A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi A4 produced from 1995-2001 B5 FAQ

Help: Dim Xenons

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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 07:48 PM
  #1  
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Default Help: Dim Xenons

I just swapped my '01 A4 H7's (housings and all) with a pair of Xenon lights (US spec housings (white label), bulbs and ballasts) that I bought used from a B5 S4 owner. After a quick drive it became very appearant that the Xenons are dimmer than the H7s.

I thought the Xenon's were plug compatible (at the harness) w/ the H7's, is that true? If so, what is the likely cause of the lights being so dim? I should mention that one Xenon is slightly brighter than the other -- but neither is as bright as the H7. I used to have a b5 S4 and the color seems about right from what I remember (slight blue white, not yellowish), its just that the output is really low/dim.
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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 08:19 PM
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Default

There's a good chance that you just need new bulbs and make sure the lens/housing is clean.
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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 10:03 PM
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Default Re: There's a good chance that you just need new bulbs and make sure the lens/housing is clean.

I don't have experience with this, but a number of posts talk of yellowing in color as they age and before failure. So "dimness" is another symptom of a worn out bulb?

What are good sources for replacement bulbs (at low prices)?
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 01:36 AM
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Default Yes they do dim over time.

For the best stock Philips replacement at a great price click <a href="http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=14074&Ref=Category&RefId=13">Here</a>.

Or for the 55 watt upgrade like I'm going to do click <a href="http://www.retro-solutions.com/audiworldGB.html">Here</a>.
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 11:05 AM
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Default The wording is confusing. Is it $86 for ONE bulb? It says "sold individually."

Or am I misinterpretting what they mean by "individually?"

One of my bulbs is much dimmer than the other, so I was thinking about replacing the pair, but not for $170!!
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 11:58 AM
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Default search ebay. the few times i needed new HID bulbs i picked up a used set on there

for cheap.

i would only run philips or osram xenarc (with a personal preference for the osram bulbs due to their firing sequence).

IIRC I got a used set shipped for around $50. YMMV.
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 02:52 PM
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Default yes, $86 for one bulb, that's why I'm going for the 55w kit instead

for the same price as two 35 watt bulbs you can get a whole new 55 watt kit, seems like a no brainer to me.

And after getting the new kit I plan on putting my 35 watt HIDs in my fog lights : )
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 02:55 PM
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Default wouldn't buying used bulbs defeat the whole purpose?

Considering you don't know how many hours they were used for and they could quite possibly already be starting to dim compared to a new set?
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Old Jul 1, 2008 | 03:41 PM
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Default well, i've been lucky the few times i've purchased them and don't have a single regret...

obviously, anyone can have a bad experience when making any purchase, hence the "YMMV"

in any case, i'd rather use my good judgment in selecting a nice, used set of OEM bulbs than pay high prices for some no-name "iso9002" bulbs that i have no confidence in...all while supporting a healthy consumer-to-consumer flow of commerce.

bottom line: not all used bulbs are dim, so i don't think it "defeats the whole purpose" to purchase a used set on ebay for the less than the cost of a single no-name capsule.

as always, <b>YMMV</b>
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 05:14 PM
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Default And get a lifetime warranty with it!

<center><img src="http://www.retro-solutions.com/hidbanner.gif"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.retro-solutions.com/audiworldGB.html">DIGITAL HID exclusive pricing for AudiWorld Members</a></li></ul>
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