Headlights - change to xenon?

ChrisBP · 11-11-2007, 22:05

Im not impressed with the headlights on the Superb - is it possible to stick in some xenon bulbs - like these on ebay - Find H3 Xenon HID light bulbs Skoda SUPERB ALL MODELS on eBay within, Skoda, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 11-Nov-07 21:39:57 GMT)

or do I need to replace the whole unit - if so, how much?

Cheers

VRSPhil · 11-11-2007, 22:09

Don't be fooled by those Xenon bulbs on eBay. Genuine Xenon HID lamps don't have a filament; they work by passing a high voltage through xenon gas, which makes it glow. Those bulbs on eBay are just regular bulbs with a blue tinted glass (which will reduce light output... until the blue burns off and makes a mess of you headlights).

ChrisBP · 11-11-2007, 22:14

Has anyone else noticed the Superb standard lights are poor?

chris_1d · 11-11-2007, 22:20

They are not the best, but without changing the whole units to Xenons, you are a bit stuck. Changing the units can be done but you won't be able to level them up and down, and you won't have use of the washer function which comes on board them. Also, your talking lots of dosh!

Baker21 · 11-11-2007, 22:34

I have fitted genuine OEM Xenon Headlamps to my Superb and those stating that headlamp levelling and headlamp wash are required by law are correct....

These so called 'Xenon' bulbs seriously make me laugh.......they have never seen Xenon....

VRSPhil · 11-11-2007, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

I have fitted genuine OEM Xenon Headlamps to my Superb and those stating that headlamp levelling and headlamp wash are required by law are correct....

These so called 'Xenon' bulbs seriously make me laugh.......they have never seen Xenon....

Did you get the self leveling working?

Baker21 · 11-11-2007, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRSPhil

Did you get the self leveling working?

LOL....even though I work in the Headlamp Design field, working to strict rules and regulations I decided that with the suspension I have there was no chance of dazzling on-coming vehicles if set up correctly.......so in answer.....I don't have it....

ChrisBP · 11-11-2007, 22:59

My lights have the leveling thing, but no washer. It could be that my lights need adjusting up a bit as they dont seem to throw light far enough forward.

Baker, would it be illegal to fit xenon oem lights if the leveling did not work? How much for oem xenons? Can I adjust the existing lights to be a bit higher? (the dial on the dash for adjusting them is set to the standard position)? Are there ant brighter non xenon bulbs out there?

Cheers

Baker21 · 12-11-2007, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBP

My lights have the leveling thing, but no washer. It could be that my lights need adjusting up a bit as they dont seem to throw light far enough forward.

Baker, would it be illegal to fit xenon oem lights if the leveling did not work? How much for oem xenons? Can I adjust the existing lights to be a bit higher? (the dial on the dash for adjusting them is set to the standard position)? Are there ant brighter non xenon bulbs out there?

Cheers

I think you are mistaken with the 'levelling thing'....

All headlamps have a form of electronic or manual adjustment and your dial on the dash changes the reflector / module position to adjust the beam pattern....

On a Xenon Headlamp you have to have 'Automatic Headlamp Levelling', which is basically axle sensors on the car that move the headlamps in relation to bumps and the road surface to prevent glare to oncoming drivers....

It is illegal to fit OEM Xenon's without headlamp levelling and headlamp wash I am afraid:

Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps

You can ofcourse purchase some uprated bulbs from Halfords, for example, that will do a fairly good job....

Alfie · 12-11-2007, 13:44

Talking about cost, I have just got off the phone to my local Skoda garage, look at these prices -

£487.71 for the headlight unit x2
£116.36 for the bulbs x2
£125.64 for the control unit/module
£12.81 for a motor
£879.00 ish for a harness,

These are each prices + vat for the fabia, and I'm sure you would be looking at a little more for the superb. Also I'm not sure but you may need to change the wiring loom.

Baker21 · 12-11-2007, 13:46

LOL........the cost of Xenon.......Love it!!!

ChrisBP · 12-11-2007, 14:16

I will drive more slowly, its cheaper!

Baker21 · 12-11-2007, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBP

I will drive more slowly, its cheaper!

LMAO!!!

Duffelcoat · 12-11-2007, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBP

I will drive more slowly, its cheaper!

Too right, not only that, it's cheaper to crash!

Leeboy · 12-11-2007, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

You can of course purchase some uprated bulbs from Halfords, for example, that will do a fairly good job....

I would tend to agree the Superb dipped lights aren't the best, spread of the beam on the road stops quite abruptly so you have light and then you don't.

Baker21, being an enlightened individual (

), with regards to Halfords selection, what would you recommend worth trying out?

Baker21 · 12-11-2007, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leeboy

Baker21, being an enlightened individual (

), with regards to Halfords selection, what would you recommend worth trying out?

When I used to work there we sold some '30%' brighter bulbs and they will do the trick......or they do some 'All Weather' ones....

Most 'special' bulbs are all made by the same people....

Bluefox · 13-11-2007, 08:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

When I used to work there we sold some '30%' brighter bulbs and they will do the trick......or they do some 'All Weather' ones....

Most 'special' bulbs are all made by the same people....

This time of year we've got the 50% brighter Super Brilliance bulbs on buy one get one free, so it's a good time to upgrade. I did last year and they're a worthwile improvement.

That said, they're still rubbish! I used to run a uprated headlamp loom on our Golf with 90/130w Halfords Rally H4 bulbs. To say they were bright is an understatement, but then we did live in the countryside at the time and there wans't many people around to dazzle. We live in town now and I had to take it off for MOT purposes.

I've been wondering about doing something similar with the Superb, although the H7 fitment Rally bulbs are only 80w (as opposed to 55w) and at the risk of upsetting rotodisel, the wiring in the Superb is a little better/more modern than in our old Golf... looking at the prices of Xeons I think I'll probably give it a go!

Anyone used those aftermarket Xeon conversion kit things? Something like this, sorry about the chavvy link:

H7 HID KITS

Baker21 · 13-11-2007, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefox

Anyone used those aftermarket Xeon conversion kit things? Something like this, sorry about the chavvy link:

H7 HID KITS

These kits are illegal and you will end up having more problems than they are worth.....read this link as posted above:

Department for Transport - Aftermarket HID (Xenon) headlamps

bigjohn · 14-11-2007, 23:09

I have fitted Osram Silverstar bulbs (+50%)to my Superb, legal and a great improvement on the standard bulbs. A friend of mine has fitted the Philips Vision Plus bulbs which seem to be even better. Total pig to fit though!

fluffy duck · 18-11-2007, 00:14

you could always buy a new xenon headlamp

Skoda Superb - AUTHENTIC Skoda Auto,a.s. BIXENON headlight set : Skoda Tuning = superskoda.com

Bluefox · 22-11-2007, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluffy duck

you could always buy a new xenon headlamp

Skoda Superb - AUTHENTIC Skoda Auto,a.s. BIXENON headlight set : Skoda Tuning = superskoda.com

Hm, I could if I had €899 to spare...

Think I'll have a bash with an uprated loom/bulbs first, then go from there.

Baker, you work for Hella, right? Can you get hold of Xeon units from your place?

Baker21 · 22-11-2007, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefox

Baker, you work for Hella, right? Can you get hold of Xeon units from your place?

How do you think I got hold of mine?

limlien · 23-11-2007, 00:42

I have changed mine headlight to xennon, will put up some picture of the xenon later. But i noted there is an extra pin on the headlight which my classic version wiring did not have.

Can anyone tell me what is it for? Is the extra Pin for the washer activations. Below is the org headlight with the missing pin one.

Also how come my indash headlight level does not works with the bixennon? All the connector and wires are direct fit but how come still the level cannot work. Appreciate replies.

I always wonder where they hide the Ballast. please have a look at the ballast.

Also how come my leveling is now working with the xenon lights.

The Orginal Headlight

Bluefox · 23-11-2007, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

How do you think I got hold of mine?

Ah, I thought they were OE...

Hmm...! PM me please

Baker21 · 23-11-2007, 09:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by limlien

I have changed mine headlight to xennon, will put up some picture of the xenon later. But i noted there is an extra pin on the headlight which my classic version wiring did not have.

Can anyone tell me what is it for? Is the extra Pin for the washer activations. Below is the org headlight with the missing pin one?

Also how come my indash headlight level does not works with the bixennon? All the connector and wires are direct fit but how come still the level cannot work. Appreciate replies.

I have done the same as you mate and retrofitted Xenon to a Halogen set up car....

The extra pin you are missing is the pin that controls the headlamp levelling and also the levelling adjuster wheel on the dash so you won't have this luxury anymore, you will have to adjust the beam pattern manually on the headlamps with the adjuster wheels.....

11-11-2007, 22:05	#1
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Headlights - change to xenon? Im not impressed with the headlights on the Superb - is it possible to stick in some xenon bulbs - like these on ebay - Find H3 Xenon HID light bulbs Skoda SUPERB ALL MODELS on eBay within, Skoda, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 11-Nov-07 21:39:57 GMT) or do I need to replace the whole unit - if so, how much? Cheers

11-11-2007, 22:09	#2
VRSPhil Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2,300 Members Car: Passat Sport TDi Thanks: 205 Thanked 203 Times in 147 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? Don't be fooled by those Xenon bulbs on eBay. Genuine Xenon HID lamps don't have a filament; they work by passing a high voltage through xenon gas, which makes it glow. Those bulbs on eBay are just regular bulbs with a blue tinted glass (which will reduce light output... until the blue burns off and makes a mess of you headlights). __________________ '54 Passat PD130 Sport... 55mpg Octavia vRS WRC - Gone but not forgotten!

11-11-2007, 22:14	#3
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? Has anyone else noticed the Superb standard lights are poor?

11-11-2007, 22:20	#4
chris_1d Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: March, Cambs Posts: 423 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.8T Comfort Thanks: 11 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? They are not the best, but without changing the whole units to Xenons, you are a bit stuck. Changing the units can be done but you won't be able to level them up and down, and you won't have use of the washer function which comes on board them. Also, your talking lots of dosh! __________________

11-11-2007, 22:34	#5
Baker21 OEM+ SUPERB Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northants Posts: 3,144 Members Car: Skoda Superb PD TDI 130 Comfort Thanks: 2 Thanked 101 Times in 93 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? I have fitted genuine OEM Xenon Headlamps to my Superb and those stating that headlamp levelling and headlamp wash are required by law are correct.... These so called 'Xenon' bulbs seriously make me laugh.......they have never seen Xenon.... __________________ Best regards, Baker21 - 'OEM+' SKODA SUPERB PD TDI 130 Need you motor 'Detailing'?? Then drop me a PM...

11-11-2007, 22:59	#8
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? My lights have the leveling thing, but no washer. It could be that my lights need adjusting up a bit as they dont seem to throw light far enough forward. Baker, would it be illegal to fit xenon oem lights if the leveling did not work? How much for oem xenons? Can I adjust the existing lights to be a bit higher? (the dial on the dash for adjusting them is set to the standard position)? Are there ant brighter non xenon bulbs out there? Cheers

12-11-2007, 13:44	#10
Alfie Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 13 Members Car: Fabia vRS Special Edition Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? Talking about cost, I have just got off the phone to my local Skoda garage, look at these prices - £487.71 for the headlight unit x2 £116.36 for the bulbs x2 £125.64 for the control unit/module £12.81 for a motor £879.00 ish for a harness, These are each prices + vat for the fabia, and I'm sure you would be looking at a little more for the superb. Also I'm not sure but you may need to change the wiring loom.

12-11-2007, 13:46	#11
Baker21 OEM+ SUPERB Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northants Posts: 3,144 Members Car: Skoda Superb PD TDI 130 Comfort Thanks: 2 Thanked 101 Times in 93 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? LOL........the cost of Xenon.......Love it!!! __________________ Best regards, Baker21 - 'OEM+' SKODA SUPERB PD TDI 130 Need you motor 'Detailing'?? Then drop me a PM...

12-11-2007, 14:16	#12
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? I will drive more slowly, its cheaper!

14-11-2007, 23:09	#19
bigjohn Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Beverley Posts: 8 Members Car: Superb & Octavia Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? I have fitted Osram Silverstar bulbs (+50%)to my Superb, legal and a great improvement on the standard bulbs. A friend of mine has fitted the Philips Vision Plus bulbs which seem to be even better. Total pig to fit though!

18-11-2007, 00:14	#20
fluffy duck Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 45 Members Car: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? you could always buy a new xenon headlamp Skoda Superb - AUTHENTIC Skoda Auto,a.s. BIXENON headlight set : Skoda Tuning = superskoda.com

23-11-2007, 00:42	#23
limlien Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 137 Members Car: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Headlights - change to xenon? I have changed mine headlight to xennon, will put up some picture of the xenon later. But i noted there is an extra pin on the headlight which my classic version wiring did not have. Can anyone tell me what is it for? Is the extra Pin for the washer activations. Below is the org headlight with the missing pin one. Also how come my indash headlight level does not works with the bixennon? All the connector and wires are direct fit but how come still the level cannot work. Appreciate replies. I always wonder where they hide the Ballast. please have a look at the ballast. Also how come my leveling is now working with the xenon lights. The Orginal Headlight Last edited by limlien; 23-11-2007 at 05:47.

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