The Audi A3 S3 8P facelift models (Hatchback and Sportback) are renowned for their trademark quality construction and driving dynamics. Both models remained in production between 2008 and 2012. The lighting technology used in these cars is however more than 15 years old today.
Factory-fitted options included H7/H7 halogen and D3S/D3S bi-xenon headlights, all made by Hella.
The halogen version features a 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 Audi A3 8P Facelift is not recommended. But there is fortunately no need for that. Whether your car was factory-fitted with H7/H7 halogen or D3S/D3S 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 Audi A3 8P 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.
Upgrading the headlights on an A3 8P facelift comes down to what the car left the factory with. Halogen cars can be converted to bi-xenon or to a modern Bi-LED projector without changing the housing, and D3S bi-xenon cars get a repair & upgrade kit that restores a clean, bright beam. Either way, the result is noticeably better light than the original headlights.
