Strange headlight bulb

Grumple

Grumple

Member
Hi All,

Headlight went and I thought this would be a 5 minute fix, but I seem to have strange headlight bulbs - I've never seen anything like them, and I think I've managed to break the wiring loom that was going into the front of this one.


20220423_154901.jpg


Any advice on what these are and how I go about replacing them would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks in advance
 
these look like someone has fitted a retrofit set of Xenon HID bulbs - if you follow the red cable back to the connectors, is there a starter box or similar? Can you take a photo of the whole set up from a bit further out?

If this is the normal headlamp bulb location (type H7), that should be a halogen bulb with the usual 3-pin connector that plugs in once the bulb has been secured into the housing with the spring clip, and this doesn't look right for something of that description at all. Moreover, these shouldn't normally pass an MOT since they have got increasingly strict recently about HID/LED bulbs in headlamp housings not designed for them.

Many more expert people here than me will probably come along soon with more helpful advice.

Edit - see following stock image of a D2S xenon bulb that looks similar.

www.eurocarparts.com

Osram D2S Xenon Bulb 4300K - Single Boxed | Euro Car Parts

Osram D2S Xenon Bulb 4300K - Single Boxed at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.
www.eurocarparts.com www.eurocarparts.com
 
As @Robin_Cox noted this is a retrofit HID lamp although I believe recent MoT advice is to pass retrofit HID/LED unless beam pattern is off. Easiest fix for your situation is to remove all HID parts and fit regular tungsten/halogen lamps. Happy to help further should you wish to upload photos.
 
Sat waiting for car being MOT’t reading a garage trade magazine in which there was an article saying it was illegal to fit led bulbs to vehicles where they weren’t original fittted!I replaced my side lights,reversing and rear lights with LED.But not headlights on my motorhome!Just passed MOT😊
 
Osram do a useful online car bulb finder

Automotive | OSRAM Automotive

Find the right lamp for your car with the OSRAM Lamp Replacement Guide. Choose your vehicle, the lamp position and find compatible products.
www.osram.com www.osram.com

Osram H7 original headlight dipped beam

OSRAM ORIGINAL H7, halogen-headlamp bulb, 64210-01B, 12V, single blister (1 piece) : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy OSRAM ORIGINAL H7, halogen-headlamp bulb, 64210-01B, 12V, single blister (1 piece) at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk

Car Bulbs | Car Light Bulbs Online | Euro Car Parts

Find the right Bulbs for your car - quality Car Bulbs for all makes and models. FREE same day UK delivery or FREE same day click and collect available | Euro Car Parts
www.eurocarparts.com www.eurocarparts.com

Osram do a number of different H7 bulbs, including brighter versions but with shorter life. I would go for the original or classic range, as that should be similar to OEM.
 
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LED and HID headlight bulbs can ONLY be fitted to light units specifically designed for them also includes levelling requirements. CURRENTLY ( under consideration ) LEDs can be used on other locations provided correct colour. Many in the industry still do not like / fit LED brake lights except for the third brake light so although not illegal highly NOT recommended - especially on our A2s.
 
Thanks for all the replies - I'll get a few more pics.

Having had a quick Google, this definitely seems to be a HID Xenon upgrade. Will the original H7 socket still be present somewhere, or would I need to retrofit the old loom back in?

Are we saying this current setup is potentially illegal anyway?

Going through some pains with this chariot atm...
 
I really don't understand why anyone would go to this much trouble and expense just to have some brighter headlights:

20220501_150051.jpg


20220501_145836.jpg


20220501_145733.jpg


However, it doesn't make much sense to rip all this out because someone might want to adapt things further when it moves on (which might be sooner than I thought).

What do I actually need to buy to simply get the bulb replaced and working again? The bulb itself doesn't seem to detach from the holder it sits into, so is it some kind of 'kit' I need to buy?

Thanks in advance for any help
 
The bulb you removed fits into the standard headlight location in the light assembly. Remove all the HID stuff and see what you are left with. Hopefully they have only plugged this lot into the Audi plug that comes from the loom and connects onto the rear of the light assembly as a single plug. The bulb you removed was held into the light assembly by a metal clip that locks around the rear of the metal plate on the headlight bulb the same as it does on a halogen bulb. So assuming the wiring for the light assembly is still intact it is just a case of removing the HID stuff, fitting a pair of halogen headlight bulbs, their retaining clips and fitting the Audi wiring onto the back of the bulbs and the Audi loom onto the socket on the light assembly. Unfortunately I can not see what is connected to the Audi connector nor what Audi wiring remains inside the light assembly or even if the retaining clips are still there.

The HID bulb is an all in one with the wiring connector already fitted. A conventional halogen bulb needs a wiring connector onto its rear terminals..

Like this

1651426052644.png
 
audifan said:
The HID bulb is an all in one with the wiring connector already fitted.
Click to expand...

Thanks mate, I'm OK with standard light bulbs, it's just this bit about the HID kit that's confused me...

I couldn't see any standard 2 pin plugs knocking around anywhere. I'll have another rummage tomorrow but still more tempted to replace the HID unit for expedience - I don't have the time or patience to be pulling out wiring looms.
 
The HID will not pass the MOT and those HID bulbs are expensive. Then if you have damaged wiring who knows......
 
spike said:
This old HID installation guide may help you understand the wiring - https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?posts/171963/bookmark

Cheers Spike
Click to expand...
Or here if you don't want to create a bookmark:

Fitting Universal H7 HID's

Hi All, I know this has been covered below, but thought it might be worth adding. The kit was an e-bay special (NON R Version), and although not the most expensive, like Ben's below was!! I figured for 8p a day while under warranty, what the heck! If you can find H7R bulb Versions i have...
www.a2oc.net
 
Once you’ve removed the HID stuff I highly recommend either Osram Nightbreakers (LINK)or Philips Racing Vision (LINK)- both of which come in the latest “200%” flavour - they are much better than standard halogens and perfectly adequate for night driving.

We’ve had a set of the Osrams in our Touran for 18 months and no problems yet; chiefly because I was careful not to touch the glass on the bulbs with my bare fingers, which causes the oil on your skin to transfer, create hot spots and cause premature failure.
 
dj_efk said:
Once you’ve removed the HID stuff I highly recommend either Osram Nightbreakers (LINK)or Philips Racing Vision (LINK)- both of which come in the latest “200%” flavour - they are much better than standard halogens and perfectly adequate for night driving.

We’ve had a set of the Osrams in our Touran for 18 months and no problems yet; chiefly because I was careful not to touch the glass on the bulbs with my bare fingers, which causes the oil on your skin to transfer, create hot spots and cause premature failure.
Click to expand...
Use gloves to avoid premature failure. I have Osram in our A2 and TT.
I do think A2 head lights are a weak point, even with the best halogen bulbs.
Mac.
 
Yes, I have some older style Osram Nightbreaker in Audrey currently which are so-so - I have a set of the Philips ones I linked ready to go in as replacements which should improve matters, but in no way will they be as bright as say, LEDs
 
dj_efk said:
Yes, I have some older style Osram Nightbreaker in Audrey currently which are so-so - I have a set of the Philips ones I linked ready to go in as replacements which should improve matters, but in no way will they be as bright as say, LEDs
Click to expand...
Running a set of the ones you’ve linked on the 1.2. You won’t be disappointed @dj_efk
 
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