2007 passat - need better lighting

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tuan - 06 Jun 2007 11:21 GMT

Hi All,

I have just taken delivery of a new 2007 Passat. I could not get the xenon
option without waiting 4-6 months. So I took a chance on the regular
headlights and they are very dim. has anyone replaced the standard bulbs
with something better, or taken any other option.

Thanks

Tuan

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pfjw@aol.com - 06 Jun 2007 15:43 GMT

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Tuan

There are any number of after-market lamps you might use. Be sure that
they are DOT-approved (if not in the US, approved by whatever local
authorities apply to you) and that they do not overload the
electrics.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA

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gary556@hotmail.com - 06 Jun 2007 21:09 GMT

http://tinyurl.com/2rf6bl

Projector headlights, if necessary, HID capsules could be
added.

gary

>I have just taken delivery of a new 2007 Passat. I could not get the xenon
>option without waiting 4-6 months. So I took a chance on the regular
>headlights and they are very dim. has anyone replaced the standard bulbs
>with something better, or taken any other option.

Reply to this Message

Matt B. - 09 Jun 2007 19:30 GMT

> http://tinyurl.com/2rf6bl
>
> Projector headlights, if necessary, HID capsules could be added.

Stock Passat headlights are already projectors, either halogen or HID.

You could HID retrofit, yes, but while that's more light, it's also putting
a light source in a lamp that wasn't designed for it and the optics are not
optimized for HID anyway. Could possibly cause a glare-to-other-drivers as
a result. If you go HID, get "real" full HID Passat lamp assemblies. (Just
trying to make the distinction between a HID-into-halogen kit vs. the lamps
intended to accomodate them.)

Higher-wattage halogen bulbs are probably not the best idea in a projector
lamp (small size + more heat = might melt something if the lens or relfector
is plastic).

If I were you, start with getting the aim checked and go from there.

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Lost In Space/Woodchuck - 07 Jun 2007 11:45 GMT

how old are you?

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Tuan

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Joseph Meehan - 07 Jun 2007 12:09 GMT

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Tuan

I would first make sure that the headlamps are properly operating and
aimed.

Assuming that they are OK, maybe it is not the car. As we age we tend
to have reduced night vision. Adding more light can only overcome some of
the effect of our limitations, but it also causes more problems for other
drivers.

Personally I much prefer e-code lights. They don't produce more light,
but rather they put the available light where it does the most good, without
blinding other drivers.

Signature

Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

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Mike Smith - 07 Jun 2007 16:51 GMT

>> Hi All,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I would first make sure that the headlamps are properly operating and
> aimed.

Indeed. I can't speak for the current PQ46 generation, but I've got a
B5.5 Passat and the headlights are the best of any car I've ever owned.

--
Mike Smith

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Lost In Space/Woodchuck - 10 Jun 2007 03:40 GMT

don't think the swap would be that easy since 99% of the Passat lighting is
controlled by the J519 electronics module.

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Tuan

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tuan - 12 Jun 2007 12:22 GMT

Thanks all for your help. There might just be something about getting
older - just turned 40...

I have Xenons on my BMW 330ci and whilst I don't expect the same, I was very
surprised by the difference. Yes I have checked the range control.

Tuan

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Tuan

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Jim Behning - 12 Jun 2007 13:13 GMT

Holy crud. I am turning 47 this summer. I filled my first eyeglass
prescription last month. I can't see well at night in my 2003 Jetta
with US DOT headlights. Oh crud again. I forgot the right bulb burned
out again. The second time in 4.5 years the bulb burned out. Oh crud
again. I forgot. First it is eyes and now it is memory. I can't wait
for the next thing to fail me.

>Thanks all for your help. There might just be something about getting
>older - just turned 40...
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>>
>> Tuan

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Matt B. - 12 Jun 2007 15:38 GMT

> Thanks all for your help. There might just be something about getting
> older - just turned 40...
>
> I have Xenons on my BMW 330ci and whilst I don't expect the same, I was
> very surprised by the difference. Yes I have checked the range control.

Yeah we have Xenons in our BMW X3 and when you're used to them, halogens
seem "blah". Doesn't mean they're bad or dangerous...just not as good of
courses and you forget you had to do a little more work on the part of your
eyes to see whereas the Xenons give your eyes a break.

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