Halogen to Xenon upgrade complete...some problems

DJ 2.7T · 02-14-2005, 06:53 AM

After finally getting a replacement Xenon headlamp from Clair for the damaged one they sent, I had my 2 new Xenon headlights installed at my local Audi dealer on Friday. The install only took about an hour after which the tech gave me the keys. The lights seemed to work just fine and I was one my way home.

In the evening I decided to take the car out for a spin to see the improvement over my halogens. I started the car and noticed that the volt meter was slightly above 14v which seemed higher than ususal. I then noticed that the lights were illuminating the street almost as much as the high beams. I know the Audi tech leveled them, but as I drove out of my development people were flashing me and I could easily see something was not right.

To those that have done this switch: have you experienced any battery issues or is there potentially something with the alternator that the Xenons would cause it to work harder? I hope my illumination problem can be solved with an adjustment. I am taking the car in to the dealer on Friday after I'm back from my business trip. I will try to post picts in the meantime.

TIA,
-DJ

Boston Driver · 02-14-2005, 06:59 AM

or did you simply have the halogens swapped fro the xenons.

Not sure about the brightness issue tied to the voltmeter and battery, but those Xenons are VERY bright if not aimed properly.

TeddyBGame · 02-14-2005, 07:09 AM

I did the same thing...and my voltmeter registers around 14.1-ish...even with the HID's on. I've had mine running for two years now...and no issues.

It's possible that they are aimed too high...not sure.

When I went to HID's...yes the difference overy Halogen is staggering. That's how they work.

Like most of us...I assume that you didn't attempt to make the levelers work...as it would take a hefty bit of knowledge of the Bentley manual etc...to rewire your car (which is why...most of didn't bother with it).

...drop me an email...and we can chat offline.

see my sig area for related posts.

-ted

DJ 2.7T · 02-14-2005, 07:19 AM

Boston Driver · 02-14-2005, 07:30 AM

the reason being that they are very bright when not aimed properly. Without the sensors, even if/when you have them aimed properly, if you load the rear of the car (trunk) they lamps will be too bright for oncoming traffic.

I had the driver's side aimed a bit too high after the front end was repaired (and the car was lowered). I could tell they were too high when I was behind another car. I got those flashing lights over and over again. However, I had them adjusted by the dealer at the next service interval, and everything is fine now.

Once you get them aimed properly, just be aware of the bight lights when your car is going over a rise in the road, or when the rear is loaded. Learn to anticipate flashing brights from oncoming traffic.

saabSean · 02-14-2005, 08:16 AM

The auto leveling might be a bit much to take on, but I wonder if the manual aiming wheel as used on Euro cars would be easier?

TeddyBGame · 02-14-2005, 08:49 AM

...might still require additional wiring....but probably won't need the sensors in the rear.

check with lee
lee@wheelman.com

-ted

im_cecil · 02-14-2005, 11:26 AM

I can usually see a VERY slight adjustment when I fire them up, but I usually have a pretty consistent load (no jokes, please) in my car. Or at least, I do when I happen to be parked at night in front of a wall. I have not had the forethought to play around with dumping a bunch of stuff in the trunk, yet.

I recently got a ride in Kimchee's car, and I saw his almost go from full dip to level adjustment. A lot of movement. So, either I'm a lardass ;-), or one of our cars is doing something wacky.

Thanks.

Boston Driver · 02-14-2005, 12:38 PM

or it looks like it is doing that.

ESN · 02-14-2005, 12:40 PM

02-14-2005, 06:53 AM	#1
DJ 2.7T New Member Account #: 2821 Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 328	Halogen to Xenon upgrade complete...some problems After finally getting a replacement Xenon headlamp from Clair for the damaged one they sent, I had my 2 new Xenon headlights installed at my local Audi dealer on Friday. The install only took about an hour after which the tech gave me the keys. The lights seemed to work just fine and I was one my way home. In the evening I decided to take the car out for a spin to see the improvement over my halogens. I started the car and noticed that the volt meter was slightly above 14v which seemed higher than ususal. I then noticed that the lights were illuminating the street almost as much as the high beams. I know the Audi tech leveled them, but as I drove out of my development people were flashing me and I could easily see something was not right. To those that have done this switch: have you experienced any battery issues or is there potentially something with the alternator that the Xenons would cause it to work harder? I hope my illumination problem can be solved with an adjustment. I am taking the car in to the dealer on Friday after I'm back from my business trip. I will try to post picts in the meantime. TIA, -DJ __________________

02-14-2005, 06:59 AM	#2
Boston Driver AudiWorld Expert Account #: 69482 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lexington, MA Posts: 26,765	Did you also have the auto-leveling installed? or did you simply have the halogens swapped fro the xenons. Not sure about the brightness issue tied to the voltmeter and battery, but those Xenons are VERY bright if not aimed properly. __________________ 2002 A6 4.2 Sport...with a few things added

02-14-2005, 07:09 AM	#3
TeddyBGame AudiWorld Super User Account #: 32631 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 6,784	HID's require less juice (fact)...so the volt meter issue was exactly what I had I did the same thing...and my voltmeter registers around 14.1-ish...even with the HID's on. I've had mine running for two years now...and no issues. It's possible that they are aimed too high...not sure. When I went to HID's...yes the difference overy Halogen is staggering. That's how they work. Like most of us...I assume that you didn't attempt to make the levelers work...as it would take a hefty bit of knowledge of the Bentley manual etc...to rewire your car (which is why...most of didn't bother with it). ...drop me an email...and we can chat offline. see my sig area for related posts. -ted __________________ TeddyBGame - C5 Avant - "the Beast" (Ha!!) - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring (Nav, Sirius, Bluetooth, Xenon, TPMS, ParkSense, DVD Changer - basically loaded) - 2003 Vespa ET2 (modified exhaust and carb -- so I can max out at 45MPH) - John Deere Gator (4x2) for the boy As of November 2006: Accessory Add-ons: (Definition: An item that provides a specific function - in a cyclical nature - and can be removed very..very easily.) 1) OEM winter floor mats 2) OEM rubber trunk mat and cargo net 3) VW Touareg cigarette lighter flashlight 4) Thule roof bars with Evolution 1200 roof box Upgrades: (Definition: A [bolt-on/bolt-off] item that enhances the appearance, performance or misc function of your car.) 1) OEM front/rear Euro black Recaro Seats (from a Euro 2003 S6 Avant) http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/618112.phtml 2) OEM HID/Xenon (complete) housings (car never came with the Xenon option from the factory) 3) OEM Euro front/rear (avant) beam-style wiper blades/arms (available via www.vagparts.com) 4) OEM B6 S4 Interior auto-dimming black mirror with compass and on/off button 5) OEM Euro blindspot exterior mirrors 6) OEM S6/4.2 exterior lower door trim 7) OEM S4/S6/S8 aluminum mirror housings 8) OEM Euro rear license plate panel from 2002+ facelift avant (slight MODification to US plate required) 9) ? 10) OEM Euro RNS-E DVD Navigation system with MP3, SAT control and TV input 11) Dietz 1417 A/V input to RNS-E 12) Blaupunkt ME3 DVD/CD/MP3/TV Tuner with aftermarket amplified TV antenna in windshield 13) OEM Sirius tuner (special version to work with RNS-E) 14) OEM Phatnoise Phatbox MP3 player (trunk mounted) with custom interface cable to allow Sirius tuner and Phatbox to work together -- cool!! 15) ? 16) BBS RC 17x8 ET35 with Michelin Pilot Sports (summer tires) 17) 2002+ Rear bumper with valance openings for Magnaflow 3" exhaust tips 18) OEM submarine fin roof antenna for SAT / GPS / Cellphone (GSM) 19) OEM Euro gunmetal black avant roof rails 20) 2002+ Climate control faceplate to match faceplate color of RNS-E 21) Walnut wood trim near hazard button (above RNS-E) to match rest of interior wood scheme 22) OEM Euro Avant door panels with integrated sunshades (imported from Germany to match the black leather in my Euro Recaro interior) 23) OEM Euro blacked out front grille (no chrome perimeter) 24) OEM gunmetal black lower rear hatch strip (specific part# for avant vs. sedan) 25) OEM RS6 gunmetal black interior door latches; no need to add any RS6 badges in my car (Thanks Nelson!!!) 26) OEM Euro four spoke walnut wood and black leather (special order via Audi GmbH) multi-function wheel with tip buttons and OEM phone (BT) control 27) Upgraded "618" MF/Tip control module Coming soon: - rear mounted removable 7" LCD panel MODifications: (Definition: Any permenant change to a part or component of your car that you cannot reverse) 1) Tray under armrest to add aux. cigarette lighter 2) OEM avant CD changer bracket MODified (to fit two large CD changers etc) - now I just use it for Phatbox, OEM SAT tuner and OEM BT module. 3) Exhaust tips MODified to add Magna Flow (#35163) 3" dual walled tip 4) Factory wiring behind Sym I to simplify installation/removal of RNS-E 5) MODified glovebox to support fitment of Blaupunkt ME3 (a biatch to install!!) 6) MODified headlight switch bezel for fitment of GALA switch for "video-in-motion" for playing Blaupunkt ME3 through RNSE 7) MODified stock exhaust and had magnaflow 3" tips welded on (see above) 8) MODified rear Euro license plate surround to house 2nd rear foglight (2001 model only came with one from the factory); US license plate needed to be MODified a bit to fit inside the narrow Euro opening. RNS-E for C5 A6/S6/allroad/RS6 - your quest starts here - (regularly updated) <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/607331.phtml">OEM submarine fin installed on

02-14-2005, 07:19 AM	#4
DJ 2.7T New Member Account #: 2821 Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 328	No, just a simple swap. Hope it's just the leveling. __________________

02-14-2005, 07:30 AM	#5
Boston Driver AudiWorld Expert Account #: 69482 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lexington, MA Posts: 26,765	Hids are difficult without the auto leveling... the reason being that they are very bright when not aimed properly. Without the sensors, even if/when you have them aimed properly, if you load the rear of the car (trunk) they lamps will be too bright for oncoming traffic. I had the driver's side aimed a bit too high after the front end was repaired (and the car was lowered). I could tell they were too high when I was behind another car. I got those flashing lights over and over again. However, I had them adjusted by the dealer at the next service interval, and everything is fine now. Once you get them aimed properly, just be aware of the bight lights when your car is going over a rise in the road, or when the rear is loaded. Learn to anticipate flashing brights from oncoming traffic. __________________ 2002 A6 4.2 Sport...with a few things added

02-14-2005, 08:16 AM	#6
saabSean Member Account #: 8108 Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 4,434	Did anyone look into the Euro aiming wheel? The auto leveling might be a bit much to take on, but I wonder if the manual aiming wheel as used on Euro cars would be easier? __________________ AudiWorld \|\| 1999 A6 2.8q \| 1992 100CS \| AudiWorld Photo Gallery Links \|\| Stoney's FAQ \| CycleForums European Sportbikes Forum Tech Articles \|\| Instrument Cluster Replacement \| Suction Pump Replacement Other \|\| boompa.com/audiSean FOR SALE: MOVEN SP-10 18X8.5 FORGED WHEELS, $500 for 5

02-14-2005, 08:49 AM	#7
TeddyBGame AudiWorld Super User Account #: 32631 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 6,784	yes...Lee Levitt (Ur S6) is looking into it...as we speak...but... ...might still require additional wiring....but probably won't need the sensors in the rear. check with lee lee@wheelman.com -ted __________________ TeddyBGame - C5 Avant - "the Beast" (Ha!!) - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring (Nav, Sirius, Bluetooth, Xenon, TPMS, ParkSense, DVD Changer - basically loaded) - 2003 Vespa ET2 (modified exhaust and carb -- so I can max out at 45MPH) - John Deere Gator (4x2) for the boy As of November 2006: Accessory Add-ons: (Definition: An item that provides a specific function - in a cyclical nature - and can be removed very..very easily.) 1) OEM winter floor mats 2) OEM rubber trunk mat and cargo net 3) VW Touareg cigarette lighter flashlight 4) Thule roof bars with Evolution 1200 roof box Upgrades: (Definition: A [bolt-on/bolt-off] item that enhances the appearance, performance or misc function of your car.) 1) OEM front/rear Euro black Recaro Seats (from a Euro 2003 S6 Avant) http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/618112.phtml 2) OEM HID/Xenon (complete) housings (car never came with the Xenon option from the factory) 3) OEM Euro front/rear (avant) beam-style wiper blades/arms (available via www.vagparts.com) 4) OEM B6 S4 Interior auto-dimming black mirror with compass and on/off button 5) OEM Euro blindspot exterior mirrors 6) OEM S6/4.2 exterior lower door trim 7) OEM S4/S6/S8 aluminum mirror housings 8) OEM Euro rear license plate panel from 2002+ facelift avant (slight MODification to US plate required) 9) ? 10) OEM Euro RNS-E DVD Navigation system with MP3, SAT control and TV input 11) Dietz 1417 A/V input to RNS-E 12) Blaupunkt ME3 DVD/CD/MP3/TV Tuner with aftermarket amplified TV antenna in windshield 13) OEM Sirius tuner (special version to work with RNS-E) 14) OEM Phatnoise Phatbox MP3 player (trunk mounted) with custom interface cable to allow Sirius tuner and Phatbox to work together -- cool!! 15) ? 16) BBS RC 17x8 ET35 with Michelin Pilot Sports (summer tires) 17) 2002+ Rear bumper with valance openings for Magnaflow 3" exhaust tips 18) OEM submarine fin roof antenna for SAT / GPS / Cellphone (GSM) 19) OEM Euro gunmetal black avant roof rails 20) 2002+ Climate control faceplate to match faceplate color of RNS-E 21) Walnut wood trim near hazard button (above RNS-E) to match rest of interior wood scheme 22) OEM Euro Avant door panels with integrated sunshades (imported from Germany to match the black leather in my Euro Recaro interior) 23) OEM Euro blacked out front grille (no chrome perimeter) 24) OEM gunmetal black lower rear hatch strip (specific part# for avant vs. sedan) 25) OEM RS6 gunmetal black interior door latches; no need to add any RS6 badges in my car (Thanks Nelson!!!) 26) OEM Euro four spoke walnut wood and black leather (special order via Audi GmbH) multi-function wheel with tip buttons and OEM phone (BT) control 27) Upgraded "618" MF/Tip control module Coming soon: - rear mounted removable 7" LCD panel MODifications: (Definition: Any permenant change to a part or component of your car that you cannot reverse) 1) Tray under armrest to add aux. cigarette lighter 2) OEM avant CD changer bracket MODified (to fit two large CD changers etc) - now I just use it for Phatbox, OEM SAT tuner and OEM BT module. 3) Exhaust tips MODified to add Magna Flow (#35163) 3" dual walled tip 4) Factory wiring behind Sym I to simplify installation/removal of RNS-E 5) MODified glovebox to support fitment of Blaupunkt ME3 (a biatch to install!!) 6) MODified headlight switch bezel for fitment of GALA switch for "video-in-motion" for playing Blaupunkt ME3 through RNSE 7) MODified stock exhaust and had magnaflow 3" tips welded on (see above) 8) MODified rear Euro license plate surround to house 2nd rear foglight (2001 model only came with one from the factory); US license plate needed to be MODified a bit to fit inside the narrow Euro opening. RNS-E for C5 A6/S6/allroad/RS6 - your quest starts here - (regularly updated) <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/607331.phtml">OEM submarine fin installed on

02-14-2005, 11:26 AM	#8
im_cecil Senior Member Account #: 30439 Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 9,499	On a related note -- you guys with factory Xenons... how much do yours move on startup? I can usually see a VERY slight adjustment when I fire them up, but I usually have a pretty consistent load (no jokes, please) in my car. Or at least, I do when I happen to be parked at night in front of a wall. I have not had the forethought to play around with dumping a bunch of stuff in the trunk, yet. I recently got a ride in Kimchee's car, and I saw his almost go from full dip to level adjustment. A lot of movement. So, either I'm a lardass ;-), or one of our cars is doing something wacky. Thanks.

02-14-2005, 12:38 PM	#9
Boston Driver AudiWorld Expert Account #: 69482 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lexington, MA Posts: 26,765	Mine start slightly lower than where they settle... or it looks like it is doing that. __________________ 2002 A6 4.2 Sport...with a few things added

02-14-2005, 12:40 PM	#10
ESN Elder Member Account #: 734 Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 4,508	Remember, the OEM auto-levelers are set to leave the left side slightly lower than the right. __________________ Ed Nathan 2010 A6 3.0T - Oyster Gray/Black, 19" 5 Spoke S4 OEM wheels w/Pirelli P Zeros (summer)/18" Rial Portos w/Dunlop M3s (winter); Prestige Package; Sport Suspension; Side Assist; hardwired V1; OEM winter mats. 2007 A6 4.2 S-Line 2001 A6 4.2/1998.5 A4 2.8 QTS/ 1996 A4 2.8/1993 90 CS

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