So what are my options if i want to upgrade lights?

[audidub]

So what are my options if i want to upgrade lights?

I currently have the OEM Halogen lights..

I want xenons...i saw them at ecs.com but it says i need a special bulb? where can i get that bulb...and dont i need a special harness as well?

Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks

[Marek K]

I assume you're U.S. military, and can use U.S.-spec headlights in Germany?

Lots of threads here about various options. Some good, in my opinion, and some bad.

I think retrofitting HID/xenon bulbs into halogen reflectors is a bad idea. As to why, see for example this link: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

If anything, the Polizei have even less of a sense of humor about safety standards than U.S. cops do... though it's true your U.S. Forces registration may (or may not) help you out.

The good news is, since you're VAT-exempt, you should be able to find proper OEM Audi bi-xenon headlight assemblies on the German market for a relatively good price (notwithstanding the crappy $ to EUR rate).

Or better yet, you should be able to find excellent ECE-approved aftermarket headlight units, at like the large aftermarket parts stores.

Oh... if you decide to have a German shop do the work, be aware that they might refuse because they'll think you need a TÜV certificate and ECE compliance. Which for HIDs would also require auto-leveling and headlight washers. You won't need that, because as a U.S. Forces member you'd be exempt. But good luck convincing them.

--Marek

[R1NSE]

I assume you're U.S. military, and can use U.S.-spec headlights in Germany?

Lots of threads here about various options. Some good, in my opinion, and some bad.

I think retrofitting HID/xenon bulbs into halogen reflectors is a bad idea. As to why, see for example this link: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

If anything, the Polizei have even less of a sense of humor about safety standards than U.S. cops do... though it's true your U.S. Forces registration may (or may not) help you out.

The good news is, since you're VAT-exempt, you should be able to find proper OEM Audi bi-xenon headlight assemblies on the German market for a relatively good price (notwithstanding the crappy $ to EUR rate).

Or better yet, you should be able to find excellent ECE-approved aftermarket headlight units, at like the large aftermarket parts stores.

Oh... if you decide to have a German shop do the work, be aware that they might refuse because they'll think you need a TÜV certificate and ECE compliance. Which for HIDs would also require auto-leveling and headlight washers. You won't need that, because as a U.S. Forces member you'd be exempt. But good luck convincing them.

--Marek

Excellent post Marek.

[audidub]

im headed back to the states in 2 weeks..so i don't plan on dealing with the polizei. been over here 4 years never even seen a polizei pull anyone over.

[Marek K]

So... grab some proper bi-xenon headlights while you're still there if you can get a good price, throw them into your HHG, and put them on when you get back to The World.

Because glare isn't an upgrade... it's glare, no matter where you're drivng.

Might be OK to just wait until you get home, and order from one of several on-line vendors.

Yes, you'd apparently also need a wiring harness for the headlights -- also available in Germany. Someone can correct me, but I'd guess one like this:
http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_i...udi-A4-B7.html

[a4dc89]

if your low on dough get a retrofit it doesnt really matter what people say about a xenon kit in the halogens it will look good. but if your willing to spend more money get a proper xenon kit with the oem projectors