makes the headlights much brighter.

[xhackerekx]

6000k for me look great with 55W ballast

[HomeSlice]

Fidn a thread in this forum about TRS clean lens swap, it makes the headlights much brighter.

Good looking out!

[getslideways]

My headlights suck compared to my B8 I can't see anything. Will swapping out the bulbs help at all or do I need some new lenses?

Could have dirty lenses, but bulbs dont maintain consistent lumen output after hours (let alone years) of use:

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...put-Comparison

[zillarob]

The reflectors burn up on our cars. At least that is the prob on most I have seen with dim/weird light output.

Has anybody mentioned swap bulbs side to side to make sure it isnt the ballast first?