Depo Projector Style Headlights

[Georrge]

Hi guys,

I've been looking into changing my headlights to projectors for some time now, and came across various threads along my way. It's left me with a few questions to ask.

First of all, what are projector headlights? How do they differ from normal halogen headlights?

Secondly, are the Depo headlights actual projectors, so having a HID kit in them is safe and legal?

Thirdly, am I right in thinking that in order to have genuine VW Bi-Xenon Projectors legally, you need headlight washers? Why is this the case, and not for the Depo's?

Finally, what is the difference between genuine projectors and the Depo ones, and the Depo ones and Hella ones?

Thank you!

[RetroRaz]

Hi guys,

I've been looking into changing my headlights to projectors for some time now, and came across various threads along my way. It's left me with a few questions to ask.

First of all, what are projector headlights? How do they differ from normal halogen headlights?

Secondly, are the Depo headlights actual projectors, so having a HID kit in them is safe and legal?

Thirdly, am I right in thinking that in order to have genuine VW Bi-Xenon Projectors legally, you need headlight washers? Why is this the case, and not for the Depo's?

Finally, what is the difference between genuine projectors and the Depo ones, and the Depo ones and Hella ones?

Thank you!

Hi Mate

1.Projector headlights project the light beam whereas reflector headlights reflect the beam (i think)
2. Depo ones are projectors, Yes using a HID kit in them is legal
3. Not sure, A few people have retrofit them but not done washers and had no issues
4. Genuine projectors have shutters so when you flash to pass, the shutter opens fully which is also used for full beam. (Providing you have a highline CECM and run a wire from the lights to the CECM) also the genuine ones are self leveling (If you have the sensors fitted) and the Depo ones are manually levelling using the headlight scrolling adjuster

[tom89]

From what I know;

"Genuine Projectors" would have to be OEM Xenon lights, need an adaptor to connect them the MKV GTI fitted with halogen reflector lights along with ballasts etc.

"Hella Projectors" (I have them in mine) are deemed to be OEM? That's what mine were advertised as by the seller in Germany. They must have been standard equipment on a particular MKV variant. These have Halogen bulbs fitted in the housing which then shines through a projector lens, the look identical to OEM Xenon lights from outside. An aftermarket Xenon/HID kit is able to be fitted to these lights.

The "Depo" ones are very much the same as the Hella type I believe but are just not OEM quality.

The washers don't need to be fitted for the lights to work but it may not be legal? It is technically illegal here in Australia but I've never heard of someone getting picked up for it.

[Georrge]

Thank you both for the info, that cleared that all up nicely!
Now the question is whether to get the Depo or the Hella lights? I've struggled to source the Hella ones.. but have found the Depo ones for £199!

Also, what HID kit is best suited? 6000K? Want s nice white light, but nothing blue

[Broomy]

Think OEM are usually 4750k or something like that, not just as bluey as 6000k.

[TomGTI]

Standard xenons are 4300k I have 5000k in my depo projectors and they are perfectly white I'm very pleased not blue at all

[D_Philli_82]

I have depos with 4300k hids. Nice white light. Light output is good...no complaints

[Georrge]

I'll probably go with 5000K then

Does anyone know where currently sell the Hella projectors? They're literally impossible to come across

[kr15h_ED30]

do HID's need to be coded in via vagcom???? im looking to get depo's and hids shortly

[RetroRaz]

it should be set to Xenons without shutter installed. Theres something to do with a grounding issue with the wiper motor linking to the headlight

[D_Philli_82]

it should be set to Xenons without shutter installed. Theres something to do with a grounding issue with the wiper motor linking to the headlight

Correct

[Georrge]

Anyone know where to get the Hella projectors from?

[RetroRaz]

Anyone know where to get the Hella projectors from?

there are some here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VW-Golf-5-R32-Xenon-LED-Headlights-Headlamps-O-S-N-S-UK-RHD-/201291616621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&hash=item2eddea516d

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-HELLA-GOLF-MK5-V-XENON-LOOK-HEADLIGHTS-RHD-UK-WITH-50W-BALLASTS-/191518422420?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c97633594

[Georrge]

Anyone know where to get the Hella projectors from?

there are some here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VW-Golf-5-R32-Xenon-LED-Headlights-Headlamps-O-S-N-S-UK-RHD-/201291616621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+V&hash=item2eddea516d

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-HELLA-GOLF-MK5-V-XENON-LOOK-HEADLIGHTS-RHD-UK-WITH-50W-BALLASTS-/191518422420?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c97633594

I have no idea what those first ones are, they're so ugly

£399 for Hella's is extremely overpriced 

[Georrge]

The guy on this post http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65744.0.html got them for 342 euros which is £250