PIAA/Silvervision bulb change with lots of pics

With a car with the current Bi-Xenon headlights the sidelight bulbs are in the same housing as the DRL's. The main bulb is the large 21w bulb in the centre and the small 5w sidelight bulbs are a push fit into a housing in the same unit. Some members have said they are rather a pain to actually get out of the housing but they do just pull out - eventually.
 
Yup - impossible to get to the indicators from the bonnet - apparently it's a dealer job according to my manual :).

However, relatively easy to get to them from the wheel arch liner - remove 2 torx screws on each liner and you can then get your hand in to reach the bulbs.
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ElsaWin, the electronic workshop manual used by the dealers says they should be changed from the wheel arches. It says you should remove the wheels first but I understand it can be done by just turning the wheels onto the appropriate full lock.
 
h5djr said:
ElsaWin, the electronic workshop manual used by the dealers says they should be changed from the wheel arches. It says you should remove the wheels first but I understand it can be done by just turning the wheels onto the appropriate full lock.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I did - turning the wheels gives you plenty of room.
 
They certainly must look better than the normal yellow DRL bulbs. Me thinks I must order a pair!
 
Yea when I get paid this friday i'm going to order some PIAA sidelight bulbs hopefully =D
 
si_reading said:
I've done my DRL's on mine, but I can't get the sidelights to come out to change them.
Click to expand...

They are just a push fit. The bulb sits in a holder which is a push fit into the light fitting, so a gentle tug on the holder (if you can reach) or the wires themselves should get them out no bother.
 
mitch78 said:
Still a tight squeeze, but not difficult. I swapped both indicators, both DRLs and both sidelight bulbs in about 10 mins total.
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I did the DRLs and sidelights in 10 mins but because of my man hands had to go the wheel arch liner route for the indicator bulbs.

By the way Mitch, thanks should go to you as well for finding the PIAA bulbs in the first place :salute:
 
Yes how do you fit the new DRL's?

I have an New S3, Can someone posts some links to buy from. I like the ones in the initial Post.

Are DRLS different to Sidelights?
Obviously the S3 has Xenons so Im guessing I only have DRL's

David
 
Are DRLS different to Sidelights?
Obviously the S3 has Xenons so Im guessing I only have DRL's
Click to expand...

If you have a new S3 then you have Bi-Xenon headlamps which also means you have DRLs. New A3s fitted with Bi-Xenon headlights have a 21w bulb fitted in the unit on the inside of the main headlamps for use as Daytime Running Lights. This is different to the 5w bulb used as side or more correctly parking lights. The rotary switch next to the main lighting switch which controls the headlight height adjustment on other A3s has DRL next to it. There are just 2 positions, 1 for On and 0 for Off.

In some European countries the use DRLs at all times when not driving on full headlights is required by law and in other their use is recommended. I think it is intended that their use will be required by law in ALL EU countries around 2010.
 
You know the sidelight bulbs (5w), is there a way to get them without having such a blue tint? Maybe another brand? Or is PIAA the best at what they do!
 
I know what you mean emzino - they do have a blue tint - I think this is the compromise though - a blue tint to the bulb to get a whiter light, or clearer bulb which wont produce as whiter light. I've not come across anything else that will do the job - I know the Philips equivalents also have a blue tint (and yes they're cheaper) but thought I'd just stick with one make.
 
davidmann said:
Yes how do you fit the new DRL's?

I have an New S3, Can someone posts some links to buy from. I like the ones in the initial Post.

Are DRLS different to Sidelights?
Obviously the S3 has Xenons so Im guessing I only have DRL's

David
Click to expand...

David - the DRLs are easy to change - pop the cover off the back of the light unit in the bonnet and they are just a turn and pop out job - nice and simple. Personally I'd go with the PIAA bulbs from hid.uk.com - Phil there was very helpful when ordering the bulbs.
 
The blue tint grows on you and as said the light produced is far superior so a very worthy mod IMO as I'm no longer embarassed about my wee coloured DRL's.
 
redbutcher said:
I know what you mean emzino - they do have a blue tint - I think this is the compromise though - a blue tint to the bulb to get a whiter light, or clearer bulb which wont produce as whiter light. I've not come across anything else that will do the job - I know the Philips equivalents also have a blue tint (and yes they're cheaper) but thought I'd just stick with one make.
Click to expand...

I understand mate =)

Well guess what, my bulbs came through the door today! I only ordered them Friday @ 2pm.
Here's the website I used: http://www.priracing.com/product.php/120/0/piaa-w5w--xtreme-white-wedge-5-10w-bulb--pair-

Total cost was £14.85p inc. VAT & Delivery. Came extremely fast I must say and they put a PIAA leaflet for some reading lol. I like that kinda stuff. Anyway I got work so doubt i'll have time to do it so i'm gonna give it a go Sunday evening (if there's any sunlight left) or Monday morning. I'll do a guide too so everyone can see how it's done. I'm excited :jump:
 
ahhhh so THATS what the DRL button does!

I wont be turning it on then, unless I get some none yellow bulbs.
 
According to a new EU Directive, all new cars will have to be fitted with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) from 2011 and all other new vehicles by 2012.

Good old UK has chickened out of going the full way, as usual, and will not require cars not fitted with DRLs to use dipped headlamps, so for some time you will have some cars with DRLs on and some cars with nothing!

I understand most other EU countries are going to following Austria, Hungary and others and require DRLs or dipped headlights at all times.
 
That is a mod I am going to do....

Just the DLR and sidelights... indicator lights don't really bother me...

Pedro
 
redbutcher said:


Bulbs Used:

DRLs: PIAA H227 Xtreme White S25 Single 382 Bayonet 21 watt
£12.71 each purchased from hid.uk.com
Link

Sidelights: PIAA H222 Xtreme White Wedge sold in pairs 5 watt each
£11.91 for the pair purchased from hid.uk.com
Link

Side Repeaters: 501 Chrome Wedge sold in pairs
£6.99 for the pair purchased from Autobulbs direct on Ebay
Link

Indicators: Philips Silvervision PY21W Sold in pairs 21 Watt
Purchased from Ebay for £8.99 (make sure the packaging is the new style not old)

The DRLs and sidelights were easy to change but I couldn't reach the indicator bulbs due to the Xenon units. So to get to them I turned the wheels in and on the wheel arch liner where it's split into 2 parts, towards the edge there are 2 torx screws. If you undo those, you can then open the wheel arch liner and just about get your arm up to the indicator bulbs. With a turn of the bulb holder, it should release the bulb and holder and it can then be removed for the bulb to be changed.

Jon
Click to expand...

Really useful post this Jon - thanks.

Quick question - which bulb is giving off the blue reflection in the headlight units?
It's not quite my taste, so do you know if there is anything as an alternative, that gives a whiter light without the 'blue' reflection?

Much appreciated.

JK
 
No mate, we are looking around for WHITE bulbs when on , but clear when off!

They may look good on a Sprint tho, i think there's a pic of the bulbs on a sprint car?

p
 
No mate, we are looking around for WHITE bulbs when on , but clear when off!
Click to expand...

If you do find any, let us know. I would quite like a white light to my DRLs but I personally don't like the blue look when their off.
 
h5djr said:
If you do find any, let us know. I would quite like a white light to my DRLs but I personally don't like the blue look when their off.
Click to expand...

I think i posted in another thread about the philips xtreme bulbs. Because they have reduced the casing size and burn the filament hotter, they give 80% more light and it's naturally a LOT whiter. They are apparently the closest thing to xenons in all round performance....Don't think they make the correct fitment for DRL's though, only main beam and dip beam.
I keep meaning to get some...
 
jamiekip said:
Really useful post this Jon - thanks.

Quick question - which bulb is giving off the blue reflection in the headlight units?
It's not quite my taste, so do you know if there is anything as an alternative, that gives a whiter light without the 'blue' reflection?

Much appreciated.

JK
Click to expand...

That'll be the DRLs. The sidelights also have a blue tint, but they are so small, you don't really notice it. It's the DRLs that give off the most as they are a larger bulb. Shame really as the bulbs are so much better - as above posts have said - we're all on the look out for a clear bulb that gives out a much whiter light than stock.
 
just ordered mine from priracing, to save myself a whole £4 and that they are nearer to me anyway... will get a pic up to see what they are like on an ibis.
£27.56 inc del for DRLs and sideys
 
Kontraband they look wicked mate, done mine 2 weeks ago and got them from PRI Racing too!

Haven't worked out how to post pics yet otherwise i'd show you!
 
Kontraband said:
just ordered mine from priracing, to save myself a whole £4 and that they are nearer to me anyway... will get a pic up to see what they are like on an ibis.
£27.56 inc del for DRLs and sideys
Click to expand...

I know the lad from PRI racing he lives down the road from me.

I got my bulbs from him , but i don't like the blue tint when there off, they look the part when there on though!

EAGLE79 said:
Kontraband they look wicked mate, done mine 2 weeks ago and got them from PRI Racing too!

Haven't worked out how to post pics yet otherwise i'd show you!
Click to expand...

I spoke to the lad a couple of weeks ago about him trying to get hold of some bulbs that shine white when on , but clear when off , he's still not got back to me about them!

The blue tint looks biz on a black car IMHO

p
 
One of the best and most cost effective mods you can do. The nasty yellow light given off from the standards is replaced by a bright white light, you do get used to the blue tint and as the DRL's are intended to be on continuously its not an issue.

I took mine off the S3 at PX and put them on the TT and it makes a huge difference, I may now be one of the few TT owners that actually uses the DRL's.
 
hey p, you coulda sorted us all a discount out then!! ;)

Spin... yeah... you must be, didnt know TT's had DRLs
 
Kontraband said:
hey p, you coulda sorted us all a discount out then!! ;)

Spin... yeah... you must be, didnt know TT's had DRLs
Click to expand...

Well if the lad comes up trumps with some new bulbs that don't have the blue tint , i'm sure he will do if enough of use want them!:o.k:

p
 
I dunno... I might like the blue and white thing I'll have going on! ;)

Either way... if you hear owt... let us know
 
I'd be up for a group buy on replacement bulbs too - when the blue tinit is gone!
 
Ive just spoken to the lad , he says they don't make the bulb we want , he's had a look for differenet make's of bulbs , but still nothing ATM!

He did say if we email PIAA usa asking for the bulbs we want then we stand a good chance of them making them for us ( if enough of us do it )

Here's the web site.

http://www.piaa.com/

Give it a whirl!

p
 
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