HID Fog Light Alternative

Brozee · 04-13-2012, 10:33 PM

Hey guys,
After retrofitting LED's just about everywhere I can in the A8 I still have my stock yellowish fogs. Was contemplating going the route of a slim HID ballast with the error cancelling kit from DDM tuning for the HID route.

Then... I scanned audi forums and everything showing that they do in fact work in both the 35w and 55w variants, it is just quite a bit more detailed to cut and install the HIDs into the fog light housing.

Then I saw these 4000k plug and play swap bulbs that just simply replace the factory bulb. They also run on the factory wattages. I was skeptical at first but after seeing pictures and reviews they seem really nice. They are right around the exact same price as the HID's though just much less effort involved. For my 05 A8 I am pretty sure it requires the H11 bulb where 06+ uses an H7

Here are the xenonmatch bulbs
http://www.hoen-usa.com/fog.htm

Let me know what you guys think.

Mister Bally · 04-14-2012, 03:56 AM

If the ad is true, it's a no brainer to install these Hoen bulbs.

MP4.2+6.0 · 04-14-2012, 06:37 AM

Discussed on forum off and on over the years. They are a pretty close color match to the HID's. Yes, just install and done. I have used them for five years with zero issues or bulb burn outs (though I am not a believer in driving around w/ fog lights incessantly--they get used in rain and actual fog). Good light output.

awdinut · 04-14-2012, 07:16 PM

The Hoen site also shows their ENDURANCE line of yellow foglamps. When I changed fogs I went with yellow bulbs; the whiter the light the more it scatters due to rain/fog/snow and reflects back into the drivers eyes. And my main criteria for fogs is their functionality. I'm guessing that's also why the ALMS cars and the like use yellow.

I did not use the Hoen bulbs however. I used yellow H9 headlight bulbs for a large increase in output...with a small modification to the base H9s fit my 04 fog light sockets. Have not had any problems.

Jan_PL_S6 · 04-14-2012, 08:13 PM

I installed a slim ballast kit on my 05 and have absolutely no error codes. Problem is that they will turn off by themselves. I end up just playing with them (turning them on and off) until they warm up and stay on without any problems. Takes about 3 times. Kind of annoying but I get over it really, something to keep me occupied while I let the car warm up slightly. I fitted mine with the 3000k kit, giving it a nice yellowish look which I think looks great IMO, highly recommend it.

Brozee · 04-14-2012, 09:17 PM

What is the easiest way to get into there to replace them? Tilt the wheel sideways and gain access through the wheel well, or take off the bottom plastic protection just like you were changing the oil and get in there that way? Never opened it up.

mcdream · 04-15-2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brozee

What is the easiest way to get into there to replace them? Tilt the wheel sideways and gain access through the wheel well, or take off the bottom plastic protection just like you were changing the oil and get in there that way? Never opened it up.

I've got updated bumper but I think changing fogs is about the same. You need to remove the trim in front of the fog light (make sure you open the clips that hold the trim place with a screwdriver or else you might damage the bumper) and then you'll see screws holding fog light in place. There should be about 4 screws but 3 of them actually hold the fog light in place if I remember correctly. After removing the screws you have to turn the fog light a bit to get it out (you'll see why and how) and then just open the fog light casing (which is the hardest part IMO. Opening is easier than closing it up tho).
There should be some topics around that have pictures and more detailed description but it isn't very hard to do.

mcdream · 04-15-2012, 05:47 AM

Found the DIY link here, not exactly the same but gives the general idea. Couldn't find a better one atm:
http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/audi-...og-lights.html

some fog light trim latches are in bit different places, but number 3 should be at the shown place.

MP4.2+6.0 · 04-15-2012, 07:45 PM

by removing the fog light surround trim, then the fog light. Easy. As mentioned in the above posts, just have to master the retaining plastic tabs. \

Unfortunately as I've learned on my C5, the occasional cheap a** low life older Audi "owners" (or ebay "resellers"??)) have mastered the method too. Had to wire tie my replacement set in to slow them down.

Jan_PL_S6 · 04-17-2012, 06:49 PM

Yeah as posted in the DIY and posts above its a really easy job. If you're looking for a spot to leave the ballast, I used heavy duty double sided tape and just stuck them onto the plastic fog light cover you originally pull off. Would highly recommend the slim ballast kit though.

04-14-2012, 06:37 AM	#3
MP4.2+6.0 Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 4,101	I've used these for years... Discussed on forum off and on over the years. They are a pretty close color match to the HID's. Yes, just install and done. I have used them for five years with zero issues or bulb burn outs (though I am not a believer in driving around w/ fog lights incessantly--they get used in rain and actual fog). Good light output. __________________ Current #1: '06 D3 A8L W12 brilliant black w/ amaretto; 4 seat setup, CPO; modestly VAG COM lowered, H&R 20mm rear and 12mm front DRs with 275/35 on OEM polished + forged 20's; S8 sway bars (see: rear bar and gen'l D3 bar info and front bar); tweaked 385mm front factory brake mod and matching rear brake mod; matching C6 A6 back headrests (better rear view: headrest tweak); owner installed AMI retrofit with part number details here; uprated fogs; other VAG COM tweaking to suit. Current #2: C5 '00 A6 4.2 ming blue w/ beige, new off showroom floor; Lemiwinks + VAG COM tweaks; smoked tails; RS 6 OEM 18's; RNS-D (CD) Navi On order: 2013 Q5 2.0T hybrid; Scuba blue w/ chestnut sport interior; Euro delivery approx. 7/2013 Prior (each modded): '96 C4 A6 2.8Q, still w/ family; '85 C3 5000S 5 sp FWD; '73 C1 100LS helpful cross reference to a C6 post with MMI and other TSB's that also cover D3 A8's. Last edited by MP4.2+6.0; 04-14-2012 at 06:42 AM.

04-14-2012, 07:16 PM	#4
awdinut AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Kansas City Posts: 852	The Hoen site also shows their ENDURANCE line of yellow foglamps. When I changed fogs I went with yellow bulbs; the whiter the light the more it scatters due to rain/fog/snow and reflects back into the drivers eyes. And my main criteria for fogs is their functionality. I'm guessing that's also why the ALMS cars and the like use yellow. I did not use the Hoen bulbs however. I used yellow H9 headlight bulbs for a large increase in output...with a small modification to the base H9s fit my 04 fog light sockets. Have not had any problems. __________________ 2004 A8 L 4.2 Platinum Beige w/ Amaretto Maple Copper GmbH Exclusive wood trim Alcantara Headliner/Extended Leather Rear Climate Control & Lumbar Ventilated & Massage Seats MFSW Shift Paddle upgrade W12 Rear bumper upgrade Dual Tray Tables Illuminated sills DVD Headrests Security Glass Refrigerator AMI XM BT Last edited by awdinut; 04-15-2012 at 12:58 PM.

04-14-2012, 09:17 PM	#6
Brozee AudiWorld Senior Member 2007 Audi A8 My Garage Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,667	What is the easiest way to get into there to replace them? Tilt the wheel sideways and gain access through the wheel well, or take off the bottom plastic protection just like you were changing the oil and get in there that way? Never opened it up. __________________ 2007 A8L 6.0L W12 Fully loaded every option Mods: LED's all around, HOEN fogs, hardwired Escort 9500ix, 2011 Maps, MMI v46.1 VCDS Mods: belt chime delete, remote window control. 2005 A8 4.2L w/ all packages. Mods: LED's all around, HOEN fogs, hardwired Escort 9500ix, limo tint, 2011 Maps, MMI v46.1 VCDS Mods: belt chime delete, remote window control. Popular Topics & Help for Noobies: Oil Change Procedure Disable TPMS System AMI Installation AMI Update (Phone not pairing) Remote Window Control Enable Hidden Menu & Enable Battery Meter Fog Light Replacement City Light Bulb Replacement Door, Trunk, & Glove Box LED Change Cabin Air Filter Change Maintenance & Common Problems

04-15-2012, 07:45 PM	#9
MP4.2+6.0 Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 4,101	Yes, it is done... by removing the fog light surround trim, then the fog light. Easy. As mentioned in the above posts, just have to master the retaining plastic tabs. \ Unfortunately as I've learned on my C5, the occasional cheap a** low life older Audi "owners" (or ebay "resellers"??)) have mastered the method too. Had to wire tie my replacement set in to slow them down. __________________ Current #1: '06 D3 A8L W12 brilliant black w/ amaretto; 4 seat setup, CPO; modestly VAG COM lowered, H&R 20mm rear and 12mm front DRs with 275/35 on OEM polished + forged 20's; S8 sway bars (see: rear bar and gen'l D3 bar info and front bar); tweaked 385mm front factory brake mod and matching rear brake mod; matching C6 A6 back headrests (better rear view: headrest tweak); owner installed AMI retrofit with part number details here; uprated fogs; other VAG COM tweaking to suit. Current #2: C5 '00 A6 4.2 ming blue w/ beige, new off showroom floor; Lemiwinks + VAG COM tweaks; smoked tails; RS 6 OEM 18's; RNS-D (CD) Navi On order: 2013 Q5 2.0T hybrid; Scuba blue w/ chestnut sport interior; Euro delivery approx. 7/2013 Prior (each modded): '96 C4 A6 2.8Q, still w/ family; '85 C3 5000S 5 sp FWD; '73 C1 100LS helpful cross reference to a C6 post with MMI and other TSB's that also cover D3 A8's.

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04-14-2012, 03:56 AM	#2
Mister Bally AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,719	If the ad is true, it's a no brainer to install these Hoen bulbs.

04-14-2012, 08:13 PM	#5
Jan_PL_S6 AudiWorld Member 1995 Audi S6 My Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 109	I installed a slim ballast kit on my 05 and have absolutely no error codes. Problem is that they will turn off by themselves. I end up just playing with them (turning them on and off) until they warm up and stay on without any problems. Takes about 3 times. Kind of annoying but I get over it really, something to keep me occupied while I let the car warm up slightly. I fitted mine with the 3000k kit, giving it a nice yellowish look which I think looks great IMO, highly recommend it.

04-15-2012, 05:47 AM	#8
mcdream Audiworld Junior Member 2007 Audi S8 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Estonia Posts: 71	Found the DIY link here, not exactly the same but gives the general idea. Couldn't find a better one atm: http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/audi-...og-lights.html some fog light trim latches are in bit different places, but number 3 should be at the shown place.

04-17-2012, 06:49 PM	#10
Jan_PL_S6 AudiWorld Member 1995 Audi S6 My Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 109	Yeah as posted in the DIY and posts above its a really easy job. If you're looking for a spot to leave the ballast, I used heavy duty double sided tape and just stuck them onto the plastic fog light cover you originally pull off. Would highly recommend the slim ballast kit though.