H4 headlight upgrade.. but to what?

[Howzat]

H7's use exactly the same plug as H4's. You (or a mechanic) need to remove the front bumper then unplug, unbolt and remove the H4's then bolt in the H7's, plug in and refit the bumper. 1-2 hours max. I and many users here have done this so if anyone tells you any different then they don't know what they're talking about.
The only main difference (apart from the improved light throw) is that the dipped beam goes out when the main bean is lit. This can be fixed by using VCDS, OBD11 or Carista to code the change. I live down the M6 jnc23 and will happily code if you're ever passing this way. Takes 5 minutes.
Other than that my advice is to change the bulbs in the H7's to your preference, be it LED's, night breakers or whatever before you fit them to the van just because it's easier than trying to replace bulbs in situ later. There's loads of threads on here providing advice about bulbs and H7's so have a read through while you sourcing replacements.
And don't bother with aftermarket H7's. They will probably be inferior to OEM and may mist up if not properly sealed.
Finally when trying to determine if a light for sale is H7 just look at the main and dipped beam reflector. In H7's the reflectors are the same height and have an extra lens next to the indicator lens (DLR). H4's have a larger reflector on the outside (dipped) than the main beam. Hope this helps.

 

[Brom]

H7's use exactly the same plug as H4's. You (or a mechanic) need to remove the front bumper then unplug, unbolt and remove the H4's then bolt in the H7's, plug in and refit the bumper. 1-2 hours max. I and many users here have done this so if anyone tells you any different then they don't know what they're talking about.
The only main difference (apart from the improved light throw) is that the dipped beam goes out when the main bean is lit. This can be fixed by using VCDS, OBD11 or Carista to code the change. I live down the M6 jnc23 and will happily code if you're ever passing this way. Takes 5 minutes.
Other than that my advice is to change the bulbs in the H7's to your preference, be it LED's, night breakers or whatever before you fit them to the van just because it's easier than trying to replace bulbs in situ later. There's loads of threads on here providing advice about bulbs and H7's so have a read through while you sourcing replacements.
And don't bother with aftermarket H7's. They will probably be inferior to OEM and may mist up if not properly sealed.
Finally when trying to determine if a light for sale is H7 just look at the main and dipped beam reflector. In H7's the reflectors are the same height and have an extra lens next to the indicator lens (DLR). H4's have a larger reflector on the outside (dipped) than the main beam. Hope this helps.

That is very interesting! What exactly does one have to unplug and replace - it can't just be a question of replacing an H4 bulb with an H7, surely? Presumably a bulb holder which should be readily available? Given the difference in the reflectors you have kindly described (don't by any chance have comparative photos, do you?), would the H7 work properly in an H4 reflector?
Many thanks for your kind offer on vcds -appreciated.

 

[Howzat]

When I mention unplugging and removing I'm talking about the whole light unit. No, you can't just swap H7 bulbs into a H4 housing.

 

[Paynewright]

Yes the H4 and H7 headlights use the same wiring plug on the loom.

 

[Brom]

When I mention unplugging and removing I'm talking about the whole light unit. No, you can't just swap H7 bulbs into a H4 housing.

View attachment 131806

 

[Brom]

Ah! Knew that would have been much too simple!
Thanks for the photos - v. helpful

 

[Brom]

From what you say, although the H7 copies (such as the Eurowagens offering, for instance), should simply plug into the van just like the original H4s, you feel it might be unwise to follow that path, as they aren't OEM, and are therefore of unknown quality? That would make sense to me.
Would you have the same reservations about the THQ products? I haven't so far found any adverse reports about their quality/performance in my trawling through the threads.

 

[Howzat]

No idea tbh, but they have a good reputation in general.

 

[JOG]

Patience oh benighted one


A pair will appear eventually. As said above, try also the abomination that is the FB marketplace.

(apologies for the flight of fancy, still sobering up from the Adnams Brewery Tour
)

Or, install a pair of candles as an interim fix!

 

[dubber36]

I bought a pair of fog lights for the Polo from Eurowagens. They were Valeo, so OEM spec.

I also replaced my H7s with THQ lights and no problems with either.

Before you ask, the THQ lights performed no better than the factory H7s with halogen bulbs. With HIDs behind the dipped beam projectors, LEDs in main beam and Lazer spot lights giving them a helping hand, it's a different story.

 

[Brom]

Second-hand OEM H7 units purchased on Ebay arrived this afternoon - they look OK, so fingers crossed fitting goes smoothly and there is some noticeable improvement in illumination...
I'll report my impressions afterwards.
In the meantime, thanks to all who gave their advice on this.

 

[Brom]

Update. Replacement H7 headlights obtained via Ebay have now been fitted, along with four Philips Racing Vision GT200 bulbs. However, the garage hasn't yet had time to re-code to allow all four headlights to work on main beam.

Initial impressions are that the lights are much better than the old H4s (how could they not be?) The dipped beams, especially, show far more of the road in front. As has so often been mentioned, though, the darker area in the short/middle distance is disconcerting when on main beam, though the fog lights do a reasonable job in lieu of the dips.
The main beams aren't as bright as one would like for fast motoring but they are adequate for my style of night-time driving. When the re-coding has been done, I think the set-up should suit me fine.

I haven't tried the standard H7 bulbs, but wouldn't be happy with less than the illumination I have with the GT200s. Can they really be twice as good as standard bulbs? What are they comparing them with - VW H4's? A bit of hyperbole, methinks!

 

[dubber36]

You really shouldn't be using your fog lights in lieu of your not properly coded dipped beams. The fog lights will still be on with dipped beam and surely, you don't want to be one of those people.

Pulling the flasher when dipped beam is on will light up all 4 lamps, so you'll see what you'll get when you finally do the coding.

 

[Apache]

Having read the views on this thread, I was leaning towards OEM H7 replacement units until... I spoke to my local (non-specialist - deal with every make), garage, who would be fitting them. They felt H7s gave only a marginal improvement on H4s. Happy to fit whatever I bought, but sceptical about the level of performance, and concerned I might be disappointed.

I then spoke to another, more specialist source.

His view was that OEM H7 light units, using the standard reflector lens, weren't worth the cost and bother.
He felt that aftermarket light units, using projector lens, even if used with H7s (and especially with enhanced performance bulbs, like Osram Nightbreakers), would give a noticeable improvement over the OEM H7s and especially the current lousy H4s.

Interesting! That puts a different complexion on it. Any thoughts?

Hi Brom did you go ahead and get it done and are you pleased with what youve got now and is it a great improvement as I’m looking to do my t6 as my headlights are not as good as I would like in the dark. I’ve just seen your update at 11.57 today glad it seems better when they’ve done the recoding I be really interested what you think and take all the details so I could do the same please.

 

[Sackmycook]

What was the front light options for new T6 's ?
Was it either H4's or LED or was there also a H7 option.
Were the H7's standard on Caravelles and California's only? If so, were those vehicles pre-programmed to have both H7 bulbs come on when high beam activated ?
Just been thinking about it.....bit bored today

 

[Gavinda]

H7's were always an option for T6's and yes both bulbs were used for main beam if supplied with OEM H7's.

 

[Sackmycook]

I take it Caravelles and Cali's could have H4's too then ?

 

[Gavinda]

No, I'm pretty sure all Caravelles and Shuttles had H7's as standard and California Oceans had them too with H4's on the Beach version. Anyway, its getting a bit warm in here, I really ought to take this anorak off.

 

[Sackmycook]

Before you remove that anorak, I'm now wondering what the percentage for each light option was selected by customers...
I would think 80/5/15.....H4/H7/LED.

 

[Gavinda]

I'd have to go through my notes for that one!