Tuesday

Hey guys - as stated in my previous posts I'm brand new to Audi. Coming from a decade of BMW I was so thrilled when the newer cars started coming with the LED lights for the license plate because the look is so modern and clean. I was a bit surprised that a 2014 A8 would have regular incandescents, but I suppose that's all part of the understated design factor.

I took a chance with some eBay LED's knowing very well the risks that they could potentially throw errors, be too dim or too bright....or worse....be too blue and look ghetto.

Well the LED's arrived today, they were a breeze to install, and zero of my fears came true. These are the right color temperature, right brightness and throw their beams perfectly. To me they look identical to the LED's on my last BMW so I am happy.

This may not interest everyone, but just in case I wanted to share a link to the auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-36mm-Fest...8/390659705464

Lazydog

Yeah, I was disappointed too about this.
I bought the following for all my Audi's and they work perfectly.

LED Licens Plate Lights

nischal

I can confirm that the below linked Audi OEM LED license plate light/housings work perfectly on the D4 A8/S8. very easy to install, OEM and relatively inexpensive. They replace the entire bulb housing.

They are sold as a driver's side and passenger side set, one part number for each and they are standard on other Audi's, A7 I think. I ordered them from the below link and had them installed in minutes. No codes, double checked with my VAG.

There is also a link below that shows a live picture of the units.

4H0 943 021 Driver's Side
4H0 943 022 Passenger's side

http://www.europaparts.com/l-e-d-lic...4h0943022.html

http://www.europaparts.com/l-e-d-lic...4h0943021.html

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea......&p=76714687

I see no reason to go aftermarket for this purpose, when OEM Audi parts fit the bill perfectly. Granted, replacement bulbs can be had for less, but I like the elegance of this solution.

Lazydog

Everyone has their opinion. That extra $40 I can spend on something else.
While OEM is nice, it isn't always cost effective.

nischal

Didn't mean to come off so opinionated, completely respect different priorities.

Hopefully the info helps people looking for this sort of thing.

My impression was that it was not generally known that there is an OEM option.

Tuesday

VERY grateful for the info. I am all about OEM when possible and since I am so new to the format I honestly had no idea this was an option.

Lazydog

No worries, we are all friends here.
I am sure it will help someone.

Tuesday

Ordered and installed the OEM LED housings. No errors, and looks clean. I honestly still think the cheap eBay bulbs are still a very viable option for those that wish to go this route - the OEM's are a tad dimmer. I will wait until the sun sets to form my ultimate opinion - but going the OEM route does bring with it a level of security that I won't get strobing lights or have one spontaneously go out as likely as some aftermarket LED's.

jakematic

Thanks for the update.
I haven't bought the OEM ones yet because 2 dealers refused to sell them to me.
Needless to say I was a bit miffed and sidelined the project for now.

I had very similar LEDs in my D3 - all aftermarket, and never had an issue.
With some leftovers I made a lamp for the budgies and a security camera illuminator.
They have been running 7x24 for 42 months and show no signs of wear

Lazydog

Strange, did they give you a reason why they would not sell them to you?