Need a new pair of front sidelight bulbs, what to get?

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:21 pm

All,

I spotted that one of my front sidelight bulbs failed last night so its time to go shopping for a new pair. Thought I'd take the opportunity to get some upgraded items if the price is right, so the question is, whats best?

I know there are a few topics out there on the matter if I search for them but with so many options I just want to know what is best!

It'd be nice if they can get closer to matching the xenon headlights

Cheers

sticky · Post by **sticky** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:00 pm

i've just changed mind again after the prism ones from halfords died after about 6 months! i've got these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2X4-LED-Xenon-whi ... dZViewItem
they are the closest to the xenons i've seen.

8080 · Post by **8080** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:37 pm

I recommend these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0037668833

Why?
* they're normal bulbs, so they should be more reliable than cheapo leds. I don't want to be taking off the bumper every 5 minutes.
* they look good when off, they're finished in bluey chrome. They aren't as blue as the ad shows, I think that's because of the flash
* almost match the xenon. They're just slightly yellower. This hasn't come out in the pic, they look perfect in the pic

Tim_GTi · Post by **Tim_GTi** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:33 pm

I've used both of the above.

Have had a few cluster LED style ones, all pretty short life span and/or didn't fit properly.

Had 'uprated' bulbs too, they're a crap match to 4300k.

i currently have these:

http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/501194t10-mi ... -1545.html

They look nicer than my Xenon bulbs, alot whiter. This is because my Xenon bulbs are on the way out though. I'd recommend them, they're bright long lasting and brilliant white.

However, I'd recommend these:

http://www.ultraleds.co.uk/ultimate-501 ... -1684.html

From what I've seen in the pictures, they're ridiculously bright and will match 6000k Xenons. Long lasting too apparently because of the metal casing. I'm definitely getting myself some of these next

Post by **alexperkins** » Wed May 28, 2008 12:43 am

The second ones mentioned tim are too long for polo headlights. They are a newer variant of the ones I had, but the seem to have been extended

Its best to get the plastic sealed ones, as the circuits on the metal case ones rust and end up failing as I have found out once to many times!

Tim_GTi · Post by **Tim_GTi** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:04 am

Ah ok, so I'll stick to the ones I have then

neilw · Post by **neilw** » Wed May 28, 2008 10:35 am

I have a set of Philips Blue ones. They been in for 3 years I guess with no issues. I don't see any advantage of LED lights over these.

Just looked on Powerbulbs you can get those sidelight blubs free when you spend over Â£10. So you could upgrade your mainbeam bulbs to say Osram Night breakers and get the free sidelight bulbs chucked in. I think theres a club discount aswell.

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed May 28, 2008 1:46 pm

Bugger. I've already got the main-beam bulbs waiting to be fitted (Philips VisionPlus) so no benefit to shopping on powerbulbs.co.uk. Would prefer bulbs over LEDs so will most likely go for the PIAA items that 8080 posted up

Cheers

mk4 glx 1.6 · Post by **mk4 glx 1.6** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:57 am

Si_GTi wrote:prefer bulbs over LEDs so will most likely go for the PIAA items that 8080 posted up

Cheers

They do look good, and are a better match to the xenon output than the LED's I had. Think I will get some for the 182 as well.

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Thu May 29, 2008 6:06 pm

mk4 glx 1.6 wrote:
Si_GTi wrote:prefer bulbs over LEDs so will most likely go for the PIAA items that 8080 posted up

Cheers
They do look good, and are a better match to the xenon output than the LED's I had. Think I will get some for the 182 as well.

Bought mine today. Just need to decide now if I have a stab at dismounting the front bumper as per the guide in the DIY section, or ask VW for a quote...

1der · Post by **1der** » Thu May 29, 2008 8:26 pm

it is possible to change them witout the bumper of

Pretty sure there was a guide in the DIY section?

Post by **alexperkins** » Thu May 29, 2008 8:28 pm

Ye you can do it without. Bumper removal is stupidly easy so dont be scared by it. Its just a few bolts and takes a few mins, plus it gives you a chance to get anything stuck to the rad out at the same time

1der · Post by **1der** » Thu May 29, 2008 8:29 pm

heres the link

http://www.tigerstyle.co.uk/poloforum/v ... eplacement

Tim_GTi · Post by **Tim_GTi** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:05 pm

Yeh I use Ticki's method.

I can change bulbs in under 15 minutes now

CymruPolo · Post by **CymruPolo** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:47 pm

alexperkins wrote:The second ones mentioned tim are too long for polo headlights. They are a newer variant of the ones I had, but the seem to have been extended

Its best to get the plastic sealed ones, as the circuits on the metal case ones rust and end up failing as I have found out once to many times!

Plastic case ones melt next to the xenons though don't they?

I have the 2nd ones Tim mentioned but as you mentioned they did seem shorter.