Headlights bulb upgrade...Help

[Wrinkly Ninja]

I have read what I could in the owners manual and on the forum but have got a bit confused by H4 and H7, Main beam and dipped lights etc...plus possible differences between Ocean and Beach and even which engine and model year.
So, at the risk of being told off for not looking in the manual or on the forum properly I need a straightforward and hopefully uncritical answer.... please.
I have a 2017 150kw (204PS) DSG 4 Motion (I am including all this just in case it affects the answer)
I would like to get some whiter and brighter bulbs for both dipped and main lights.
I have read on the forum that Philips Racing Vision (+50%) or Osram Night Breaker bulbs have been fitted by members. Which are brightest/whitest?
Do I need H7 or H4 and what spec do I need to get to cover both Main and Dipped.
Finally, do Amazon seem to be well priced for these?
I would really appreciate some help from fellow members
Thanks in advance.

 

[Borris]

The Phillips Racing Vision +50% are an improvement on the bog standard bulbs fitted to my T6 Beach, which were atrocious. However the difference isn't miraculous. Given the relatively high cost of the bulbs and their reduced lifespan I am not sure if I would go down that road again.

If my Beach hadn't been an exdemo I would have paid the extra and gone for the full monty lighting package. I think they are LEDs. You can get genuine VW OEM LEDs retro fitted but you'd need to sit down before asking the price. It may be worth checking out the non OEM upgrades as they may do the job at a reasonable price.

I am not sure about the headlights on your model.

 

[Days out]

I have an Ocean 150 and have fitted 4x H7 bulbs and have seen a vast improvement on full beam and let's say bit better on main beam.

Bit fiddly to fit but I managed it without taking anything apart. You need to look inside the headlight from outside when re-fitting to get alignment of the bulb and also don't take the wires off until you have the bulb out.

There are a few posts about fitting bulbs if you search.

Good luck!!

 

[Days out]

Hi Ninja...

Just taken a photo of the boxes of the bulbs I bought. I was advised away from the brightest (130%) as they don't last so long as the 120% ones. You need 4 - one for each main beam and dipped beam lamp plus a white one for the side lights as the originals look yellow.

Hope that helps.

 

[Wrinkly Ninja]

View attachment 22460 View attachment 22459

Hi Ninja...

Just taken a photo of the boxes of the bulbs I bought. I was advised away from the brightest (130%) as they don't last so long as the 120% ones. You need 4 - one for each main beam and dipped beam lamp plus a white one for the side lights as the originals look yellow.

Hope that helps.

Many thanks Days. I'll have a go at them over the next week and see what happens.

Loving the Camper and getting lots of comments about the paint job.

 

[Roger Boeken]

H7 philips +30% in my 4motion ocean 2016 main lights. It is an improvement and I did not go for racing vision +50% as lifetime is significant shorter .and I do not intent to race at night .

 

[Wrinkly Ninja]

H7 philips +30% in my 4motion ocean 2016 main lights. It is an improvement and I did not go for racing vision +50% as lifetime is significant shorter .and I do not intent to race at night .

You mean you haven't entered your Ocean4motion for Le Mans this year?

 

[Roger Boeken]

You mean you haven't entered your Ocean4motion for Le Mans this year?

No I skip this year ..)

 

[Detritus]

Has anyone tried fitting Cree LED bulbs?

 

[julianjdj]

Fitted some Dubflecta LEDs. Amazing difference in visibility - only problem is the light warning bulb is constantly. Given the option of better visibility or a mildly annoying warning light you can probably guess my view. Here's my article about them: https://urbancraftuk.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/vw-t5-led-headlamps/

 

[Ken M]

Fitted some Dubflecta LEDs. Amazing difference in visibility - only problem is the light warning bulb is constantly. Given the option of better visibility or a mildly annoying warning light you can probably guess my view. Here's my article about them: https://urbancraftuk.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/vw-t5-led-headlamps/

G'day Julian, how are the Dubflecta LEDs going? Did you get a response back from them in relation to the canbus error?

 

[TrevorH]

Resurrecting this old thread can I just confirm that the simplest upgrade for a Beach ( with H4s) is something like Osram Nightbreakers ( but which ones since there seem to be various options?) . Since I have heard that they are difficult to fit am hoping I can persuade VW dealer to do so at next service In a couple of weeks.

 

[BeagleMum]

Resurrecting this old thread can I just confirm that the simplest upgrade for a Beach ( with H4s) is something like Osram Nightbreakers ( but which ones since there seem to be various options?) . Since I have heard that they are difficult to fit am hoping I can persuade VW dealer to do so at next service In a couple of weeks.

Will follow your progress on this with interest as we would like to upgrade.

 

[Billywizz]

Resurrecting this old thread can I just confirm that the simplest upgrade for a Beach ( with H4s) is something like Osram Nightbreakers ( but which ones since there seem to be various options?) . Since I have heard that they are difficult to fit am hoping I can persuade VW dealer to do so at next service In a couple of weeks.

I recommend the GE megalight ultra 150, I upgraded my beach and was so much better.
I found them quite easy to fit using a mirror on the near side light.

 

[Wesel]

Resurrecting this old thread can I just confirm that the simplest upgrade for a Beach ( with H4s) is something like Osram Nightbreakers ( but which ones since there seem to be various options?) . Since I have heard that they are difficult to fit am hoping I can persuade VW dealer to do so at next service In a couple of weeks.

I did it myself on my Coast, 3 years ago. It is not easy, but not impossible.

 

[trev0rk]

I bought these last year.

Osram Night Breaker Laser H4 headlight bulbs +150% more brightness (2 bulbs) | Euro Car Parts

Osram Night Breaker Laser H4 headlight bulbs +150% more brightness (2 bulbs) at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.

www.eurocarparts.com

Money well spent.
My local VW specialist fitted them for "a contribution to their tea fund". Took them about 20 minutes.

 

[Crispo]

A bit late in the day, but can anyone explain why these (osram nightbreaker h4) are any harder to fit than standard replacement bulbs?
Have seen a set from a company Deuscheparts for £60 to include for these and osram led side and running lights which seems a good deal but not if cannot fit!!
Thanks in advance....

 

[WelshGas]

A bit late in the day, but can anyone explain why these (osram nightbreaker h4) are any harder to fit than standard replacement bulbs?
Have seen a set from a company Deuscheparts for £60 to include for these and osram led side and running lights which seems a good deal but not if cannot fit!!
Thanks in advance....

They're not. Both types are fiddly to fit.

 

[Crispo]

They're not. Both types are fiddly to fit.

Thanks Welshgas - don’t suppose you know if the dlr and sidelights led bulbs are tricky to fit? They appear to be a replica fit to standard, but...

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks Welshgas - don’t suppose you know if the dlr and sidelights led bulbs are tricky to fit? They appear to be a replica fit to standard, but...

All the bulbs are tricky as there isn’t a lot of room. You can’t see what your doing and really need small hands. I’ve not done this on the H4 headlights only on my H7. It was fiddly.

 

[Wildcamper]

On the driver's side remove the air filter box, easy to do. Unclip the large tube, disconnect the electrical connector, unclip the three retaining clips, two at front one at the back and lift out. The passenger side is much more difficult. Removing the battery makes it much easier. Not something I look forward to doing on a cold dark night!! Then maybe call VW Assistance, the AA or the like.

 

[Wesel]

I did this to replace my H4 bulbs with Philips Extreme Vision. It was not easy but doable. And I don't have little hands