OEM US Halogen to OEM Euro-Spec Audi B7 Xenon HID Headlights

[BayArea408415]

Hi guys,

So, I recently made the mistake of purchasing aftermarket eagle eyes for my 2007 Audi A4 B7. I really wanted the whole B8 style LED DRL's. However, they DRL turned out to be not visible during the day (sunny) and decent at dusk and night. Although, I feel now that they cheapen the look of the car. This baby wasn't meant for LED/DRL's. At least not the B8/B9 style ones. Also, I had a H9 Morimoto HID kit installed into the headlights and fogs with 35w/5500K. Below are some pictures of the car at night. The projector output isn't great and that is probably what annoys me the most other than my stupid plate on the tow hook, which I will also move as it gets into the shadow of the lighting.

Anyways, I'm now in the process of ordering and sourcing the parts I need for the move to Euro-spec OEM xenon headlights.

First, here is my checklist of parts:

1. 1 pair of OEM Xenon EU w/o AFS: 8E0941029BM (L) and 8E0941030BM (R)
2. 2 OEM HID Ballasts (already sourced one pair here; http://www.ebay.com/itm/301800013846...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
3. 2 harness/relay/wiring for Ballasts (sourced one through the listing above)
4. 2 D1s bulbs (probably going with Morimoto or Philips even though I get 1 OEM bulb from source above). Will get 35W, 5500K Morimotos from the TRS
5. 1 Halogen to Xenon Adapter (people recommend Kufatec but I'm going with this, source from Germany); http://www.ebay.com/itm/Xenon-Bi-Xen...kUJ-Pw&vxp=mtr
6. VAG-COM cable to change from halogen to xenon, which I'll find a shop nearby that will do this.


I just had a question specifically about the OEM Xenon Euro-spec. I was planning on purchasing them via this listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161474037414...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The seller and OEM xenon headlights appear legit by the seller says they are not compatible with NA cars in part of the listing?

Although, in the remarks section he states the following:
For vehicles with headlight levelling (automatic); Without control unit for Xenon; With servo motor for LDR; Might require some modification for US models!

I talked to Nick over at his blog and he stated they will work and he sourced some Euro-spec from Germany for his car. The manufacturing part number on the listing is correct too:
EU w/o AFS: 8E0941029BM (L) and 8E0941030BM (R)

Can anyone advise? My other option is to get used NA OEM Xenons from eBay. I prefer the Euro spec though.

Anyways, that's it. I also plan on switching my honeycomb eBay grill to a OEM blacked out grill. I think the A4 looks awkward with the fake RS4 grill. It needs the OEM RS4 grill with the bumper grill to match imo.

This is the grill (https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2081142/), which I got for $230. I could have gone with just painting my grey stock grill but it looked pretty beat up.

My next mod would be the Cupra spoiler, which is just a little add on.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES7754/

After that, the LED taillights from ECS, which look pretty close to how I imagine OEM would have been in 2007 if they existed.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2129934/

Pics at night:

[miA4]

there are some guys that are selling bi-xenons. the euro ones will have alignment issues and you will have a light beam aimed right at on-coming traffic and in their face. Ericw bought some Osram headlights that I think look awesome. I just did a bi-xenon upgrade and I love em. you can buy the clear caps and clear out the corners and not spend so much on the euro ones. if you buy the ones on ebay, you will still need to source the ballast, ignitor, and the bulb. I recommend buying a used set with everything including. I got mine for $500 shipped.

[miA4]

i'm impartial on the tail lights. they look nice. my experience with aftermarket is quality. they usually never last long or leak...

[BayArea408415]

there are some guys that are selling bi-xenons. the euro ones will have alignment issues and you will have a light beam aimed right at on-coming traffic and in their face. Ericw bought some Osram headlights that I think look awesome. I just did a bi-xenon upgrade and I love em. you can buy the clear caps and clear out the corners and not spend so much on the euro ones. if you buy the ones on ebay, you will still need to source the ballast, ignitor, and the bulb. I recommend buying a used set with everything including. I got mine for $500 shipped.

Can you link me to a classified on audizine. I'm new here so still exploring. I know Nick over at his blog has the Euro-spec he sourced from Germany. He never mentioned the alignment issue and the problem with the light beam hitting on-coming traffic.

As for the ballasts, I have those sourced below. The seller is in SF and confirmed they would work with the Euro-spec OEM Xenon headlights as they both have 5 pins.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321120102849...S:1123&vxp=mtr

A lot of the eBay ballasts are apparently A4 Cabrio and don't even mention that in the listing sometimes. :(

The bulbs I would just get the D1s Morimotos from TFS. The igniters aren't part of the OEM ballasts? I didn't see any igniter listings. Nick didn't mention it in his blog either on the Halogen to Xenon conversion.

Edit: Looks like I found a set of US OEM Xenon Headlights, Ballasts and Bulbs on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281870403841...S:1123&vxp=mtr

$280 for each left and right set. I'm hoping he takes my offer of $500 for both sets. I'll probably just end up doing the clear reflector change.

[Brillo]

Your fog lights are blinding and way too white. Take the HIDs out of them and get proper fog lights, which should be in the 3000 degree kelvin range to function properly and avoid glare in inclement weather. On the headlights I agree with you - going to European OEM style headlights. With all that glare producing lighting on simultaneously is it even possibly to see your turn signal light?

[miA4]

Can you link me to a classified on audizine. I'm new here so still exploring. I know Nick over at his blog has the Euro-spec he sourced from Germany. He never mentioned the alignment issue and the problem with the light beam hitting on-coming traffic.

As for the ballasts, I have those sourced below. The seller is in SF and confirmed they would work with the Euro-spec OEM Xenon headlights as they both have 5 pins.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321120102849...S:1123&vxp=mtr




A lot of the eBay ballasts are apparently A4 Cabrio and don't even mention that in the listing sometimes. :(

The bulbs I would just get the D1s Morimotos from TFS. The igniters aren't part of the OEM ballasts? I didn't see any igniter listings. Nick didn't mention it in his blog either on the Halogen to Xenon conversion.

Edit: Looks like I found a set of US OEM Xenon Headlights, Ballasts and Bulbs on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281870403841...S:1123&vxp=mtr

$280 for each left and right set. I'm hoping he takes my offer of $500 for both sets. I'll probably just end up doing the clear reflector change.

I see you found the classifieds section. the ebay listing for headlight only shows one, not both. the ballast are also different for different types of Bi-Xenon. there is adaptive and non-adaptive. I would do some homework before you make your purchase. MPV314 has a set for sale last time I checked.

[BayArea408415]

Your fog lights are blinding and way too white. Take the HIDs out of them and get proper fog lights, which should be in the 3000 degree kelvin range to function properly and avoid glare in inclement weather. On the headlights I agree with you - going to European OEM style headlights. With all that glare producing lighting on simultaneously is it even possibly to see your turn signal light?

I'll think about adjusting them but the fogs are low enough that they don't bother anyone. I haven't heard anyone honk at me. I like them extra bright (which definitely annoys some people). The halogens were so meh. As for weather, I live in the South Bay. I don't get much "real" use out of them. Also, the glare in some of the pictures is because of the angle.

[BayArea408415]

I see you found the classifieds section. the ebay listing for headlight only shows one, not both. the ballast are also different for different types of Bi-Xenon. there is adaptive and non-adaptive. I would do some homework before you make your purchase. MPV314 has a set for sale last time I checked.

Yeah, it is for one headlight but I messaged the seller. He has a right and left side available. I think MPV314 sold his. Yeah, I learned that there are different ballasts. The A4 and A4 Cabrio have different ballasts too.

[vce1232000]

I would these http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Check-them-out!

[ADCS]

You are MUCH better off retrofitting bi-xenon projectors with US spec cuttoffs into your halogens then using lights with euro cuttoffs...Considerably cheaper and significantly better light output (depending which projectors you select).

FWIW, having super bright fog lights drastically decrease your long range night vision.

[trj]

OP, I am not clear what you are trying to do.

1. Are you trying to increase the light output of your aftermarket headlights?
People have done it by swapping lens and ballasts, but can't say its a good way to do it. I would just return the headlights if possible or sell it as a whole.

2. Are you trying to install euro headlights instead of your aftermarket headlights?
You will blind the on coming traffic with the cut off made for euro headlights. An expensive option and if you are going to do lens swap to get correct cut off for US, it gets even more expensive.

3. Are you trying to retrofit projectors in your halogen headlights?
Cheaper option. Not hard if you want to do it and still have or can source set of halogen headlights. I have done it in my halogen housings. Good output and costs less than OEM direct xenon swap (keep in mind you will need proper harness to have full bixenon capability with OEM swap), sharper cut off and not crazy expensive bulbs/ballasts if you have to swap them. You will be doing some cutting and grinding on the halogen bowls and run wires. So, if this floats your boat, go with this option. You can knock off the LED DRL, LED City lights, clear corner and black out mod at once while doing this retrofit if you want to. Its been a year I did this mod and going strong. Same retrofit I did in my other car is 4 years old and still going strong.

4. Are you trying to swap OEM US spec bixenon in your halogen equipped car?
Easier option. But may get expensive pretty fast if you are sourcing lights, ballasts, bulbs, harness separately.


Let me know if you need more info on option number 3. Mods never posted my DIY and I am too lazy to type the process again.

PS: All of the options except the first one will require you to code the car to accept xenons.

PPS: I am not a big fan of HID fogs without projectors, it just scatters light everywhere and annoys other drivers. Having higher output lights are not beneficial if they are not pointing in the right direction.

[BayArea408415]

I would these http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Check-them-out!

I think I just shed a tear. Those look OEM quality and they are made by Osram, a reputable brand. :)

[BayArea408415]

You are MUCH better off retrofitting bi-xenon projectors with US spec cuttoffs into your halogens then using lights with euro cuttoffs...Considerably cheaper and significantly better light output (depending which projectors you select).

FWIW, having super bright fog lights drastically decrease your long range night vision.

I have my halogens and yes, I've decided against going the Euro route and was going to get blacked our CC modded ones from audizine. Thanks for the fog light advice. I don't usually have them on but might need to go get some xenon fog lights. Can you recommend something?

[BayArea408415]

OP, I am not clear what you are trying to do.

1. Are you trying to increase the light output of your aftermarket headlights?
People have done it by swapping lens and ballasts, but can't say its a good way to do it. I would just return the headlights if possible or sell it as a whole.

I will probably end up selling the after market headlights at a small loss.

2. Are you trying to install euro headlights instead of your aftermarket headlights?
You will blind the on coming traffic with the cut off made for euro headlights. An expensive option and if you are going to do lens swap to get correct cut off for US, it gets even more expensive.

I was going to get Euro ones but decided to gofor US ones with CC mod. I think Nick from his audi blog imported Euro ones from Germany though. Sound advice. Appreciated.

3. Are you trying to retrofit projectors in your halogen headlights?
Cheaper option. Not hard if you want to do it and still have or can source set of halogen headlights. I have done it in my halogen housings. Good output and costs less than OEM direct xenon swap (keep in mind you will need proper harness to have full bixenon capability with OEM swap), sharper cut off and not crazy expensive bulbs/ballasts if you have to swap them. You will be doing some cutting and grinding on the halogen bowls and run wires. So, if this floats your boat, go with this option. You can knock off the LED DRL, LED City lights, clear corner and black out mod at once while doing this retrofit if you want to. Its been a year I did this mod and going strong. Same retrofit I did in my other car is 4 years old and still going strong.

That was never the plan but I've decided against it anyways after rethinking it. I still have my halogens though in nearly perfect condition. I am considering getting CC modded and blacked out Xenons from guys at the classified section at the moment and now the osram route.

4. Are you trying to swap OEM US spec bixenon in your halogen equipped car?
Easier option. But may get expensive pretty fast if you are sourcing lights, ballasts, bulbs, harness separately.

Yes, this is what I was going to do. Was looking into mpv and jdillon's threads on the classified. But now, I am seriously considering the osram option, which is direct plug and play and looks amazing. Similar to OEM quality too it appears. They are Xenon as well but do not need Kufatec halogen to xenon adapter.

Let me know if you need more info on option number 3. Mods never posted my DIY and I am too lazy to type the process again.

PS: All of the options except the first one will require you to code the car to accept xenons.

PPS: I am not a big fan of HID fogs without projectors, it just scatters light everywhere and annoys other drivers. Having higher output lights are not beneficial if they are not pointing in the right direction.

I am doing the halogen to xenon conversion via adapter or considering the osram DRL. They look quality unlike the current after market I have.

As for HID fogs, I am considering getting new projectors for them. Can you recommend any?

[trj]

I will probably end up selling the after market headlights at a small loss.



I was going to get Euro ones but decided to gofor US ones with CC mod. I think Nick from his audi blog imported Euro ones from Germany though. Sound advice. Appreciated.



That was never the plan but I've decided against it anyways after rethinking it. I still have my halogens though in nearly perfect condition. I am considering getting CC modded and blacked out Xenons from guys at the classified section at the moment and now the osram route.



Yes, this is what I was going to do. Was looking into mpv and jdillon's threads on the classified. But now, I am seriously considering the osram option, which is direct plug and play and looks amazing. Similar to OEM quality too it appears. They are Xenon as well but do not need Kufatec halogen to xenon adapter.



I am doing the halogen to xenon conversion via adapter or considering the osram DRL. They look quality unlike the current after market I have.

As for HID fogs, I am considering getting new projectors for them. Can you recommend any?

look at theretrofitsource.com, they have good quality products. I am using their morimoto mini H1s in my low beams. But I think our fogs are H11s, get projectors accordingly. If you don't use your fog lights all the time, you can go with cheaper ones too. I am sure there will be cutting/grinding involved to make projectors fit in the fog housings. I thought some vendors provided drop in solution for the foglight where you replace the entire fog light with a projector mounted fog light housing. I may be wrong, I am not sure if I saw this for B7 or my other car.

The main reason you want good projectors is you don't scatter light everywhere. Worst is when people put HID in their headlights without projectors. It throws light everywhere. Not only does it blind the on coming traffic, the scattered light reflects on snow and rain blinding yourself. One of the main reasons I have retrofitted autodim mirrors is because of the people who use HIDs without proper projectors. Even with 20% tint, without auto dim mirrors those unprojected HID reflections on the rear view mirror is enough to annoy me. Thats when I turn ON my rear fogs. FIY I had quad xenon setup on my other car, so if anyone with un-projected HIDs were coming towards me, I would pull the lever and they see 4X HIDs shining on their face. That setup is long gone, but that might tell you how annoyed I get with badly installed/aligned headlights.

Now, only if I could find a solution to the huge LED tail light trend. Specially with newer toyotas, lexus, dodge. What were they thinking when they decided to put those monster LEDs for brake lights. Temporarily blinding the person behind you at the street lights. How did it even pass DOT?