How "bad" are the depo clear headlights on eBay vs valeo??

**ajee622** · 06-18-2015 06:00 PM

Any pictures?? Fitment or lighting issues??

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**JKnight41** · 06-18-2015 06:25 PM

There is nothing "bad" about them in my opinion for the price. They are a good upgrade that's not nearly as expensive as e-codes. I say get them.

**landfill** · 06-18-2015 06:31 PM

To me there is a clear difference. Are they terrible not by any means.
It's the same with older audi's. The only brand that truly matches OEM
look is Hella where the newer audi's the brand is Valeo.

**ajee622** · 06-18-2015 07:16 PM

Do you know if it messes with the lighting??

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**JKnight41** · 06-18-2015 08:12 PM

You'll be happy with their lighting. It's an upgrade for sure.

**oppositelock** · 06-18-2015 09:08 PM

+1. I'm really happy with the look (got the ones with the blacked-out reflector) and light pattern.

**Dr.d** · 06-18-2015 11:45 PM

They're actually pretty nice

**jpurre** · 06-19-2015 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by oppositelock

+1. I'm really happy with the look (got the ones with the blacked-out reflector) and light pattern.

I have these as well. Very happy with them. Although after about 2 years you need to polish them up. I like the clear projector lens as opposed to stock fresnal.

**ur0drivr** · 06-19-2015 07:48 AM

I've had mine for 3 years and just replaced the bulbs and ballasts over the winter. No complaints at all.

**christianb5s4** · 06-19-2015 08:20 AM

Another plus 1 for Depo headlights, mine have been great. The people who normally knock them are either OEM or nothing or haven't adjusted them properly. Adjusting them makes a world of difference.

**jbain2** · 06-19-2015 08:56 AM

A few things to consider. Some of the Depo lights are made for the H7 bulb. You will want to run the HID's. A lot of people do the Morimoto kit and fit them into the Depo's. I personally used the OEM ballasts, bowls and wiring harness and fit them into the Depo's. I had to use the OEM bowls and cut offs to get the right lighting. At the same time, I upgraded the OEM lens with the TRS lens. Worlds better. Some of the Depo's come with a city bulb. Our cars in the U.S. are not wired for the city/DRL lights. I think there is a way to wire them but haven't done it. I think I paid around $180 for the lights and $30 for the lens.

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**GramCracker** · 06-19-2015 09:12 AM

I've ran Depo E-Codes on all my B5's. For $250 you can't beat it. Just make sure you don't order the ones that have the clear reflector in the housing!

**christianb5s4** · 06-19-2015 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by jbain2

A few things to consider. Some of the Depo lights are made for the H7 bulb. You will want to run the HID's. A lot of people do the Morimoto kit and fit them into the Depo's. I personally used the OEM ballasts, bowls and wiring harness and fit them into the Depo's. I had to use the OEM bowls and cut offs to get the right lighting. At the same time, I upgraded the OEM lens with the TRS lens. Worlds better. Some of the Depo's come with a city bulb. Our cars in the U.S. are not wired for the city/DRL lights. I think there is a way to wire them but haven't done it. I think I paid around $180 for the lights and $30 for the lens.

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How difficult was the lens swap?

**coolgraymemo** · 06-19-2015 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by jbain2

A few things to consider. Some of the Depo lights are made for the H7 bulb. You will want to run the HID's. A lot of people do the Morimoto kit and fit them into the Depo's. I personally used the OEM ballasts, bowls and wiring harness and fit them into the Depo's. I had to use the OEM bowls and cut offs to get the right lighting. At the same time, I upgraded the OEM lens with the TRS lens. Worlds better. Some of the Depo's come with a city bulb. Our cars in the U.S. are not wired for the city/DRL lights. I think there is a way to wire them but haven't done it. I think I paid around $180 for the lights and $30 for the lens.

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Just confirming:

If I buy the H7 Depos, can I swap in the projector/D2S innards from my stock US-Spec headlights?

**jbain2** · 06-19-2015 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

How difficult was the lens swap?

Cake.

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**jbain2** · 06-19-2015 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by coolgraymemo

Just confirming:

If I buy the H7 Depos, can I swap in the projector/D2S innards from my stock US-Spec headlights?

I did. I am guessing there may be subtle differences. Mine came from ECS.

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**coolgraymemo** · 06-19-2015 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by jbain2

I did. I am guessing there may be subtle differences. Mine came from ECS.

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Thanks for the prompt response.

**ajee622** · 06-19-2015 05:40 PM

Oh so that's the biggest difference?? I can't use the oem bulb and ballast without modification??

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**jbain2** · 06-19-2015 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by ajee622

Oh so that's the biggest difference?? I can't use the oem bulb and ballast without modification??

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Take the OEM bowl, cutoff, bulb, ballast and wiring and put into the Depo. I would replace the lens while you have it out.

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**jbain2** · 06-19-2015 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by GramCracker

I've ran Depo E-Codes on all my B5's. For $250 you can't beat it. Just make sure you don't order the ones that have the clear reflector in the housing!

Your avants are gorgeous! Trying to track one down!

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**landfill** · 06-20-2015 07:14 AM

Yea that cactus green avant is done up right. Gram was it a 6 speed?
If so it's probably 1 of 1 in the US.

**Turtle** · 06-20-2015 09:34 PM

I bought Valeos. Condensation is the pass side. Errrrr

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**oppositelock** · 06-21-2015 04:33 PM

I bought the D2S ones and swapped my stock ballasts in. Didn't bother with the leveling motors. Aimed them and all was good.

Not sure why you'd buy H7s and swap the reflectors, lenses, etc.

**jbain2** · 06-21-2015 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by oppositelock

I bought the D2S ones and swapped my stock ballasts in. Didn't bother with the leveling motors. Aimed them and all was good.

Not sure why you'd buy H7s and swap the reflectors, lenses, etc.

Long story. Thought that was what I was getting. The H7 ones ended up being cheaper and I was able to make it work. Agreed though, get the housing with D2S bulbs and all you need to swap is the ballast/wiring.

**coolgraymemo** · 06-21-2015 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by oppositelock

I bought the D2S ones and swapped my stock ballasts in. Didn't bother with the leveling motors. Aimed them and all was good.

Not sure why you'd buy H7s and swap the reflectors, lenses, etc.

D2S Depos look like clear cornered NA lights.

**jbain2** · 06-21-2015 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by coolgraymemo

D2S Depos look like clear cornered NA lights.

You are totally right. I knew there was another reason. The signal reflectors are different.

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**TighTT** · 06-21-2015 05:54 PM

Pretty stupid on DEPO's part. Make some ecode looking D2S's!!!

**landfill** · 06-21-2015 07:07 PM

That why I said what I did in my first post. Depo's full clear "e-code"headlights have
weird looking corners. Hence if you're a stickler for %100 OEM looks it will bother you.
So usually if I have the coin on b5's and up go valeo and c4,b4, older classics go with
hella brand lights.

**JVD** · 06-21-2015 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Turtle

I bought Valeos. Condensation is the pass side. Errrrr

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Same with me.

They'll mold eventually.

Prob just replace with Depo and H1 Mini.

**jpurre** · 06-22-2015 06:25 AM

Off topic: Gram, I love that Cactus Avant of yours.. oh my..

**TighTT** · 06-22-2015 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by landfill

That why I said what I did in my first post. Depo's full clear "e-code"headlights have
weird looking corners. Hence if you're a stickler for %100 OEM looks it will bother you.
So usually if I have the coin on b5's and up go valeo and c4,b4, older classics go with
hella brand lights.

Im with you.

I've had issues with all types of aftermarket HID kits over the years...even the high end ones. Yet, somehow, I've never had an OEM one fail (yet). I'll pony up the cash for legit ecodes and stick with OEM HID's.