Aftermarket headlights

[Toddiesel]

First let me say forgive me if this has been discussed, but I searched the forum and couldn't find anything. I've got a 2011 S5 (so same headlights as the S4) and they're awfully dim. I have seen posts here and elsewhere talking about replacing the bulbs, but 1) it seems like a giant PITA 2) seems like you could screw it up pretty easily trying to DIY and 3) doesn't change the look or give a refreshed look. I'm looking for some actual aftermarket headlights that are going to be significantly brighter and give a slightly more modern look and then of course as a byproduct make the car look newer. I haven't had much luck finding anything with the googles (at least anything I like) so I was hoping you folks might have some insight. Any help would be appreciated!

[seandon_792]

Don’t know about aftermarket headlights but I just changed my bulbs in under 15 minutes last week, didn’t even have to pull the bumper. Just needed simple tools like torx bits and an extension.

With that’s being said I went with 5500k bulbs which a big improvement over stock but you are still limited by the factory projectors. Might be worth trying bulbs before dropping big coin on entire new assemblies. Just my $.02


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[Toddiesel]

Don’t know about aftermarket headlights but I just changed my bulbs in under 15 minutes last week, didn’t even have to pull the bumper. Just needed simple tools like torx bits and an extension.

With that’s being said I went with 5500k bulbs which a big improvement over stock but you are still limited by the factory projectors. Might be worth trying bulbs before dropping big coin on entire new assemblies. Just my $.02


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I appreciate the suggestion and I may end up doing that, but only if full replacements end up not being an option. While I do want brighter headlights, I'm looking for something that will make my headlights look brand new (and by proxy, make my car look newer since it's literally a decade old) as well as give it more of a custom look. Bulbs will only correct the dimness issue. Out of curiosity though, what bulbs did you get?

[JACKAL]

I appreciate the suggestion and I may end up doing that, but only if full replacements end up not being an option. While I do want brighter headlights, I'm looking for something that will make my headlights look brand new (and by proxy, make my car look newer since it's literally a decade old) as well as give it more of a custom look. Bulbs will only correct the dimness issue. Out of curiosity though, what bulbs did you get?

As far as aftermarket goes, I had stumbled across some on ebay a year or two ago that had an arguably more modern look with regard to the DRL. I ended up having mine re-done at a local business. It was a little bit of a journey to get to a finished product, but you can check out my thread as it might give you other ideas. Feel free to hit me up as well - I've done a fair amount of research and study around this because I also wanted something a little more contemporary (Note: for the end-all, final result, check out Post 29):

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/903502-B8-DRL-Upgrade

[Toddiesel]

As far as aftermarket goes, I had stumbled across some on ebay a year or two ago that had an arguably more modern look with regard to the DRL. I ended up having mine re-done at a local business. It was a little bit of a journey to get to a finished product, but you can check out my thread as it might give you other ideas. Feel free to hit me up as well - I've done a fair amount of research and study around this because I also wanted something a little more contemporary (Note: for the end-all, final result, check out Post 29):

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/903502-B8-DRL-Upgrade

Oh man, that does look sick and sounds like it was quite the journey. I'll shoot you a PM

[Neil F]

I've got a 2011 S5 (so same headlights as the S4) !

Is that correct?

[Toddiesel]

Is that correct?

Yes. A4/5 have the same headlights and S4/5 have the same headlights. As far as I know, the only difference between the 4s and the 5s is that the 4s are sedans and the 5s are coupes.

[JACKAL]

Oh man, that does look sick and sounds like it was quite the journey. I'll shoot you a PM

Thanks. It was definitely a journey and there are a few things I would do differently. I'll share more via PM.

[Ashtonts]

Is that correct?

No it is not. The A5/S5/RS5 have different shaped headlights and they are not interchangeable with A4/S4 headlights. This is true for both B8 and B8.5 models.

[19birel]

Yes. A4/5 have the same headlights and S4/5 have the same headlights. As far as I know, the only difference between the 4s and the 5s is that the 4s are sedans and the 5s are coupes.

No, A4/S4 have completely different headlights to A5/S5. The bulbs might be the same but that's it.

With regards to aftermarket lights, be careful as many of them don't have self leveling and will produce an error message on your dash as a result. Typically aftermarket lights are really only an options for cars equipped from factory with halogen headlights rather than Xenon as they don't require self leveling or AFS.

[Toddiesel]

No, A4/S4 have completely different headlights to A5/S5. The bulbs might be the same but that's it.

With regards to aftermarket lights, be careful as many of them don't have self leveling and will produce an error message on your dash as a result. Typically aftermarket lights are really only an options for cars equipped from factory with halogen headlights rather than Xenon as they don't require self leveling or AFS.

Read what I said again. The A4 and A5 have the same headlights. Stop. The S4 and S5 have the same headlights. Stop

[19birel]

Read what I said again. The A4 and A5 have the same headlights. Stop. The S4 and S5 have the same headlights. Stop

I understand what you said, and it is incorrect, my response was a correction. The S cars do not have headlights exclusive from the A cars.

In fact, from an exterior standpoint the S cars are virtually identical to the S-Line versions of their A series counterparts, with the only difference being silver mirrors, quad exhaust, and a slightly different front grill


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[Toddiesel]

Well the B8 S series has a V8 where as the A series has a 4 banger so that's just another tiny difference... And if that's the case with the headlights, I had it backwards. The A/S4 have the same headlights and the A/S5 have the same headlights. Of the 4 models, there are 2 different headlights. 2 of them share one headlight and the other 2 share the other

[bakedziti]

It’s the A4/S4 that shares a headlight and A5/S5 that shares a different headlight.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201228/30e494e86749bb1d074476cb49a3e9db.jpg

[19birel]

Well the B8 S series has a V8 where as the A series has a 4 banger so that's just another tiny difference... And if that's the case with the headlights, I had it backwards. The A/S4 have the same headlights and the A/S5 have the same headlights. Of the 4 models, there are 2 different headlights. 2 of them share one headlight and the other 2 share the other

I said exterior differences not mechanical haha. I was trying to explain that visually, there isn't much difference between the A and S variants of these cars hence the A4/S4 having the same lights and A/S5 having the same lights.

Perhaps I worded my response poorly, you misunderstood it, or a combination of both but either way it sounds like you have it straight now haha. Not trying to argue aimlessly with you, genuinely trying to help so you don't buy something for your car that doesn't fit.

[Neil F]

And just to throw one other difference into the mix. Both 4 and 5 lines have AFS and non AFS headlights

[Toddiesel]

And just to throw one other difference into the mix. Both 4 and 5 lines have AFS and non AFS headlights

How can you tell which you have? Is the cut off at a certain trim level? I have the prestige so I'm guessing I have AFS?

[19birel]

How can you tell which you have? Is the cut off at a certain trim level? I have the prestige so I'm guessing I have AFS?

Do your headlight beams turn left or right when you turn the steering wheel?

[Toddiesel]

They don't seem to, at least not sitting still in my garage. Is this something that only happens at speed? Also, what is this bulb for? Never really looked closely, just assumed it's for high beam, but it's definitely not. I can't seem to make it come on at all

[Neil F]

How can you tell which you have? Is the cut off at a certain trim level? I have the prestige so I'm guessing I have AFS?

Note this discussion is 5 series specific as it has been clarified that 4 and 5 housings are different. Now that we are into AFS I do not know what the 4 series come with

I have a 8.5 S5 prestige so I can’t say 100% for the B8

On the 5 AFS (curve following) is only on prestige and RS models.

AFS has an additional cornering bulb and the HID is supposed to move with the steering wheel. I believe it only does it at speed. Mine does not move parked. I also have never really discerned it moving with the wheel. At slow speed/parked yes the cornering bulb illuminates.

The AFS housings are not interchangeable with the non AFS. AFS has two plugs and different ballasts.

So on the subject of aftermarket, forget about it. No one is making AFS housings

Also mentioned was opening the housings. I would verify. I have not fully paid attention to the threads but as for the 5 series I believe the sealants are different between the 8 and 8.5. I thought I saw that one of the you cannot just warm it in the oven and open it

[Toddiesel]

Oh so is that what that other light I circled is for, the AFS?

[Neil F]

Can’t see images on phone. “Corner “ bulb is at an angle next to turn bulb

[Toddiesel]

So use a PC, weirdo :-p Kidding. Sounds like that's the bulb then. If it only comes on at speed, seems like it would be tough to see it on!

[Neil F]

So use a PC, weirdo :-p Kidding. Sounds like that's the bulb then. If it only comes on at speed, seems like it would be tough to see it on!

Was out of town on holiday vacation..................

I would assume that is the "cornering" bulb. I have a 8.5 and it is in the similar spot.

I have clearly observed the illumination from that turning a corner at low speed. I can see the curb/bushes...whatever is on the side lit up. (with carista you can set the fog lamp, low beams as the corner light)

The HID lens is also supposed move but as I indicated, I have not been able to tell

[01northernS4]

Was out of town on holiday vacation..................

I would assume that is the "cornering" bulb. I have a 8.5 and it is in the similar spot.

I have clearly observed the illumination from that turning a corner at low speed. I can see the curb/bushes...whatever is on the side lit up. (with carista you can set the fog lamp, low beams as the corner light)

The HID lens is also supposed move but as I indicated, I have not been able to tell

Neil F, or anyone else who may know, if when setting the fog lamp as the corner light can it be in addition to the corner lamps for more light (running both fog and corner light) as opposed to instead of (only fog or corner?)?

I'd love to run the fog in addition to the corner light for more light output overall when turning but forgot if that was an option when in there with vcds... iirc it was one or the other.

Thanks!

[Neil F]

I may try. I did just confirm (what I thought) with the engine running, the corner bulbs will illuminate when you turn the wheel

[Neil F]

Ok I switched to use the fogs as corner lights

Engine running, fogs off - turn wheel, both fog and corner light illuminate

Engine running, fogs on - turn wheel, fog is already on so no change. Corner light does not illuminate.

You can also set low (and I think high beam as the corner). I did not verify what happens with those

[01northernS4]

Ok I switched to use the fogs as corner lights

Engine running, fogs off - turn wheel, both fog and corner light illuminate

Engine running, fogs on - turn wheel, fog is already on so no change. Corner light does not illuminate.

You can also set low (and I think high beam as the corner). I did not verify what happens with those

wow thanks Neil F!

So sounds like changing to fog for corner is the way to go!

Did you run this test at night or during the day? Wonder if the ambient light sensor would change your results... I'll have to try this.

[Neil F]

I was overcast and rainy.............I think the headlights were on. I have the switch in AUTO.

The corner bulb is halogen and does not provide a lot of illumination itself. If you have the stock 35w fog, they are pretty weak also. So when your headlights are on, the corner bulb apparently will not be. I don't know that the stock fog provides much over what the corner bulb would. Now if you want to improve the fogs, I have the DeAuto yellow/white and they are VERY bright. For me, I normally have the fogs on when my headlights are on. In this case my corners will not come on so, I will have less illumination.

[Neil F]

Just a note with the DeAuto leds and using the fogs as corner, as I figured could happen, you may get a different color fogs l/r. The DeAuto changes color by toggling the fog on/off. Quick test this morning resulted in one yellow, one white.

[Toddiesel]

My fog lights got deleted with the SR66 body kit install, so that option is out for me anyway

[evanb]

Just a note with the DeAuto leds and using the fogs as corner, as I figured could happen, you may get a different color fogs l/r. The DeAuto changes color by toggling the fog on/off. Quick test this morning resulted in one yellow, one white.

When this happens, just turn them off for a second and they will default to white.

[Neil F]

When this happens, just turn them off for a second and they will default to white.

Yea I know that. Had them for over a year. Just indicating a quirk that can happen with the setting the fogs as corners (which I am not doing).

[stoked_S4]

Changing OEM bulb is not that hard. Driver side is super easy but you should change both same time cause bulbs go dim as they age. There are some good youtube DIY on them that helped me out. I replaced both recently after driver side went bad after 7 years 56K miles. Make sure to avoid ebay and amazon because 90% of those sold there are fake. I got Osram 66340 CBI (5500K) from The retrofit Source and wow what a difference compared to OEMs. I can finally see the road. There is a brighter model but believe they are for off-road and not road legal. Another negative is bad visibility during rain from reviews I saw for brightest model.

[Toddiesel]

Is there a difference between these options on the retrofit source? The cheapest option is only 80 bucks https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d3s-xb-hid-B-D3S?quantity=1 and the most expensive option is $260 https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d3s-osram-xenarc-66340-cbb-B-66340CBB?quantity=1 with a few options in between. I'm not seeing anything definitive and objective touting the difference

[djn876]

Is there a difference between these options on the retrofit source? The cheapest option is only 80 bucks https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d3s-xb-hid-B-D3S?quantity=1 and the most expensive option is $260 https://www.theretrofitsource.com/d3s-osram-xenarc-66340-cbb-B-66340CBB?quantity=1 with a few options in between. I'm not seeing anything definitive and objective touting the differenceThey have bulb comparison videos on their site or search on YouTube that will answer this question for you.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[Toddiesel]

They have bulb comparison videos on their site or search on YouTube that will answer this question for you.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

Very helpful...

[Toddiesel]

BTW they have no comparison videos on their site that I saw. Sent an email to support and hopefully they'll be more helpful than "Google it"

[Neil F]

BTW they have no comparison videos on their site that I saw. Sent an email to support and hopefully they'll be more helpful than "Google it"

Link to CBB comparison video is at the top of the page. There are links to images and the last is a video

[Neil F]

https://youtu.be/rKEOIUrW39M

[Toddiesel]

Link to CBB comparison video is at the top of the page. There are links to images and the last is a video

I see no links to videos at the top of the page. Maybe I'm retarded. It's not out of the realm of possibility

214595214595


https://youtu.be/rKEOIUrW39M

That video is just comparing different colors of Osram bulbs. The things I linked are different brands, but as far as I can tell they're EXACTLY the same except that the cheaper one has more color range options. If they were within like 15% of each other, I'd assume it would just be a matter of brand preference, but the Osrams are $260 where as the Morimotos are only $80. The Osrams are more than 3x as much. We're not talking the difference between some payless shoe store no names and a pair of louboutins, these are (seemingly) apples to apples headlight bulbs. If they are equal quality, why is the price SO much different? Do the Osrams offer some additional functionality that the Morimotos do not? I just don't get it. Anyway, hopefully they'll respond to my email and if not, I'll just call them tomorrow during business hours. Probably should have just done that to start with

[Toddiesel]

Ok never mind. Looking through their channel, it DOES sound like it's just brand pricing. They've said on a couple of their videos that whatever Morimotos they are using are about a quarter the price of the other folks so I guess that settles that. Never thought that would be the case with parts like this.