Having experienced horrific light output in previous cars - let's just say the low bench mark for me many years ago was a ur-quattro with standard bulbs - that was terrifying - I have to say I am very happy with my Mk5 standard Xenons, they respond quickly enough for screaming along country lanes and throw enough light on motorways to be confident EDIT - that is on my own, no other light sources - on review Xenons seem to be dim.
The most annoying thing about my Xenons (OEMs) is they wobble/shake over bumps. Grrrrr. My MK4 R32's did the same. Do other folks do that? Is something busted inside the lamp assembly?
I've never noticed any wobble/shake from my Xenons.
Mine were originally perfect, with no shake, completely solid, but after taking the front end apert to install new intercooler I can see on big motorway signs they now jiggle - suspect something has either not been fully tightened - or - has worked itself loose...need to get busy with the thread lock!
At least in its current state it now provides some encouragement for motorway lane hoggers to move over.
Maybe these guys have something that will boost MK5 lights. https://www.morimotohid.com/lighting/projectors
A mate redid his Mk4 headlights with these - reported very good results with superb finish - but they are a custom install
Just stumbled across this, no idea if this is a good idea of not?
https://www.xenonsonline.com/products/volkswagen-golf-mk5-xenon-hid-conversion-kit
They sound like just just a bulb kit, they work, but are really not great for other road users.
The issue is if fitted to standard headlight the reflectors are designed for a sideways filament and not the Xenon bulb that is pointing straight ahead - this mismatch creates bright spots and dazzling other cars even on dipped beam.
Thankfully, MOT's have really clamped down on them, failing cars with improperly fitted aftermarket kits.
The old school way to fix this was relays triggered by original wiring, with a beefy direct feed off the alternator and then fit 180 watt bulbs - this works with glass lenses and metal reflectors, its how I fixed my brown trouser issues in my ur-quattro - but suspect in the plastic Mk5 headlights they may get a bit melty.
Were LED's being pushed forward as the solution - with the brightness of Xenon, low heat, but without the issues fitting into standard headlights? EDIT - all the reviews I have read into LED's are they dont give any where as much output as Xenons.
