I've been following the discussions the past few days regarding the PIAA H7 Superwhites. I understand that the same bulb is used for both the high and low beams. So how can the high beams be so good (at least I think they're good) while the low beams suck (again, IMHO)?<p>Additionally, is there anyway to "adjust" the aim of the low beams without affecting the highs, or are the adjustments that can be made to the housing itself?

Gary, PIAA told me yesterday that the low and fog's use the H1 and the high's use the H7. In addition, the fog's use different reflectors and angles to direct the beam.

And the Fog Lights use H1.

Hey Guys,<p>The bulbs are the same in the lows and the highs, but the light dispersion pattern is different. I agree the high beams are great, but it's like I don't have my headlights on at all with the stock low beams.<p>And no, you can't aim the lows without affecting the highs, and the fogs for that matter. <p><br>James Wu<br>A4 Club of Vancouver<br>1998 Black/Onyx 1.8tqa<ul><li><a href="http://vancouver.a4.org">A4 Club of Vancouver</a></li></ul>

What year are you referring to and how did you verify this? I'm just trying to get a straight answere here. I thought PIAA would know their stuff, but evidently not. <p>Thanks<br>Rob

Hey Rob,<p>All A4's in North America since 1996 (and will until the 99.5 models come out) have used the same headlight with the same bulb configuration. <p>How do I know the high and lows are the same bulbs? Because I checked. One phone call to your local dealer will confirm this. Although the users manual does not specify which bulb is to be used, (probably so people have to go to the dealers for replacement bulbs), but if you look in the section where it shows you how to change the light bulbs (p. 192 on mine), you can see from the diagram that the low and high beam bulbs are the same while the fog light bulb is different.<p>I'm quite sure PIAA knows their stuff. But their stuff is making good bulbs, not to know by heart what bulb is used in the low, high, fogs of every car made in the world.<p>Hope this helps.<p><br>James Wu<br>A4 Club of Vancouver<br>1998 Black/Onyx 1.8tqa<ul><li><a href="http://vancouver.a4.org">A4 Club of Vancouver</a></li></ul>

I find the stock low beams fine. <<Flame suit on>><p>If you're in a position where you can't use the high beams or fogs, then 9 times out of 10 this means there is ancillary lighting from other sources. I've been alone and tried the lows by themselves and didn't feel in the dark at all.<p>I think the aiming of the lights has a lot to do with it, especially with the sharp "Euroesque" cutoff of light. If the headlamp is aimed just a little bit low you're not going to get much range or coverage on the road.<p>I do have excellent night vision, but I don't think that's all. I've seen cars with much worse lighting (like earlier model Audis). Eurospec changeover? Maybe if the price was right. Xenon? Overkill especially for the price it looks like the conversion will cost.<p>my $.02.

The stock housing uses H7s for the Lows and Highs and an H1 for the fog...<br>RobS, if you have ever in your life seen an H1 bulb you would understand why...they're far too small to put out enough light for even a low beam...<p>As for adjusting the headlights...there are two large white recessed sockets (one near the corner lamp, the other near the grille...towards the middle that is) that fit either an Allen wrench or a phillips-head screwdriver...one is for left-to-right adjustment of the beam...the other for up-and-down adjustment....<p>Easiest way to align the headlights is the drive up within two or three feet of a wall...mark where the top of the beam is WITH THE DRIVER IN THE CAR and then pull the car back about twenty-five to thirty feet and realign the lamps so that the beam still hits the mark, again WITH THE DRIVER IN THE CAR...<p>Hope this helps...