LED Headlight plans/project

[JPJ2007]

Just wanting to put this together as I have some plans over the next few months hopefully to start this project.

I want to upgrade to led facelift lights, plus do a few things.

Important Notes:
1. I want to keep my Adaptive Headlights. So I'll have to purchase facelift AFS headlights. (Hopefully the wiring schematics will cross)
2. I want LED facelift strip (Which will be included with the facelift afs lights, so no worries there)
3. I want to retrofit the projectors for something better. The factory projectors are not that good.
3.5 I want to upgrade to 55w Ballasts. I've had good luck with F5 Fast Bright 55W ballasts in the past and on my wifes retro.
4. Possibly go quad Bi-Xenon. Thinking about using that center reflector. An Mh1 7.0 retrofit there would be awesome.
5. Switchback LED strip retrofit. Those are available for $250 and linked below
6. Paint the interior trim black to match the red/black theme I have on the car.

It's looking like my best bet is to get a cheap headlight to tear apart and start inspecting. I can only assume that the actual projector unit is the same for
both AFS and Non-AFS with the only difference being the mounting and motor system. ( Maybe someone can chime in if they are different )

Buying a cheap light will allow me to tear it open and begin getting measurements and seeing what projectors I can retrofit and options I have.

Here are the switchback led strip I was talking about.
http://www.exledshop.com/exled-custo...-kit-copy.html



There are very few videos or pictures I'm able to find with these torn apart etc... So I know I'm going to be getting into a bit of work here.
There isn't a rush, and It'll be a few months anyway because I have a lot going on with our newborn keeping us busy.

Nothing is finalized yet, but i'm gathering information and ideas. I'm looking forward to this for sure.

[2010A6]

Definitely interested in the led strip upgrade. Didn't even know such a product existed out there


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[filip_lr3]

You should be aware that LED module on the link is for 09-11. cars that already have LED headlights but with not working leds.

[FormulaElement]

Also, this is only the strip of LEDS, not the housing. You will have to custom fabricate the Headlight to hold the LED housing.

I am retrofitting the DEPO headlights on my car tonight. I think I have everything I need to get them fully functioning with no errors. I will lose AFS, but mine doesn't work anyways.

OP, I will sell you one of my headlights for cheap to tear apart and maybe figure out a way to fabricate your setup.

I do recommend going and buying some RS6 headlights from ECS tuning, or some facelift headlights with everything already retrofitted.

[2010A6]

Sorry to have to have somebody spell this out, but I have the LED daytime running lights without turn signal integration. If I was to do this project as well, all I would have to do is swap the LEDs out since I already have the housing? I've got a '10 3.0 plus


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[SinCityA6]

Sorry to have to have somebody spell this out, but I have the LED daytime running lights without turn signal integration. If I was to do this project as well, all I would have to do is swap the LEDs out since I already have the housing? I've got a '10 3.0 plus


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Correct. Since you have the facelift headlights already, you would need to open the headlights and swap out the LED strip.


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[niedzial1983]

https://youtu.be/xnQTMBuZGoI

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[Dutch_A6]

This has been on my mind for a couple of years but a project that just hasn't been something that I've been able to start, I'm looking forward to how this progresses.

subscribed

[JPJ2007]

Definitely interested in the led strip upgrade. Didn't even know such a product existed out there


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Yeah, I remembered seeing it a few years back, but after selling my car I forgot about them. Having bought it back, It took me a couple hours to find them. They use to be more expensive, I've considered emailing the company and see if they would be interested in a group buy. Would be cool if we could get em for 200 and knock off 50 bucks if we got 10 people to buy them or something. I don't know.

You should be aware that LED module on the link is for 09-11. cars that already have LED headlights but with not working leds.

That is correct, the LED strip board I provided a link for is to replace the ones found in the factory facelift lights. Weather the factory ones work or not is irrelevant, because these are a replacement/upgrade.

Also, this is only the strip of LEDS, not the housing. You will have to custom fabricate the Headlight to hold the LED housing.

Incorrect, there is no "Custom Fabrication" to the housing, because these are Direct Replacement LED Boards for the facelift headlights that already have the led strips in them but do not have switchback ambers....
(I'm talking about working on facelift headlights. Not 05-08 pre's without the leds, obviously you'd have to some crazy work for that and it wouldn't be worth it. Buying facelifts with leds are pretty much the only way to go.

I am retrofitting the DEPO headlights on my car tonight. I think I have everything I need to get them fully functioning with no errors. I will lose AFS, but mine doesn't work anyways.
OP, I will sell you one of my headlights for cheap to tear apart and maybe figure out a way to fabricate your setup.

Sweet! Can you take a bunch of photos of those? I'm really interested in them. If I didn't want afs I'd be all over those. I wonder if the switchback board could be swapped. Not sure how identical to the oem led's the led housing is...

Man, that would be great. What kind of lights do you have? Facelift with LED's? Or are you talking about factory Pre-Facelift lights. I'm looking for facelift led lights but doesn't need AFS or the leds to work.
I guess I could grab some prefacelifts as well, but that doesn't do me a whole lot because I need the led housings. But, Shoot me a PM. I'd still be interested if the price is right.

In my final project I will need to purchase AFS with LED so that I have the lights I need, then I can swap in the retrofits and led switch back boards.

The Depo's would certainly be the way to go if I didn't care about losing afs... But damn I really don't want to. Mine work, and work great above 5mph.

I do recommend going and buying some RS6 headlights from ECS tuning, or some facelift headlights with everything already retrofitted.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...hts/ES1905761/

Phew! At $2,400 I sure wish I could do that but I can't. I would rather spend that 2.4k on a lower mile motor to swap in.

Sorry to have to have somebody spell this out, but I have the LED daytime running lights without turn signal integration. If I was to do this project as well, all I would have to do is swap the LEDs out since I already have the housing? I've got a '10 3.0 plus


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Correct. Since you have the facelift headlights already, you would need to open the headlights and swap out the LED strip.


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Correct correct!

Definitely interested in the led strip upgrade. Didn't even know such a product existed out there


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Thanks, It'll probably be slow because I have a newborn and finances are tight. Regardless I want to get started on it by Christmas.

[2010A6]

Most informative singular post ever on the headlights man thank you! Glad I have a '10 I'm way too excited for this Group buy?!


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[Dutch_A6]

I'd be interested as well, I'm scouring the net for the facelift headlights for the cheap as well, I'd prefer the AFS but it's not a deal breaker and ya if I'm spending 2400 that would go to an airride setup or at least most of it.

[2010A6]

My thoughts too. Money like that deserves sick wheels or air ride. Not just headlights


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[JPJ2007]

Good news regarding some sort of group buy.
I received this in response today via email.

I sent them this

Are these still readily available?

I also have a couple questions.

1. Are these the only ones, or do you have upgrade that is brighter?
2. Do these have option or wire for low power mode while headlight is on.
3. Will your company do a discount group buy? If I had 10 buyers or 15 buyers will you discount the item?

I received this in reply via email.

Good morning Jose,

The item #9267 (exLED Daytime Running Light . . . ) is readily available.

These are the answers for the number questions:

1. This is the module for that audi model and it's really bright (no other upgrade available)

2. It comes with a control module for controlling the function.

3. Yes, as we are the Head Office of exLED, we offer discount for customers buying 10 or more modules.

Naturally I replied asking what the discount is.

It's sounding like I may have to order them myself, then send them out to you guys.
Honestly, I don't have the credit or cash to do that. New baby, wife stopped working so it's just not possible.
The only way I see it doable is through Paypal. I want you guys to feel secure, and I absolutely do not want to risk my reputation or anything.
So, if they are not willing to take orders within an hour or day or something separately it seems like sending me the Paypal funds then I make the single large order and when I get them I send/mail them out to you guys.

Listen, I absolutely want nothing from anyone but the understanding I'm just trying to help us all out. If there is a member with higher remarks or reputation
then by all means maybe we can transfer the communication to the company to them.

I am a career firefighter, and being what supports my wife/child will not risk anything that could possibly take that away. Im just saying Im not here to scam
anyone.
Yes, Im being rather serious about it. I've been screwed and am furiated by it from the past.


Anyway, with all that said I will await a response to see what the discount it. If it's $5 or $10 it's not really worth the hassle. If it's $50 yeah, that's probably worth it.

Look forward to hearing what you guys think. We know we'd need atleast 10 people.

Moving on, Looking online I can pick up facelift S6 lights for $200 each with broken tabs that I can repair. I assume their AFS is similar to mine. I'm not sure 100%

Something else I found and I think you guys might be interested in, is their S7 replica 3rd brake light! I wanted this before finding this!
My idea was to get the window lip and glue an led strip to it. This is all premade....

$107
http://www.exledshop.com/exled-custo...i-a6-copy.html

PHOTO

http://www.exledshop.com/images/deta...1469574112.jpg



Not related to the headlights but figured it wasn't worth making a new thread about.

[JPJ2007]

WOAH! Already got a response.

If I understand him correctly, which I asked for clarification they knocked the price down from $245 to $216 for us... PLUS 20% off that.

So, the final price would be $172.80 per order of 2 switchback led boards.

I sent them an email confirming the final price and that we would have to order 10. I asked if we can order individually via time or code entered for discount so we'll see.

I asked them about the 3rd S7 replica brake light as well so we'll see about that.. Not sure you guys like it or not.

But, I feel a price of $172.80 from $245 is a good Group Buy price... Thats $72.20 off! Let me know what you guys think. Once we know the details I'll start a new thread getting the 10 people
marked down...

[JPJ2007]

MORE GOOD NEWS! WE CAN ORDER INDIVIDUALLY AT THE GROUP BUY PRICE!

I will make a new thread getting the 10 people, Once we have 10 I will email him and let him know. For a certain time the price will be lowered to $216, and we will get a discount code to enter to take off 20%!

This is great, how awesome is it we get a good discount for just asking the company!
They said that we probably can't get as large a discount on the A7 style brake light but that we can probably get 20% off total. Still pretty good I think!

Im going to screen shot some of these emails for you guys to see.

[JPJ2007]

Heres the emails. I'll start a new thread shortly regarding this.

Hopefully we can get 10 people! I'll buy these even though I don't have the headlights yet....





and the final email



Phew! this makes me happy, Not only is it $30 less than what I expected and hoped for of 50 off, making it $72 off! But we get to order individually making it much more comfortable in my opinion not going through a single person.

[2010A6]

Where's the sign in list


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[JPJ2007]

OOPS! HERE!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...trip-GROUP-BUY!

[ichi d]

so how does the turn signal work on this would u have to tap into wires and will it throw a code?

[Dutch_A6]

Gotta say i'm digging that S7 rear brake light too. Just a little weary on how to wire these thing in, if it will be plug and play as just a replacement for the stock board or if there is more to it.

[2010A6]

Wire splicing is easy, and I've been meaning to identify which wire is the reverse light to hard wire my aftermarket backup cam into it. I can make sure to record my findings if this group buy happens


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[JPJ2007]

I sent an email asking if there's any wiring diagram or help, if there's any gaurentee that it won't throw error codes and if the stock turn signals still flash or if this upgrade disables the front turn bulbs.

When I get an answer I'll let you guys know. Yeah, the style light looks cool but i too am curious on how to get it inside. I guess it's run down the rear window into the trunk. I don't know how I would like that. I don't think it would fish through the rear window cualk... I don't know. I asked if it's cob or individual leds, still waiting for an answer.

[JPJ2007]

These aren't plug and play, but some simple wire spicing shouldn't be hard.

Here is the email response I got from them regarding our questions.

[QuinnsterKID]

What headlights do you need to run these? I have a 2008 S line with Bixenon, but I dont think I have the AFS cause they only adjust up and down upon start up. Do you need S6 housings?

[Dutch_A6]

I believe you need to have the 2009 - 2011 face lift headlights w/ the LED bar at the bottom as this only replaces the LED plate behind the LED housing.

[Cbenyola]

If my Audi already has afs hid headlights , can I stick non afs hid headlights into her?

[niedzial1983]

Has anyone thought how you will open the housing to replace led board ? Its not a 5 min job

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[2010A6]

Dremel with a cutting wheel and a very very steady hand. Probably going with a 2 part epoxy to seal it back up


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[JPJ2007]

Just fyi they dropped the price to 216 already. So once we're ready they will give us a code for 20% off that number, but we gotta have 10.

What headlights do you need to run these? I have a 2008 S line with Bixenon, but I dont think I have the AFS cause they only adjust up and down upon start up. Do you need S6 housings?

You need 2009-2011 Headlights with LED DRL at the bottom of the headlights.

Here, I made this real quick, hopefully it helps.

FULL SIZE
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8537/2...290fcb95_o.jpg

I believe you need to have the 2009 - 2011 face lift headlights w/ the LED bar at the bottom as this only replaces the LED plate behind the LED housing.

Correct.

If my Audi already has afs hid headlights , can I stick non afs hid headlights into her?

From my understanding yes. Well... I know for a fact you can. Question is any errors...
Multiple members have swapped out their AFS for non-afs DEPO facelifts or oem facelifts.
I personally can't say 100% that alone won't throw an error. Can someone else chime in?

Has anyone thought how you will open the housing to replace led board ? Its not a 5 min job

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

Dremel with a cutting wheel and a very very steady hand. Probably going with a 2 part epoxy to seal it back up


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Correct, you have to use a dremel with a cutting wheel or a hot knife. Personally, I wouldn't do the dremel because of the amount of fine dust you'll throw everywhere. Regardless if the headlights coming apart I wouldn't
want to have to clean all that out or up.

Here's a video of a facelift headlight being opened up via the hot knife or hot solder tip method. (Not sure exactly what the tool is)

It's actually by the Exled company that sells the boards....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSD-eW6tEGk



Holy smokes they have a lot of videos up. I'm going to ask about the wiring video, since I didn't see it.
https://www.youtube.com/user/LEDSTUDIOKOREA/videos

[FormulaElement]

If my Audi already has afs hid headlights , can I stick non afs hid headlights into her?

I did this with the DEPO headlights. It was a challenge to get rid of the errors, but was possible.

You do lose AFS and the auto leveling feature though..... The loss of either wasn't a big deal for me since the new headlights were so much better that the spread and range was much more than either of those could add combined. The ability to adjust the HID beams made it bearable.

To get rid of the codes, I had to buy a new headlight range module (I got mine for $30 on eBay). It was a Non-AFS one, and then went into adaptation and theres a setting for removing the MIL feature from the module. It doesn't show a error on the DIS or in VCDS unless you go into that specific module and check fault codes after changing the setting. The AFS module doesn't have this feature from what i could find. I changed just about every adaptation block in it and nothing would do the same as the non-AFS module.

The one thing that i couldn't do was make it so the daylight running lights (LED's) ran at the same time as the low beams. Anyone doing any upgrade from a pre facelift car cannot do this though regardless of the headlight they buy. You can with modification though using the fog lights, but i don't recommend it. You have to buy a new Board computer, which aren't too expensive (used). Then get it programmed to your car, and program the central electronics to allow LED daytime running lights.

[audi314]

So I have been in the process of doing a preface lift to post facelift headlight retrofit. I have tried Kufatec's kit and it doesnt work on USDM cars. There is another company that I cant rememeber their name, but its exactly the same and doesnt work either. I have managed to track down a company in the UK called Happy Daze that doesnt nothing but retrofits and have done these kind of retrofits in the UK every day, thats all this company does. I have installed the post facelift lights and even installed a post facelift central electronics module software revision K to allow for the proper coding of the new lights. I have no codes with the slight rewiring that the Kufatec instructions told me to do. The problem is when I try to turn on the DRL's in the MMI, it turns on the front bumper amber lights. From what I have been told, there is some rewiring that has to get done at the headlight plug. I am going to be purchasing a set of wire pin removal tools, which will be a must have.

I havent had much time to keep working with Happy Daze, but I will be using their expertise in this area to get everything working. I have been at this for about a year now because people who have done this purchased the AudiLed lights and all the modification was already done for a plug and play operation. I found and purchased real Audi E-code(euro spec) headlights(my projectors dont have the rings on them, they are polished smooth). I will be keeping tabs on this thread in my quest to get my lights working, but I will try to help rely information as I get my own lights working so hopefully no one else has to fuss with it like I have.

[JPJ2007]

So you didn't buy oem facelift headlights?
Wouldn't that make things easier?

My only understanding is the wiring, Obviously the drl doesn't stay on when the headlights are turned on, but what is next to the high beam on the facelift lights? Fogs?

[audi314]

So you didn't buy oem facelift headlights?
Wouldn't that make things easier?

My only understanding is the wiring, Obviously the drl doesn't stay on when the headlights are turned on, but what is next to the high beam on the facelift lights? Fogs?

No, I did get OEM facelift headlights, but ones from Germany, so non-US spec ones.

There is wiring that is involved, its just a matter of which plugs. The instructions that I have read want you to change the wiring at the central electronics unit, but from what I have found out from the guys at Happy Daze in the UK, there is wiring that needs to be changed at the car side of the headlight plug, I just dont know which ones need changing around yet.

[JPJ2007]

so having the two threads is kind of confusing but im going to try and keep them separate.

So i just "won" a facelift headlight after I made an offer on it. they wanted 150 or 175 and I offered $100 and they accepted it.

It had a broken tab and a crack in the back housing but not a big deal because I'm going to cut it open.

Plus to it is, it's an AFS headlight. Yay!

So we'll see. At least I know there will be progoress to be made and I'll have one to open open and start tyhe process of getting measure ments and all that good stuff.

heres what I got.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262641534366...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[JPJ2007]

Look what showed up today in the mail! (In a beat up box....)







With AFS!




Suppose to be a working led board. A plus even though im swapping it out.

[2010A6]

Good luck!


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[JPJ2007]

Thanks!

so I found that there is a projector that is a direct drop in for our headlights.

Retrofitsource.com sells
Evo-Xr with clear lenses. Bolt pattern is specifically for audi Hella projectors.

I'm for sure upgrading while it's apart! I want to make sure this is our best option before I am set on them but check out these output shots. blows the factory ones out of the water!

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[DeeBee87]

I did this with the DEPO headlights. It was a challenge to get rid of the errors, but was possible.

You do lose AFS and the auto leveling feature though..... The loss of either wasn't a big deal for me since the new headlights were so much better that the spread and range was much more than either of those could add combined. The ability to adjust the HID beams made it bearable.

To get rid of the codes, I had to buy a new headlight range module (I got mine for $30 on eBay). It was a Non-AFS one, and then went into adaptation and theres a setting for removing the MIL feature from the module. It doesn't show a error on the DIS or in VCDS unless you go into that specific module and check fault codes after changing the setting. The AFS module doesn't have this feature from what i could find. I changed just about every adaptation block in it and nothing would do the same as the non-AFS module.

The one thing that i couldn't do was make it so the daylight running lights (LED's) ran at the same time as the low beams. Anyone doing any upgrade from a pre facelift car cannot do this though regardless of the headlight they buy. You can with modification though using the fog lights, but i don't recommend it. You have to buy a new Board computer, which aren't too expensive (used). Then get it programmed to your car, and program the central electronics to allow LED daytime running lights.

The lost of both the AFS and auto leveling wasn't a big deal for me either. The LED DRL feature is so much more nicer, having HID fogs and living in the city also really helps.

I would like to know more about labor involved to get rid of the error codes and if it's worth it since the module is so affordable. Was the module a quick swap and then changing VAGCOM settings?

I was able to keep the LED's on all the time and controlled by DRL setting in the MMI car lighting options (on/off) by having my installer tap the Depo DRL LED's to the bumper reflector parking lights when I noticed this problem during the install. My logic was it's the only other light that stays on constantly and that's what I wanted the LED's to do as well. Only problem with this is it throws 2 (L&R) parking light error codes ONLY when the low beams turn on, during the day when the low beams are off there's no error codes.

Attached is the results and a LED diagram of the Depo lights if you wish to do it.

[Dutch_A6]

Received the LED boards yesterday, next I need to get a hot knife to cut these lights open, get the wiring all sorted and figure out the best way/epoxy to seal them back up again. I too thought the best thing to do was to wire the LEDs to the bumper lights so they're always on, just have to figure all this out since I'm no electrician or mechanic I'll be going slowly on this so I don't screw it up.

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[FormulaElement]

The lost of both the AFS and auto leveling wasn't a big deal for me either. The LED DRL feature is so much more nicer, having HID fogs and living in the city also really helps.

I would like to know more about labor involved to get rid of the error codes and if it's worth it since the module is so affordable. Was the module a quick swap and then changing VAGCOM settings?

I was able to keep the LED's on all the time and controlled by DRL setting in the MMI car lighting options (on/off) by having my installer tap the Depo DRL LED's to the bumper reflector parking lights when I noticed this problem during the install. My logic was it's the only other light that stays on constantly and that's what I wanted the LED's to do as well. Only problem with this is it throws 2 (L&R) parking light error codes ONLY when the low beams turn on, during the day when the low beams are off there's no error codes.

Thanks for sharing this. Installing the non-afs module is really easy and requires a metal file (or something of the sort) and the removal of the glove box. Audi idiot proofed installing the wrong module in the wrong car and you have to file down one plastic guide to get the non-afs module to plug in to the harness. The rest is plug and play. VCDS even had all of the adaptations listed under the drop down box, and one of them said something to the sort of MIL Enabled.

If i was planning on keeping the car i would do the LED modification that you did. But i don't want any errors when i go to sell it.