Fog lights b8.5 + I'm an idiot

**aaronz** · 03-28-2013 05:59 PM

So I thought and almost was positive that our fogs were h12, nope h8! So that's step one, buy the right bulbs.

Getting the grill off:

You will see a hole on the inside of each grill, put a hook or Allen wrench in there and clamp down with a wrench. Then pull from inside to outside.

On the outside there are two tabs, don't break them. You will also see another hole on the outside, that's only for adjusting your fog light aim, so don't use unless you need to adjust after the install.

It's held on by two screws at the bottom. Take those out and push the unit back slightly and then pull out. The top of the fog has tabs that rest on the top part of the bumper assembly.

Easy as pie, also a good time to clean in there I had all sorts of crap and I have less than 5k on my car.

So if anyone needs some h12's let me know!

And just because I thought this was funny:

Cheers!

**VR2V8** · 03-28-2013 06:14 PM

Interesting that you removed the entire housing just to change bulbs. I found it much easier to go through the wheelwell....just 2 screws in the liner. Took less than 5 minutes to change both bulbs.

**aaronz** · 03-28-2013 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by VR2V8

Interesting that you removed the entire housing just to change bulbs. I found it much easier to go through the wheelwell....just 2 screws in the liner. Took less than 5 minutes to change both bulbs.

It only took all of two minutes, plus I only found one screw and some weird looking tab thing on my wheelwell....I'll grab a picture later. Anyways I got to clean that area out so it wasn't totally pointless!

**coolwater** · 03-28-2013 07:36 PM

I want to get my fog grilles off.
Are you saying the fog grille just pop off by sliding to the right/left and pulling at the same time?
With the B8 you used a flat head to adjust the inner tabs down and pull at the same time.

More info pls....

-cW

**aaronz** · 03-28-2013 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by coolwater

I want to get my fog grilles off.
Are you saying the fog grille just pop off by sliding to the right/left and pulling at the same time?
With the B8 you used a flat head to adjust the inner tabs down and pull at the same time.

More info pls....

-cW

No you pull straight out, but start on the inside and "peel" towards you and to the outside

**skeelo** · 03-28-2013 07:45 PM

Hmmm. This should make it easier for the guys who want to run HID and need to mount/ run add'l wiring harness.

**coolwater** · 03-28-2013 07:46 PM

Ok so basically pop the side closest to the grille first then work towards the wheel side avoiding bending the tabs at the end.
Sounds pretty easy. Wish I had known couple days ago.
I installed my HID fogs through the wheel well liner and it was a vey tight fit...
Might try this if the ballast don't stay put.

Thanks!

-cW

**skeelo** · 03-28-2013 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by coolwater

Ok so basically pop the side closest to the grille first then work towards the wheel side avoiding bending the tabs at the end.
Sounds pretty easy. Wish I had known couple days ago.
I installed my HID fogs through the wheel well liner and it was a vey tight fit...
Might try this if the ballast don't stay put.

Thanks!

-cW

Might be worth checking anyway... Small time investment to mitigate premature failure if they might break loose and bang around in there.

Separately, how is the light pattern with HID? Scattered? Did your get capped bulbs to mitigate risk to oncoming traffic?

**coolwater** · 03-29-2013 03:58 AM

The HIDs are wider due to the housings.
Haven't really driven much on it yet.
Just had em on for couple of days.

They are standard blesk hid bulbs.
Their H8 and H11 bulbs are the same so I was able to reuse from my B8.
Here is how it looks....

IMG]http://i48.tinypic.com/2yzd3zl.jpg[/IMG]

-cW

**well_armed** · 03-29-2013 07:01 AM

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...light=fog+bulb

**aaronz** · 03-29-2013 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by well_armed

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...light=fog+bulb

I suck at searching I went through two pages a didn't see anything for the 8.5. Fail on my part.

**coolwater** · 03-29-2013 07:39 AM

You took the plunge to figure out how to pull the fog grilles.
If I could I would rep+ you....

-cW

**dropshadow** · 04-02-2013 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by coolwater

You took the plunge to figure out how to pull the fog grilles.
If I could I would rep+ you....

-cW

Exactly. Thanks for figuring this out and saving me the hassle of going through the fender liner. Did both my fogs in 5 minutes.

**Pilfer** · 10-26-2013 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by aaronz

It only took all of two minutes, plus I only found one screw and some weird looking tab thing on my wheelwell....I'll grab a picture later. Anyways I got to clean that area out so it wasn't totally pointless!

Reviving,
I just tried to do this. I removed the 2 screws but the liner barely moved and I couldn't see shit inside to get to the bulb. Which way did you guys pull the liner. I also saw that weird tab thing. I guess I just need to shine a flashlight in there.

**dropshadow** · 10-26-2013 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Pilfer

Reviving,
I just tried to do this. I removed the 2 screws but the liner barely moved and I couldn't see shit inside to get to the bulb. Which way did you guys pull the liner. I also saw that weird tab thing. I guess I just need to shine a flashlight in there.

You have to remove the tab fastener, but why even bother? Pull the foglight grilles as described at the top of this thread. Much quicker and easier.

**esimp2k** · 10-26-2013 04:57 PM

Even skimming through this thread I wish I had the one minute back.

**cfritos** · 10-26-2013 05:36 PM

if you are just changing the bulbs, it is much easier to just take the three screws out in the wheel well to change the bulb, this way you dont risk breaking the clamps on the whole fog light grill. But as long as it worked out for you thats all that matters!

**Pho99** · 10-26-2013 07:19 PM

Actually doing it this way is not that difficult. It took me less than 10 minutes to do both sides.

**dropshadow** · 10-26-2013 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by cfritos

if you are just changing the bulbs, it is much easier to just take the three screws out in the wheel well to change the bulb, this way you dont risk breaking the clamps on the whole fog light grill. But as long as it worked out for you thats all that matters!

If you break the tabs on the foglight grille, you pulled it out wrong. You insert a thin Allen wrench in the hole and it pops out. Takes 2 seconds.

**dbX79** · 10-27-2013 03:46 AM

I'm going behind the wheel well when I do mine I don't want to put all that stuff back or break those tabs on the grille.

**dropshadow** · 10-27-2013 07:23 AM

Some real misinformed people in this thread.

**s4sean87** · 01-15-2014 12:25 AM

^^ lol sean. Glad I was able to find this in the search. Saves me the hassle of having to figure it out.

**dbX79** · 01-15-2014 12:59 AM

I actually went behind the wheel well it was 10x easier. Just disconnect the power cord from the bulb and it's a breeze. Doing this from the grille isn't necessary.

**BirdmanQ5** · 01-15-2014 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by dbX79

I actually went behind the wheel well it was 10x easier. Just disconnect the power cord from the bulb and it's a breeze. Doing this from the grille isn't necessary.

Ditto. Much easier, less chance of damaging anything cosmetic

**dropshadow** · 01-15-2014 09:28 AM

I'm sorry you guys can't figure out how to pull out a small plastic grille without damaging your cars.

**Okan509** · 01-15-2014 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by dropshadow

I'm sorry you guys can't figure out how to pull out a small plastic grille without damaging your cars.

don't know why you are being a dick. both are sensible options, both are easy.

**dropshadow** · 01-15-2014 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Okan509

don't know why you are being a dick. both are sensible options, both are easy.

I'm cranky because I'm sleep-deprived due to a new baby. Carry on.

**s4sean87** · 01-15-2014 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by dropshadow

I'm cranky because I'm sleep-deprived due to a new baby. Carry on.

Recaro baby seats?

**dropshadow** · 01-15-2014 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by s4sean87

Recaro baby seats?

In due time.

**diegom305** · 01-15-2014 12:19 PM

Ballasts for B8.5 HID 35w or 55w? any idea?

our OEM bulbs are 35 or 55?

**dropshadow** · 01-15-2014 12:35 PM

35W is plenty. I wouldn't put 55W ballasts in an area that doesn't get direct airflow.

**s4sean87** · 01-15-2014 12:41 PM

55w would be to much heat inside that small of an area. its a fog light and that much output would more than likely scatter more. Remember the lower Kelvin you go the better the output will be on the road.

**coolwater** · 01-15-2014 12:50 PM

The standard fog bulbs are 35w.
I guess they were seeing too many issues with the 55w H11 causing heat issues in the fog housing on the B8.

So definitely go with 35w on the HID.

-cW

**diegom305** · 01-15-2014 01:40 PM

thx. 35w. what about the small amplifiers to keep the current steady (warning cancelers or anti flickers)? i've read that sometimes the current is not enough to fire the fog lamps.

**s4sean87** · 01-15-2014 02:24 PM

I'm still deciding if I want to just order the ZIZA yellow bulbs from ECS or go with HID's. These seem like a good option as they have the cancelers built in I believe. bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Stay away from Ebay.
http://www.oemplus.com/hid-foglight-...it-p-1377.html

**Okan509** · 01-15-2014 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by s4sean87

I'm still deciding if I want to just order the ZIZA yellow bulbs from ECS or go with HID's. These seem like a good option as they have the cancelers built in I believe. bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Stay away from Ebay.
http://www.oemplus.com/hid-foglight-...it-p-1377.html

I'll have my ziza yellows this friday, probably installed same day too

**dropshadow** · 01-15-2014 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by s4sean87

I'm still deciding if I want to just order the ZIZA yellow bulbs from ECS or go with HID's. These seem like a good option as they have the cancelers built in I believe. bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Stay away from Ebay.
http://www.oemplus.com/hid-foglight-...it-p-1377.html

I just ordered a set of LED bulbs for the hell of it. Not sure if they'll be worth it or not, but they were only $27.