Xenon Headlamp Bulbs look different

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

The right headlamp went out in my 2009 S6. The local VW dealer replaced it with Audi P/N N-104-457-01 for $288. This appears to be the correct P/N according to AudiPartsUSA.com described as HID Bulb Right, S6 W/ Directional Beam 2009-2011.

However, now the right headlight DOES NOT look like the same color light as the left headlight. When the headlights are on, the left light is more clear with some blue while the new right light looks duller with no hint of blue.

Did they use the wrong part? Should they have used N-107-218-05 - HID Bulb Right, S6 W/OUT Directional Beam? What is the difference? Any suggestions on how to get them to match up both bulbs so they are identical?

#2

Did you have aftermarket bulbs in the car originally? It sounds like you may have had 6000K bulbs and the dealership replaced the bulb with an oem 4300K bulb. For the record, $288 for a single headlight bulb is CRAZY.

#3

It is a crazy amount for the bulb but how many miles were on your car when it was replaced? They “burn in” so they will always be different and should be replaced in pairs.

#4

I know it’s apples to oranges, but I got a pair of brand new Osram/Sylvania D1S bulbs for my A4 for ~$90.

#5

posting pictures of this kind of thing is always helpul. So we can see what you can see. The lights do have what some may call a break in period so that could be just it. There is also a chance that as mentioned. You had a higher grade bulb originally or that there is still a film on the right light as its new.

#6

As a second thought. It might be too late for this but this is usually why I suggest people get back there old parts. Checking the old part number would give you a good idea on what they took out and what they put back in

#7

Thanks for comments everyone… all were good. It was over a week before I noticed the difference then another few weeks before posting this so the old one is likely long gone.

The burn in period makes sense but probably not the issue with my headlights since the light looks like an entirely different type/color of light, not just a slightly different shade. This car probably had upgraded bulbs when I bought it used last January.

Regarding $288, it was $160 for the bulb, then labor, shop fees and tax. I agree that is crazy but that is what happens when you don’t take the time to do some research first. That dealership has helped me out a bunch on my past A6 so I’m still happy with them.

#8

Well, you can always buy another stock bulb to make them match.

http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/63128361007

^$67 here. Not sure how easy they are to swap out on an S6, but it can’t be that bad.

#9

Anyone needs, S6 members can have OEM D1S bulbs from me for $45 USD + ship (but from Australia :frowning: )

#10

Xenon bulbs should always be replaced in pairs as the kelvin output does fade over the years. The S6 comes with D2S bulbs. I thought the light output on mine was pretty poor so i thought it was time to upgrade. I replaced a set of Philips D2S 85122 Extreme visions with a set of Osram nightbreaker unlimited Xenarc’s today. The light output and throw is a lot better than it was. You need to remove the Airboxes on each side which is timing consuming the first time around I can do up a quick how-to guide if anyone would be interested, there is a few little niggles to watch out for not to damage anything during install

I ordered these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FQ8AVHS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

#11

IF you could do a how to that would be helpful. Also I dont think most people understand the gain from upgrading bulbs and the other supporting components. You dont happen to have a before and after or side by side do you

I think lighting is one of the least understood upgrades or modifications that can be done to these cars. I dont think its just limited to the S6 either. I think its across the entire brand

#12

Would you describe these headlights as clear, bright white light or would you describe them as having a blue tint to them? I prefer clear, white and not colored light.

The reviews in Amazon seem good for these bulbs so maybe I’ll order two of these and just eat the cost of the one the dealer replaced.

#13

If you do it would be great to see the difference. This is something Im thinking about doing to my car. Im just not to sure of what to expect

#14

After Buddyboy’s suggestion, I started searching for the Osram Xenarc Nightbreaker Unlimited D2S bulbs. They look like a good solution and half the price of the Audi OEM bulbs ($150-170 a pair vs. $130-160 for one bulb). I hope that they are good clear, white light and not the blue type of bulbs.

I plan to buy a pair of Osram’s and replace both bulbs in my car. If I do it myself, I’ll try to take some before/after pictures to show the difference in light but after looking at other comparison pictures online, it is really hard for me to tell the exact difference.

#15

Thanks. I think even if you cant see the difference in the picture you ca offer feedback that migght be helpful

#16

no blue tint or that just a solid white light, i ran out of battery as i was taking pics so only have pictures of the drivers side install. I can snap some pics when im next down at the car to show how they look against the garage wall. There is blue vision ones you can get but im not into that either!