Headlights main beam

calimera · Dec 16, 2016

As stated by other T6 owners the main headlights are poor . We have only recently discovered how poor when driving the country lanes round us . In fact managed to knock the passengers wing mirror ,needed a new plastic mouldings to the back. The hedge/ stone wall jumped at us.
Is there any value in changing the bulb ? If so ,what ?
Many thanks
Mandy.
Happy Christmas & great Cali adventures in 2017 everyone
Xx

larrylamb · Dec 16, 2016

Hi, I have fitted these lamps, definitely brighter and a cooler white than the original lamps. Easy enough to change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NMEEV9W/?tag=eliteelect-21
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MZQUU70/?tag=eliteelect-21
Best check T6 lamps are the same fitment as T5 first.

Loz · Dec 17, 2016

You could fit an H7 HID upgrade kit to main beam only.
I did this to Mrs Loz's previous Smart and they were amazing.

Stoneybroke · Dec 17, 2016

Loz said:
You could fit an H7 HID upgrade kit to main beam only.
I did this to Mrs Loz's previous Smart and they were amazing.

It's that just new bulbs, or something extra?

Fast Freddie · Dec 17, 2016

You may need to check which headlamp bulbs you have, the manual lists H7 and H4. The bulbs you might want to upgrade to will need to be of the correcting type I think.

Loz · Dec 17, 2016

Stoneybroke said:
It's that just new bulbs, or something extra?

Lamp and ballast that plugs into the same plug, I had to drill a hole to bring the cable out to mount the ballast next to the light but it comes with cables long enough to do it neatly.

This is the current version of them http://www.hids4u.co.uk/H7-HIDS4U-Stealth-35W-Xenon-HID-Conversion-Kit.html
Also I think you will get a discount if you use the code STRATHY at checkout.

Stoneybroke · Dec 17, 2016

Fast Freddie said:
You may need to check which headlamp bulbs you have, the manual lists H7 and H4. The bulbs you might want to upgrade to will need to be of the correcting type I think.

I think it's H7 for the twin headlights (part of my exterior package upgrade on the Beach); H4 (twin element) for the standard single headlight.

Fast Freddie · Dec 18, 2016

Yep my T6 Beach without the upgrade is an H4 so that would make sense.

mlacar · Dec 18, 2016

What about option to upgarde do LED lights? Do you need anything more to do / change or just new lights?

daveyboydanger · Dec 18, 2016

mlacar said:
What about option to upgarde do LED lights? Do you need anything more to do / change or just new lights?

I wondered that. About £550 a piece on eBay.

mlacar · Dec 18, 2016

Yes I know, but is it possible to just change it?

daveyboydanger · Dec 18, 2016

mlacar said:
Yes I know, but is it possible to just change it?

Yes I know too. That's why I was wondering with you about whether it's possible.

Stuart · Dec 18, 2016

I'm sure hazzydayz did a proper upgrade for the T5 and the cost was around £3k!

daveyboydanger · Dec 18, 2016

Stuart said:
I'm sure hazzdayz did a proper upgrade for the T5 and the cost was around £3k!

mlacar · Dec 18, 2016

So you need more to do, not just change the headlights?

Stuart · Dec 18, 2016

Just had a look and not actually that bad..
http://hazzydayz.com/genuine-t6-full-led-headlight-upgrade-supply--fit-7862-p.asp

Hotel California · Dec 18, 2016

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/aftermarket-headlight-upgrade.16594/

Stuart · Dec 18, 2016

hotel california said:
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/aftermarket-headlight-upgrade.16594/

Thanks! Was just going to look for that thread

Edit: actually it's not the one I was thinking of. It was this one:
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/xenons-and-fogs-fitted.1580/

Loz · Dec 18, 2016

You will also need the self levelling sensors and headlight washers.

Bigted · Dec 21, 2016

Changing the bulbs will help - nightbreakers have a good reputation and made a difference in a skoda I had

Fast Freddie · Dec 21, 2016

Bigted said:
Changing the bulbs will help - nightbreakers have a good reputation and made a difference in a skoda I had

Did they last very long? - they seem to indicate half the normal life of a non upgraded bulb.

Bigted · Dec 21, 2016

I did not go for the super bright one - I think they were +30%. They seemed to last ok. I think the brighter you go the shorter the life though, so it's a case of finding the balance.