Headlamps keep burning out

[eddie1351]

Was told this is an ongoing problem with 2000-2003 era New Bugs. No recall or written Technical Bulletin was disclosed by the local VW dealer on this, but orally they chirped like a flock of birds! Alternator & grounding was fine. Solution: Use ONLY OEM headlamps! Yes, use ONLY the German bulbs!! They WILL supposedly last much longer than aftermarket ones. Of course, make sure you don't ever handle the lamp with your bare hands, the oil from your body will prematurely burn out the lamp. So it is written, so I shall try this...

[jackfrost]

my 2k does this quite often. ive heard of the bad grounding and blah blah blah but never found anything. as far as oem is a load of bs, ive found they blow just as easy as the others. i just buy them at like autozone or pep boys about 5$ each and keep spares. i have been running on the same set now for about a year. sometimes they blow in a month and so far the cheapies i put in are still fine.

[paultakeda]

My OEMs burned out quickly (read: months) even with DRLs disabled. Meanwhile, my OSRAM Silverstars (clear bulb, not tinted) have lasted over two years.

The dealer is supposed to say you can't use anything but OEM parts. It's one of those little advertising gimmicks swallowed and taken as fact: that OEM parts are always best for a car. It's why insurance companies tout repair benefits where they insist on OEM parts -- it's supposed to be a good thing. And it is, if you're planning on selling the car.

[redwolf698]

I noticed that Paul specified OSRAM Silverstars, NOT the Sylvania US versions. I have read rumors on this sight that the OSRAMS are superior in life than the Sylvania US counterparts. Does anyone have a resource for obtaining the Osram's???

[cyclehobby]

My 01 had only one headlight bulb burn out in 5 years, but I have heard many NB owners complain of freaquent failures. The biggest issue associated with this is the complex process you have to go through to replace a headlight bulb on the NB (though once you do once, it's really no big deal.

I agree with jackfrost though. You don't have to use german made or expensive bulbs in your NB. Just keep an extra on hand and don't exceed the wattage specified by VW. Some blame the extra heat generated by higher wattage bulbs for premature failure.

[paultakeda]

I noticed that Paul specified OSRAM Silverstars, NOT the Sylvania US versions. I have read rumors on this sight that the OSRAMS are superior in life than the Sylvania US counterparts. Does anyone have a resource for obtaining the Osram's???

Sylvania Silverstars are tinted blue. I cannot verify the rumors about their lifespan, but I am fairly sure they aren't as bright. And the OSRAMs are whiter and brighter than stock (it's easy to compare with my stock fogs on). Not Xenon bright, but bright.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Hummmm, interesting.

I currently run an HID system but prior to that I never had any problems with headlamp bulbs burning out on my car.

[Katiebug]

Wow, never heard of that one. FWIW, my '03 NB is still running on the original headlamps.

[Porkchop]

Maybe this is a car specific thing, like certain 2.0L engines that burn oil. Maybe some Beetles eat bulbs and others don't. Our 2000 burned out each bulb within a month of one another... after 4 years. The new bulbs were from Wal-mart for $4 each. Was careful not to touch the glass portion with my fingers. New bulbs have now lasted over a year. So.. one bulb replacement for a car built July 1999.

Others replace their bulbs monthly. No idea why.