Question on ECodes

[ThunderDent]

OK guys. I am sooooo torn here.

I'm in love with the ECodes. Not gonna lie.

But here are my questions. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
1) I've got a P+ SQ5. So that means BiXenon US spec headlamps.
2) If I were to get Euro Spec Q5/SQ5 headlamps, do they make them in full LED?
My wife's Q3 Prestige is full LED, and the lights are much brighter than my SQ.
3) If it's possible to do the LED ECodes, are they compatible? Just VCDS I'm assuming.
4) What is the best place to source these if they are available? Would like to stick to OEM.

I'm so back and forth here. I was going to wrap out the Amber. Because it just doesn't seem cost effective to get new headlamps that are still just the BiXenon. I really want to upgrade to the Full LED, and drop the Amber.

Also, for those of you who upgraded to ECodes, do you have any problems passing State inspections?

[VroomVroom]

Echo, x1000! Thanks for asking the tough questions. This is a mod I'd like to do, but even I....and believe me, I can rationalize just about anything...can't justify that amount of money and work for a wee bit of color. But if LED works its way into the mix....watch out world.

[ThunderDent]

Additional question...

Can you get them in adaptive/cornering headlamps?

[ThunderDent]

There is so much different info out there. I'm just not sure what's available on the highest end Q5/SQ5 ROW headlamp.

What additional items are needed to install it?

I mean, if I can get a set of LED ECodes, that are adaptive, please take my money.

[tcm glx]

I do not believe E-Codes are available in LED.

One important question is whether the E-Code has better optics, a better projector or projector lense, if so.... that would provide better output.

[agautohaus]

OK guys. I am sooooo torn here.

I'm in love with the ECodes. Not gonna lie.

But here are my questions. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
1) I've got a P+ SQ5. So that means BiXenon US spec headlamps.
2) If I were to get Euro Spec Q5/SQ5 headlamps, do they make them in full LED?
My wife's Q3 Prestige is full LED, and the lights are much brighter than my SQ.
3) If it's possible to do the LED ECodes, are they compatible? Just VCDS I'm assuming.
4) What is the best place to source these if they are available? Would like to stick to OEM.

I'm so back and forth here. I was going to wrap out the Amber. Because it just doesn't seem cost effective to get new headlamps that are still just the BiXenon. I really want to upgrade to the Full LED, and drop the Amber.

Also, for those of you who upgraded to ECodes, do you have any problems passing State inspections?

Answers:

2) Nope, the Q5 only comes in Bixenon and Halogen around the world so there is no Full LED option. However the European spec headlamps are noticeably brighter and more focused/aimed at the road ahead, with a sharper cutoff - that is because the NHSTA has antiquated laws on brightness and aim level etc.
3) Not possible to do LED ecodes, even if they did exist it would take a LOT of work to get them in
4) The best place to source is me, I would say most of the members in the Q5 section have gotten their ecodes from me have a few in stock and ready to ship out, was waiting to take some product photos to post about it haha


I have not had any problems passing inspection, but technically these headlights are not legal for road use in the USA. so depending on your state or area, these could be cause for failure. they are intended for off-road use only within the USA.

[agautohaus]

Additional question...

Can you get them in adaptive/cornering headlamps?

Upgrading to adaptive (AFS) headlights will not be impossible for an engineer willing to hack open his ecu harness. however for most people, this is out of reach. Since you have a P+ you are pretty much stuck with non-AFS, sorry to say.

If anyone has any more questions I'd be happy to supply answers! Also feel free to PM me if interested in picking up one of the sets I have in stock.

[tcm glx]

Answers:

2) Nope, the Q5 only comes in Bixenon and Halogen around the world so there is no Full LED option. However the European spec headlamps are noticeably brighter and more focused/aimed at the road ahead, with a sharper cutoff - that is because the NHSTA has antiquated laws on brightness and aim level etc.

Winner winner...... better/sharper cutoff will give better output. This is why I am ordering up from you AG!!

[ThunderDent]

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...5-brochure.pdf

Page 8 says Full LED lights, but the light they show isn't even a Q5 light, and it's IN the Q5 brochure.

The specs show Adaptive Xenon Plus as highest end available.

Now maybe this has changed for the 2016, or even the 2017 models, which are still the B8.5

That stinks you wouldn't be able to change it.
Just not worth that much money to only drop the Amber.

[IanSQ5]

No LED headlights for the Q/SQ5 here in Europe

[BG SQ5]

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...5-brochure.pdf

Page 8 says Full LED lights, but the light they show isn't even a Q5 light, and it's IN the Q5 brochure.

The specs show Adaptive Xenon Plus as highest end available.

Now maybe this has changed for the 2016, or even the 2017 models, which are still the B8.5

That stinks you wouldn't be able to change it.
Just not worth that much money to only drop the Amber.

Audi doesn't make any Q5s with LED headlights. With that said, I don't think page 8 is referencing the Q5 specifically. The first ~12 pages appear to be a general Audi brochure/ad. There's no mention in the Q5-specific pages (says Q5 on the right of the pages). Of course, Audi has somehow managed to release inaccurate information into the media throughout the years (non-existent SQ5 engine internals upgrades, wrong final drive ratios, etc.), but I don't think this is one of those cases. I think you're just reading too far into the first part of the brochure and/or the 'Q5 brochure' is going a little too far from a brand marketing/advertising standpoint.

I bought my ecodes a few months ago and am still haven't installed them. I have the same minor concern with inspection, and I like the amber light at night. Mostly, I'm just not sure they're worth it. I still plan to eventually install them just to get rid of the stupid orange reflector and get the better cutoff, but they are pretty excessive to say to say the least. I also got new ~4800K bulbs (Phillips X-treme Vision), LED turns (deAutoLED) and lamin-x film to complete the upgrade...whenever that happens.

Pretty sure this is the ebay guy the group buy sets originated from awhile back (non-AFS, LHD). And, drumnjuny seems to be THE ecode guy around here.

[agautohaus]

Yep! I made a vendor account now, so you can PM me here. Got in trouble trying to sell ecodes from my personal account.

We had considered ordering from eBay but I ended up making an account and ordering directly from the manufacturers

The advantage of buying from me is I'm in the USA and have them in stock. Plus I'm a nice guy and support people via phone / text with help on install (check the very thorough DIY I made in this section). If there's one thing I've learned from shipping stuff from Europe it's that out of every shipment of 20 or so sets of headlights, I get 5-6 broken lol. So I like to stock things before selling them

[ThunderDent]

I really want to, but I may see how the smoked vinyl looks first.
That and turning off the Amber light may make the difference in looking for.

It's honestly more about the hassle of doing it for so little change more than the money.

But I'd rather spend it on Brembo GT Kit... Haha.
I'll do that once it's time to upgrade rotors more than likely. No reason to go crazy just yet.

Once I smoke the lights I'll have some pics to compare and see what it looks like.

It's a bummer we don't have LED, as I'm sure a lot more people than me were on the fence about this. That's why I thought a new thread was a good idea.

I appreciate all the informative responses!

[BG SQ5]

Yep! I made a vendor account now, so you can PM me here. Got in trouble trying to sell ecodes from my personal account.

We had considered ordering from eBay but I ended up making an account and ordering directly from the manufacturers

The advantage of buying from me is I'm in the USA and have them in stock. Plus I'm a nice guy and support people via phone / text with help on install (check the very thorough DIY I made in this section). If there's one thing I've learned from shipping stuff from Europe it's that out of every shipment of 20 or so sets of headlights, I get 5-6 broken lol. So I like to stock things before selling them

My bad, I didn't realize that was you posting earlier! Guess I should have read the signature. Btw- good to know where mine came from. I feel much better knowing they came from you and not some guy in Latvia for some reason, haha.

[agautohaus]

My bad, I didn't realize that was you posting earlier! Guess I should have read the signature, haha.

Haha no worries!! Appreciate the love

Any more questions I would be more than happy to answer!

[DBFL]

Yep! I made a vendor account now, so you can PM me here. Got in trouble trying to sell ecodes from my personal account.

We had considered ordering from eBay but I ended up making an account and ordering directly from the manufacturers

The advantage of buying from me is I'm in the USA and have them in stock. Plus I'm a nice guy and support people via phone / text with help on install (check the very thorough DIY I made in this section). If there's one thing I've learned from shipping stuff from Europe it's that out of every shipment of 20 or so sets of headlights, I get 5-6 broken lol. So I like to stock things before selling them

I can confirm all of this. I bought a set of E-Codes from @agautohaus recently for my B8.5 S4. I couldn't be happier. And his customer service is beyond excellent. Everything went smoothly and they were delivered within just a few days of making the payment. We communicated via text which was convenient. He even made sure to contact me to make sure that the install went smoothly and that I was happy.
If you look at his Instagram page, there should be a picture of my car there.
Standup guy and a pleasure to do business with.

[agautohaus]

Thanks for the kind words!

[SpyderMR]

How much brighter are the Ecodes? Are they, let's say, comparable to LED's? I'm considering Ecodes if their light output on the road is much brighter than stock. I've tried many HID bulbs such as CBI's, Philips Xtreme Vision and others trying to increase light output on the road. Yes, they are brighter when you look at them directly but the light output on the road is still the same. Heck, whenever a Corolla with LED's pulls up next to me, it makes me wonder if my lights are on. I don't mind the amber, but if Ecodes are significantly brighter then it would be something I'd be interested in doing. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Joey

[agautohaus]

They are noticeably brighter, from the first time I drove around at night I was very happy (but maybe quick to justify the purchase lol). I believe the NHSTA has some seriously antiquated laws for headlight light output from a projector which is why the euro lights are much brighter. The lens is different and the light is visibly less diffused. Of course what is discernible to one person may not be to another. But I definitely noticed a difference.

Maybe some of the other members with ecodes can chime in!


Compared an RS5 with US headlamps to my Q5's ecodes last night and there was a definite difference in how much we could see.

[tcm glx]

I've got some experience retrofitting projectors into headlights, and can vouch for what AG is stating. US Standards are behind the times....European spec projectors tend to have a clear lense on them, with better optics in the projector bowl....therefore providing better output. These projectors are more sought after amongst the retrofitting community.

I haven't had my Q5 for a month, but ecodes are on my very short list (as in pulling the trigger this week). Haha.

[TTG]

I can confirm all of this. I bought a set of E-Codes from @agautohaus recently for my B8.5 S4. I couldn't be happier. And his customer service is beyond excellent. Everything went smoothly and they were delivered within just a few days of making the payment. We communicated via text which was convenient. He even made sure to contact me to make sure that the install went smoothly and that I was happy.
If you look at his Instagram page, there should be a picture of my car there.
Standup guy and a pleasure to do business with.

100% agreed. I would even go further to say he is the best vendor I have dealt with anywhere online!

They are noticeably brighter, from the first time I drove around at night I was very happy (but maybe quick to justify the purchase lol). I believe the NHSTA has some seriously antiquated laws for headlight light output from a projector which is why the euro lights are much brighter. The lens is different and the light is visibly less diffused. Of course what is discernible to one person may not be to another. But I definitely noticed a difference.

Maybe some of the other members with ecodes can chime in!


Compared an RS5 with US headlamps to my Q5's ecodes last night and there was a definite difference in how much we could see.

They are brighter for sure which I think is mainly due to European light pattern. You will definitely notice the difference 1st time you drive at night.

As far as state inspection: There is no way they will be able to tell the difference in light pattern just by looking at the headlight.

[riceboy22]

For state inspection, the only possible issue that I'm aware of is the requirement to have amber side markers (I believe that's most if not all states). That being said, I had my car inspected after my ecodes were in, and the tech doing the inspection didn't care/notice. My old S4 had ecodes as well and that was never an issue either.

The difference in lighting is going to be a result of the lens. The first set of pictures in the thread Not all Xenon headlights are created equal...not even OEM Audi. shows the difference between a diffused lens and a clear lens. The ecodes for the Q5 should be the clear kind. It won't be as big a difference as LEDs but it's noticeable for most people.

[SpyderMR]

So basically the clear lens will allow more light to shine through, therefore lighting up the roads better. If this is the case and the difference is fairly noticeable then I guess I will have to get Ecodes. I just hope the difference is worth the money haha.


Joey

[agautohaus]

So basically the clear lens will allow more light to shine through, therefore lighting up the roads better. If this is the case and the difference is fairly noticeable then I guess I will have to get Ecodes. I just hope the difference is worth the money haha.


Joey

When I got my ecodes I totally forgot about the light output difference because I thought it was a hoax. Like 4 days later i was driving around at night for the first time, trying to figure out why my brights were on when they weren't

It's definitely noticeable. Whether it's worth the money, that's up to each person haha. For me it was an awesome bonus to the clean look. I really have a serious disdain for the ambers though haha

[tcm glx]

Well, joining the club officially, thanks AG! Can't wait for my set to show up.

[agautohaus]

Well, joining the club officially, thanks AG! Can't wait for my set to show up.

Happy to help!

[ThunderDent]

AG,

Can you get a close-up pic of the lens for the Q5 ECode (to show clarity) and one of the existing lenses on our US spec models for easy comparisons?

If there is a huge difference there, and the light output is actually greater I may pull the trigger.

[ThunderDent]

And a couple of other questions...

If we order the ECodes, do we keep the same bulbs we are using now? Are they the same Audi part US/RoW?

And second, a rehash of earlier question, say I would want to upgrade to Adaptive, there is a check box in VCDS for this (installed adaptive headlamps). What hardware changes would be needed? New wiring?

And regardless of adaptive vs non, can you go over the install needs.
Do they drop right in with existing hardware? Mods needed for fitment?
VCDS changes required if you stay with the same type you have now?

[agautohaus]

I can try to get a close up pic of the lens difference but won't have access to my original headlights till mid next week

You do reuse your bulbs and stuff.

Upgrading to AFS is a serious task and will not be a simple VCDS change as the headlight will need steering angle input from the ECU most likely. Haven't figured that out yet but am looking into it.

No mods needed for fitment. They are the original headlights European Audis come with.

In VCDS, you'll need to disable the corner lights. The European headlights don't come with those. This can be done before, during, or after install with no negative effects to the car - just a DIS Bulb out warning

[Adplaya]

AG,

Can you get a close-up pic of the lens for the Q5 ECode (to show clarity) and one of the existing lenses on our US spec models for easy comparisons?

If there is a huge difference there, and the light output is actually greater I may pull the trigger.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ghts-or-ecodes

Example of the difference.

[agautohaus]

Thanks Adplaya!

[ThunderDent]

Some shots I took today.

SQ5 (US Spec/BiXenon)
------



Q3 (US Spec/LED)
------

[ThunderDent]

I'm interested AG.

If you don't mind to look into exactly what would be needed to upgrade to adaptive, post that info, and then I'll make a decision on one of the two.

I'll pull the trigger on them after that with you.
It would be great to get a close up of the lens on the ECodes as well.

[agautohaus]

Awesome!! Will take a close up shot of the ecodes tonight.

Unfortunately there's no resource to look up what needs to be done to upgrade. More like a guess and check method. Won't have that info until I do a lot more research.

[ThunderDent]

Here's what I find for the non-adaptive vs adaptive: I'll need to go through all the part numbers to see what's different

Non-adaptive
----------------
https://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/2...iagram=1385042


Adapative
------------
https://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/2...iagram=1385047

[ThunderDent]

From what I can tell, all the parts are exactly the same minus a control module.

Top chart is w/o adaptive
Bottom chart is w/adaptive.

Only part differences are (11) which are the adaptive light bulbs I'm assuming (may as well get super long life in those).
And 19 & 20 which are control modules and bolts. One for each side.

[ThunderDent]

https://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/2...iagram=1385200

Looks like there is an additional control module here [1]:



Would have to swap one for the other, but they both fit in the same bracket [2] on the diagram.
3 & 4 are for cars with adaptive suspension and don't apply.

[ThunderDent]

All the wiring, harnesses, brackets, etc all are the same it looks like.

So to upgrade, from what I can tell you'd need the following:

• E-Code Headlamp Assembly w/adaptive Xenon (Right)
Part#?
• E-Code Headlamp Assembly w/adaptive Xenon (Left)
Part#?
• Directional Beam Headlight Bulb SL Life (Right) $16.74
Part#N 103 201 06
• Directional Beam Headlight Bulb SL Life (Left) $16.74
Part#N 103 201 06
• Directional Beam Controller Unit (Right) $221.71
Part#3D 094 132 9
• Directional Beam Controller Unit (Left) $221.71
Part#3D 094 132 9
• Controller Unit Bolt (Right) $1.43
Part#N 107 086 01
• Controller Unit Bolt (Left) $1.43
Part#N 107 086 01
• Headlamp level control module w/adaptive (direct swap) $342.24
Part#8H 090 735 7D

It's basically an extra $822 to upgrade to Adaptive headlamps.
Plus ordering the E-Codes from AG.

[ThunderDent]

No clue if there are fuse upgrades needed.

Look over this stuff guys and give some feedback here.

If I'm going to upgrade to ECodes, I may as well upgrade to adaptive if that's all it takes.
That's not much. And you'd check the box in VCDS showing you have adaptive headlamps installed and it's all good.

My Audi tech may even be able to do that with his software. There's some things he can do with it mod wise and some he said it doesn't show.

[userbbc]

if you're willing to heat gun and disassemble the stock headlight housing - do the clear zkw lenses fit? I remember reading about some b8 s4 users doing the same for cleaner output/cutoff.