MK5 Golf GTI

If you them from powerbulbs, they supply a bright white W5W sidelights free with H7 bulbs.

So, after over 2 and a half years of service one of the bulbs packed in last week. I must say I'm a little disappointed in the longevity. OE bulbs do tend to last longer!

Anyway the "Xtreme Power" has now been rebranded as "Xtreme Vision", and there is now a +130% version as well which I have just invested in. First reports are that the light is a lot whiter compared with the remaining old bulb in place. I will post a full review once I've done some night driving.

I wouldnt say that 2.5 years is that bad really given the cost of them.

Isn't it best to replace in pairs?

The other one will pop in a week or two...

Quote from: richwig83 on September 25, 2014, 11:47:59 PM
I wouldnt say that 2.5 years is that bad really given the cost of them.

I'd agree with this. These higher powered bulbs are meant to have a shorter life than standard bulbs because they are working harder. There has to be a compromise for a brighter light.

In regards to the longevity, the car has been doing below average miles since the bulbs were fitted. In August 2012 I went back to university and left the car one my parents' drive for most of the first year. The second year I had my car in London on and off, but it can't have been driven more than a couple of hours a week, plus a monthly trip up the M1 to see my parents.

For £35 odd I'm not all that bothered, but would perhaps have liked to see them last longer than that.

Quote from: Tfsi_Mike on September 25, 2014, 11:58:22 PM

Isn't it best to replace in pairs?

Sorry I wrote the above late and wasn't very clear. I have bought a pair, but just been lazy and replaced the one for the time being. I will replace the other at the weekend

anyone link a good place to buy them inc shipping to finland :D

Quote from: K9 on September 27, 2014, 01:10:37 PM
anyone link a good place to buy them inc shipping to finland :D

Powerbulbs.co.uk. They do free worldwide delivery. Ebay might be cheaper though. Have a look before ordering from Powerbulbs.co.uk.

Quote from: Luka on January 07, 2013, 07:00:24 PM
I'd say avoid HIDs and go for proper OEM xenons. You won't regret it. 

? you mean avoid HID retrofit kits to halogen reflectors ?
The OEM Xenons are HIDS (High intensity discharge).

IME -
HID Xenon burners (bulbs) in reflector headlamps don't work well. Poor beam pattern, too much glare and generally ineffective.
HID Xenon bulbs in projector headlamps are ok if fitted correctly. The lens collects the light from the bulb and concentrates it a lot better than a reflector would with the Xenon HID bulb (which would be outside of it's focus compared with the halogen bulb).
Best is the OEM usually, though you can buy HID Xenon projector units which are just as effective or better in some cases.

Quote from: Shoduchi on October 01, 2014, 05:01:39 PM

Quote from: K9 on September 27, 2014, 01:10:37 PM
anyone link a good place to buy them inc shipping to finland :D

Powerbulbs.co.uk. They do free worldwide delivery. Ebay might be cheaper though. Have a look before ordering from Powerbulbs.co.uk.

I bought the new versions from Powerbulbs own eBay page. Not only were they cheaper on there, for some reason two separate single bulbs was cheaper than a twin pack 

Quote from: sub39h on November 13, 2014, 11:29:29 PM

Quote from: Shoduchi on October 01, 2014, 05:01:39 PM

Quote from: K9 on September 27, 2014, 01:10:37 PM
anyone link a good place to buy them inc shipping to finland :D

Powerbulbs.co.uk. They do free worldwide delivery. Ebay might be cheaper though. Have a look before ordering from Powerbulbs.co.uk.

I bought the new versions from Powerbulbs own eBay page. Not only were they cheaper on there, for some reason two separate single bulbs was cheaper than a twin pack 

Yeah, I've found cheaper prices on ebay as well and noticed that difference of the separate bulbs compared to the twin pack. I didn't understand the logic behind it.

Powerbulbs isn't the cheapest store available but it's reliable. I've bought bulbs from them since 2006.

They are currently £20 a pair from Euro Car Parts. That is bargain basement imho. Worth £20 all day long

They're still on sale at Europarts, got a pair for £19.99 on Friday

Just like to +1 on these bulbs, not bought them for the golf yet but had them on my previous car before installing HID's.