Need to replace HID bulbs

[integrosse]

I have OEM HID on my 01 and I think it would be a good thing to replace the bulbs because they are not very brillant anymore and from what I heard it's normal after few years. My question is do I need to disconnect the battery to swap these bulbs? The reason why I am asking is because I don't have my radio code (2nd owners).

[Seerlah]

I do now know how the OEM HIDs are, but why would one need to disconnect the battery to replace bulbs? Anyways, if it is necessary, you could always just remove the fuse for the headlights (there are separate fuses dedicated for each headlight). And that radio code thing is a myth. I disconnected my battery a couple times already and never need to re-enter my radio code. But I would assume if you leave it disconnected long enough, you will need the code. And go with the Phillips D2S bulbs, you won't need another bulb after that. Pricey, but well worth it.

[integrosse]

I do now know how the OEM HIDs are, but why would one need to disconnect the battery to replace bulbs? Anyways, if it is necessary, you could always just remove the fuse for the headlights (there are separate fuses dedicated for each headlight). And that radio code thing is a myth. I disconnected my battery a couple times already and never need to re-enter my radio code. But I would assume if you leave it disconnected long enough, you will need the code. And go with the Phillips D2S bulbs, you won't need another bulb after that. Pricey, but well worth it.

In my Bentley manual it says to disconnect the battery because of the high voltage so I just want to make sure. I know Bentley manual is saying to disconnect the battery for a lot of work that don't really need it. I guess i'll just remove the fuse so this way it will be more safe as I don't want to take any chance of losing the radio. As for the bulbs yes I'm looking into those philips 5000K crystal vision. They seems to be the best so far:

http://www.lighting.philips.com/ca_e...30&id=&lang=en

Just hoping to find a good deal on them. Cheapest I found was around 200 $ on ebay. Anyone know any other cheap place in Canada?

[sti4now]

just call the dealership where the car was first purchased or go to the Audi dealership and they can get you the radio which you will need over time for $54. I did mine yesterday.

[getslideways]

i dont know that i would say the radio code is a myth, i have had to enter it on several occasions on my 2000 when disconnecting the battery, but i had it disconnected more than 10-15 minutes each time. Perhaps it is like you are saying though and if you have it disconnected very briefly then you can get away with not having to enter it.

[integrosse]

I know everyone is saying that you can't get your radio code with the vag com but when I scanned my car there was a coding for the radio which had 5 digits. Could this be my radio code? If someone has a vag com and his radio code could he verify and confirm if they match?

[le91688]

I have to put in my radio code every time i disconnect my battery...

[Jared71482]

Radio code has to be entered on MOST audi radios every time the battery is disconnected. SOME units have "smart coding" which only requires the code to be entered if the radio is actually disconnected from the car.

To replace the HID bulbs, you do not need to disconnect the battery, this is just a warning to those idiots that may change a bulb with the headlights on.

[integrosse]

Ok thanks that is what I thought!

[Stampy]

Get OSRAM bulbs. They and philips are both OEM bulbs. In my experience Osram holds its color longer and just performs better.

[integrosse]

I heard that changing all the HID kit for an aftermarket will get more lumen than the old OEM HID because the ballast is also getting old and is losing intensity. Is this true or just changing the bulbs will be enough?

[kingdon]

Hi welcome! First the Bulb cost over $200.00 at the dealer for each. I found that out the hard way. You don't have to disconnect the battery to change the bulbs just use a gloves so your finger don't to touch the bulb and cause the bulb to blow I had use a bounty paper towel to change mines. Or the best way to go is buy the hid kit for $99.00 dollars from this company http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/pts/908257417.html I bought the kit. Plus now you can buy a second set of hid kit for your fog lights for the same money, the chioce is yours, or they do sell hid bulb for the car just ask good luck.

[JaVa]

a aftermarket hid kit wont be built as well as the oem one.....
but if you really need them brighter they do make 55W kits, where the stock is 35W, but not worth it IMHO

[integrosse]

Thanks to all for your help! I'll go ahead and by only philips bulbs 85122+ which seems to be one of the best. I'm pretty sure I'll see an improvement and I don't really want to change my whole OEM HID kit since the are already there.

[a4937]

I know everyone is saying that you can't get your radio code with the vag com but when I scanned my car there was a coding for the radio which had 5 digits. Could this be my radio code? If someone has a vag com and his radio code could he verify and confirm if they match?

Code is only 4 digits.. I also have had to enter it every time I've disconnected my battery.

Mine is a 99 though so they may have changed it.