Fitting new lights for aesthetics T5

James Parkin · Jun 19, 2018

I’m considering fitting new lights to my T5 as I want to add a bit of personal touch and make the Cali more unique.
I’ve heard (loosely) that the Transporters/Calis are pretty notorious to wire retrofit lights.
I’m wondering if anyone on this forum has had new lights retrofit and if so, if they can recommend me a website or a company which does them. An idea of cost would be useful too.
I don’t know the specific name of the lights I have at present, but they’re just standard 2013 SE lights. They’re not LED.
Be nice to see some pictures of anyone’s different lights too!
Cheers.

cbdubs · Jun 20, 2018

Hi, if you have a look on the T5 forum there are numerous threads on different/upgraded headlights. I'm sure they will give you some ideas.

MattBW · Jun 20, 2018

My understanding is that you have to take the whole bumper off to change the lights.

I've been looking at the Golf style lights (with the U shaped DRLs about £400 without fitting) but Im not sure how I feel about removing the bumper, its a substantial effort and could damage the paint. 90mins to 2 hours apparently.

cbdubs · Jun 20, 2018

Matt is right about the bumper removal to remove the headlights but this isn't too onerous a task. There are numerous bolts securing it, some are cleverly concealed too. I only know as I had to change an intercooler for a friend who then changed his headlights about a month later so had to remove it again. A second pair of hands is useful for the actual lifting off and putting back on but it can be done your driveway.

MattBW · Jun 20, 2018

Thanks for confirming, maybe I will have a go. It's the van tech ones I'm looking at.

Here is a link to the bolts apparently?
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/321022279670547197/

cbdubs · Jun 20, 2018

Hi Matt, link didn't work me but here is a pic in case it doesn't work for anyone else.

sapto · Jun 20, 2018

Sorry it is in German however you might get an idea how it could work:

sapto · Jun 20, 2018

sapto said:
Sorry it is in German however you might get an idea how it could work:

Here‘s one in English:

James Parkin · Jun 20, 2018

MattBW said:
My understanding is that you have to take the whole bumper off to change the lights.

I've been looking at the Golf style lights (with the U shaped DRLs about £400 without fitting) but Im not sure how I feel about removing the bumper, its a substantial effort and could damage the paint. 90mins to 2 hours apparently.

I definitely wouldn’t trust myself to do it.
Wonder what the cost would be for a specialist to fit them ... Hmm.

Thanks for the replies.

cbdubs · Jun 20, 2018

I think you should have a go. It’s only a bumper. Just undo one bolt at a time and your confidence will grow as you tick them off the list.
It’s a shame you aren’t nearer to me as we could have done it on my drive and if it took longer than anticipated, you could just plug in for the night!