Head Light type

[keytouch]

The solution is being made/produced (not by me) but just wanted to be sure there wasn't some radical change of round light pod before we get too exited. Should know shortly.

Any progress on this ?

[CovKid]

Yes. Will post more when the testing is complete. Should be plug n play then.

[slowcoach]

Watching!

[JonB]

Smashed a headlight at the weekend and bought the E marked lights with side lights linked earlier. Arrived today and they look ok but thought the finish around the bulb holes were a bit rough. Those that bought the other lights from powerful what were your's like? For £30 I'm not overly bothered but just thought I'd gauge opinions.

[CovKid]

Very good. Really impressed with the view out front in the dark. Nice even spread of light with a defined cut-off point and no more squinting to see. Was saying to someone the other day, if mine only lasted five years, at less than ten pound a year for bright lights, thats fine with me. Theres a strong argument for longevity with Hellas but no way do they compare to these units for focus and light output. Different world.

I wouldn't worry about sidelight fittings.

[JonB]

Fitted the new lights today and made the brackets out of 8mm hose clips and added Osram nightbreakers. Pretty pleased with them so thought I'd post a photo or 2 so people can compare the options.





Next bit is transforming the jiffy bag of bits into a headlight relay loom.

[CovKid]

Fit this and become a lighthouse:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ry_to_dash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[keytouch]

I've been having a bit of a think about which lights I'd like to fit. Currently leaning towards the ones with the DRLs.

Have already bought the relay unit that dims the DRLs to sidelights level, but was trying to work out the best way to wire things up for me to be able to turn off the DRL function but also allow the sidelights to show when just pressing the 1st stage of the lighting switch.

Would the following circuit work for this?

[CovKid]

You'll need a rethink. Two MOT testers I spoke to felt the DRLs were better described as sidelights. Even if bright they no way compare to the extreme brightness of dedicated DRLs. If you use that circuit to switch off the DRLs, where are the sidelights? By law they should be lit regardless. The idea being that if a headlight fails, there is a backup. So with mine I left the DRLs connected to sidelight circuit. Also bear in mind that the DRL ones are not E-marked (but you knew that already I'm sure). I also bought a DRL switcher but I'm actually fitting proper DRLs at bumper level instead now. Hope that makes sense.

If you do buy any of these light units, let them know you read about them on here. They are reading the thread and are keen to know..

Finally, the sharpest most well-defined beam is undoubtedly the DRL units. Have been testing the different units. However, its only a slight difference, and all of the units deliver equal brightness - including the e-marked units with sidelights. I have now figured out a tidier way to retain the lights that doesn't use clips, but without fitting tri-mount US-style bezels, it requires a lucas bezel (modified) and you'll still need cable ties to secure everything. Its not perfect but its very secure and looks better. Will post pics shortly.

[keytouch]

That's what the extra relay in the circuit is for, to provide power to the drl relay when sidelights after turned on when the daytime running is turned off.

[CovKid]

No my point is probably being missed. If you fit the DRL units and use the DRLs as sidelights, you don't need to dim them. They're not bright enough to dazzle.

I've got a pair of DRL units (seperate) and believe me thay ARE bright and will need a relay. Ten times as bright I'd say.

To be honest, if you really want DRLs, fit the e-marked units with sidelights and add switched dedicated DRLs. Everything complies and should work correctly.

[keytouch]

Ok.
So which light units are you sticking with? The drl type, the angel eye type or the e marked normal sidelight type?

[CovKid]

To be honest I haven't decided. I'm leaning towards the e-marked with sidelights. I was thinking of adding the DRL units as a second set on full beam only but have yet to make the pods and modify the grill.

[CovKid]

Really need to put up a new video driving at night on the DRL units. The reason being is that I've since aligned them correctly, fitted a huge cable direct to battery ( https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ry_to_dash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) and reinstated relays. Luckily enough another 80/90 member sent me a dual relay a couple of years ago 30amp + 30amp which did the job nicely.

Still on totally stock 55/65 bulbs and on full its almost a complete white-out so not sure Nightbreaker bulbs are even worth fitting. If they get any brighter than they are now I think questions may be raised in Parliament. They are astonishingly bright! Hopefully if weather is OK, I'll repeat the run I did last time for comparison. I do recommend upgrading the power cable and relays.

Then at the weekend I'll switch to the e-marked units with sidelights and video that too. As I noted, theres unlikely to be any difference between them for brightness as reflectors are similar but I'll be interested to see how the beam spread differs.

I'll also post up an alternative (clip-free) solution for fixing the lights in the pods.

[JonB]

Nice one, look forward to the footage and the alternative fitting.