Help with changing A8 headlights

[AudiChan]

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2 questions:

1) Does anyone know if 97' A8 4.2L Quattro has D2S Gas Dischagebulb as part of the tri-bulb headlight? I'm wondering if it is true, mines perhaps burned out, as I don't see it on for both high or low beam.

2) I know for sure the headlight assembly consists of H1(55W) and H3(55W), so I purchase PIAA bulbs to get a cleaner and whiter look and perhaps better performance too. Is there any tricks to replacing headlight bulbs?

For Japanese cars, it's only a matter of unclipping, but it's usually way more complex under Audi's hood. And I saw the air filter block might be in the way accessing the right headlights... Any thoughts would be appreciated!

-Henryhttp://www.audizine.com/forum/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=6#
http://www.audizine.com/forum/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=6#

[ECSPGH]

Im pretty sure its a two bulb setup and the D2S you're refering to is for xenon bulbs, the ones you want are halogens(h1, h3). There is however an option that can be had in the states with a good bit of searching, Bi-xenon headlights. Theres a link below. As for replaceing them, its fairly straight forward. If the intakes air box isnt providing you with enough room to get to your lights, grab a philips head and get that bad boy out of there. I have never done a light swap on a pre-facelift A8 but on my car the backs of the lights have either a plastic or rubber cap that you remove. Once thats gone you have access to unplug and replace the bulbs.

euro D2 w12 bi-xenon headlights
http://www.audiworld.com/news/00/a8_12/

[AudiChan]

Appreciate very much of your response. I'll try that out and let you know soon.

I heard the idea of getting the real HID conversion kit too. I just was too skeptical when I saw those with a price <$200. If my PIAA approach doesn't satisfy me, I'll go that route.

Thanks a lot!