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Anyone put HID's on their 02 A4

33K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  epicVIN 
#1 ·
I am thinking about putting them on mine. I want to get some opinions and reccomendations from people who have them.
 
#2 ·
The factory HID headlights on my 2003 A4 provide dramatically better highway illumination than a buddy's 2003 A4 equipped with the conventional incandescent headlights. The auto-leveling mechanism keeps the headlight beams projecting light as far down the road as possible without blinding the oncoming traffic. After-market HID bulbs are available in a broad range of color temperatures, so you can tune the light spectrum to match your nighttime illumination needs. So, the short answer is, "yes, HID headlights are definitely worth having on-board your A4."

I would recommend the Audi OEM HID headlights; while they'll probably cost more than some aftermarket headlights, the OEM parts will "just work" without any need to fake-out the on-board systems or physically alter your car. If you're going to consider third-party/aftermarket HID headlights, be careful to fully research your candidate HID headlights --- you want to make an informed decision. For example, if the HID headlights don't include an auto-leveling mechanism, then the headlights will have to be aimed more conservatively in order to avoid blinding the oncoming traffic. Also, be aware that the on-board diagnostics of the A4 are tightly-coupled with the factory HID headlights --- be certain that any aftermarket HID headlights either integrate with the on-board systems or are at least benignly ignored by the ECU... ;-)
 
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#5 ·
T-sport,

Glad to help. I've benefited considerably from all of the information that I've gleaned from the forum, so I try to contribute back to the community when I can... ;-)
 
#11 ·
Hi,
I want to buy some xenon hid bulbs for my car, but i want to buy some that aren't going to out every 3 months. I brought some matrix xenon bulbs and those lasted between 5-8 months before they went out, but i'm looking for some xenon bulbs that will at least make it a year without going out. Do any of these lighting companies make xenon hid bulbs that will last that long or longer?
 
#12 ·
That slightly depends: Is your car already factory HID equipped? If yes: then you should visit your dealership as your HID bulbs should not be going out that regularly.

If no: are the "Xenon HID bulbs" you've bought actual HIDs? Meaning they are xenon-gas filled bulbs coupled to ballasts? If no: you are not buying actual HID lights, you're just buying conventional H7 incandescent bulbs that are filled (maybe) with gas. True HID lighting is based around a gas filled bulb that (essentially) is ignited, burning brighter than normal filament based incandescent bulbs. A ballast and integrated igniter are part of an HID package.

Now if you are running an actual HID kit: contact the manufacturer as it is probably faulty, or buy a more reputable kit.
 
#13 ·
No HID No SilverStar Headlight/Foglight Upgrade

I didn't want to do HID kits or LED conversions or MacGyver/retrofit bulbs so I replaced low-beam, high-beam and fog lights with those relatively new solux bulbs. They claim that they are 80% brighter, 50% whiter (4600k), longest beam, etc. but the kicker is that they claim they last as long as standard halogens. I really got tired of changing silverstar ultras all the time so I'm trying soluxs. So far I really like them and I'd say that they're spot-on with their brighter claim and they actually do have the color of natural daylight (not obnoxious white/blue nor "weak" amberish). The low-beams and fogs are great great the high-beams are unbelievable. I just hope they last as long as they say they will. Will keep everyone posted.
 
#15 ·
Well, I have manufacture installed ones and running on them since summer of 2007. Had to open right headlight unit and purchased 1 oem (Philips, $134/each) before I cross referenced them. (yes, I deserve some names). So after dicking around when headlight unit pulled out, I've heard some wonderfull stories how to bake-owen the unit to certain degree and take it apart to repair/replace damaged/crambled off insulation off the cables. The story was pretty creepy, so I took heatgun and opened by steps. took apart, replaced all the wiring, straighned edges as "prettyfull" and functional asI could, use some clear RV and clamped the unit together. new lamp installed and ballast cross-references with left unit as working one.
One thing is crappy - leveling is not working for both now. I think I either pinched or screwed some wiring in that little connector that hooks to inside leveling motor.
The light is working so far for 2 years. Seems to be sealed ok. I still wonder if anyone bakeowen headlight unit to separate, though.
I'll definitely go with matching bulbs and ballasts. I've seen fellows with chinese kits in 5-6 month lifespan.
 
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