Launched back in 1973, the Passat range has become a flagship of the Volkswagen brand, and in 2015 it sailed all the way to the prestigious European Car of the Year Award, with the committee commenting that it was a “typical VW in that it delivers quality and functionality in every aspect”. This particular model, the Passat B7 facelift, was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2010 and scored a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It remained in production until 2015. But the lighting technology used in these cars is over 15 years old today.
Factory-fitted options included H7 halogen and D1S bi-xenon headlights.
The halogen version features an H7 reflector that produces an average light beam even when new. In many cases, its light output has been further compromised as bulb heat and general ageing cause the reflective layer to peel off.
The bi-xenon setup features a 3.0-inch projector, designed in the late 90s. These projectors are known to lose their reflective layer right to the point where they become black inside, causing dangerously low light output.
Needless to say, buying new or used original headlights for your Volkswagen Passat B7 facelift is not recommended. But there is fortunately no need for that. Whether your car was factory-fitted with H7 halogen or D1S bi-xenon headlights, there are upgrade kits that will fit inside your existing headlights.
These complete retrofit kits not only provide you with superior brightness and durability; they are also more affordable than average Volkswagen Passat xenon headlights with bulbs and ballasts, and since all components are brand new, they come with a 2-year warranty. Additional benefits over OEM headlights include Canbus-proof designs and effortless halogen-to-xenon conversions. What’s more, the levelling systems will work without any adjustments to the headlight connectors, and you can use any ballasts that you might already own to save further on xenon upgrades.
No matter which retrofit upgrade kit you pick, you will improve the light output considerably, making for safer and more enjoyable driving. And, of course, your Volkswagen Passat will look awesome with the luxurious bright light of the latest xenon technology.
