access to headlight bulbs

[chrisb]

I need help with getting easy access to the front light bulbs of my 2008 3.0TDI. I think that my headlight bulb is not seated correctly in the fitting, there is light but it is not as strong as the nearside bulb. The units have LED DRLs and i assume then xenon headlights which are self levelling and also the moving cornering function as well. Any ideas?

[snapdragon]

It's unlikely to be unseated as I don't see how it could be locked in like that and the ballast attached to the back. You probably just need new bulbs, they don't blow like filaments, they just go dim. I bought cheap ones on ebay and they are 99% as good as the PHILIPS I had before as far as I can tell.

[audifin]

Hi Snapdragon, which ones did you buy? 6000K or 8000K? Thanks.

Originally Posted by snapdragon

It's unlikely to be unseated as I don't see how it could be locked in like that and the ballast attached to the back. You probably just need new bulbs, they don't blow like filaments, they just go dim. I bought cheap ones on ebay and they are 99% as good as the PHILIPS I had before as far as I can tell.

[ainarssems]

Stick with stock 4300K. The higher colour temp the lower visible light.

[Conquistador]

Go for 4300k or 5000k (closest to OEM will be 4300k). Anything 6000k or above and you are getting into boy racer territory

[audifin]

Sure... I somehow thought 6000K was the standard

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by Conquistador

Go for 4300k or 5000k (closest to OEM will be 4300k). Anything 6000k or above and you are getting into boy racer territory

Oh guilty as charged then. In my D2 mine are 6k but they do just look very very white with the very tiniest tinge of blue and they've been fine light wise

[snapdragon]

Originally Posted by audifin

Hi Snapdragon, which ones did you buy? 6000K or 8000K? Thanks.

~5000K I think.
I sold the 85122+ £80 3900K Philips as they were yellow - they were the no colour change with age type and they looked like halogens and bought £12 D2S and changed one side to compare and was 99% as bright and had the same beam pattern as the PHILIPS but was whiter and better contrast.

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by snapdragon

It's unlikely to be unseated as I don't see how it could be locked in like that and the ballast attached to the back. You probably just need new bulbs, they don't blow like filaments, they just go dim. I bought cheap ones on ebay and they are 99% as good as the PHILIPS I had before as far as I can tell.

Thanks Snapdragon i will now look for new bulbs, the other members commenting also failed to help with my original question of how to get best access to the bulbs in the first place. ( can we try this again) Thank you

[Conquistador]

Driver's side can be accessed pretty easily by removing the air box and filter. Passenger side is more awkward and will usually require you to remove the wheel and peel back the wheel liner....and then I hope you have small hands!!