How to replace a dip/low beam bulb in an Audi A3 yourself

Driveway Dude Paul Shows you how to replace a 12V 55W H7 dip/low beam bulb in an Audi A3 8P model year 2003 - 2008.
This may apply to other models of Audi.
Simple to follow and straight forward video guide.
Please wear Rubber/Latex/Nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact with bulb.
Please feel free to Comment, Like, Share and Subscribe.
If you are unsure what bulb your car takes then please refer to the link below:
www.hella.com/MicroSite/bulbs/...
This video is for guide purposes.
Check out these affiliate links:
H7 Bulbs: ebay.us/1g5DYg
Car Bulb Set: ebay.us/l6KuhY
Tiger Grip Gloves: ebay.us/5ZE6g1
ebay.us/Exrm7w
Learn how to earn money by working online. tinyurl.com/DrwyDuds
Don’t pay someone else when you can Do It Yourself!

[@garysamson9293]

Many thanks, Paul. Driver's side bulb went a few days before the MOT was due. The housing is a bit tight for large hands but your instructions were spot on. Replaced the bulb in just five minutes with only a few skin scrapes.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Thanks for the compliment Gary. We're happy that you found our video useful. 👍

[@germanhugger41]

Many thanks for the great well presented instructional ... Only bought an A3 quite recently, and the dipped beam lamp just blew tonight...

[@ianl6254]

Thanks Paul, intuitive video. I had originally tried to take the whole light unit out as I had previously thought the box it's in was a cold air box! Once I worked out I was on the wrong track this video was a great help!

[@Generalterz]

THANKS so much .. could swap them within 10 Minutes (I swapped the bulbs the first time in my life)!!! Great video!

[@maryelisecadera115]

Saved me USD 250 having this done at the dealership - twice! So, thanks very much for the careful instruction and the confidence boost that yes, I truly can do this myself. Cheers!

[@uncommon556]

What a scam holy shit

[@AMS_KustomDipz]

You sure that wasn't for the main beam as that requires removing the front bumper on some models, poor design lol

[@rondhole]

250 is crazy. Like getting a new headlights

[@bogusawmarek3067]

Trudny dostęp. Kaleczy ręce.

[@jbgjbg4184]

So much videos for this but no one is like yours. You show me absolutly all i need, thx!

[@DrivewayDudes]

Happy to help!

[@simontaylor3211]

Much better advice than I was getting from the Haynes manual which just said "unclip the bulb" and not how to unclip it. Thanks mate!

[@analogkid6579]

Knowing which way the metal tag on the bulb holder points (upright at 12 o'clock as the new bulb is inserted) was a huge help. Thank you

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad we could help

[@blackcyclist]

Thank you. The best video shoring how to remove and replace. every other video swiftly skips over this technical part. top job

[@joonsuplee4645]

Thank you so much! You saved me so much time and $$$ Clear and concise, the best type of KZbin video.

[@jordykalk6113]

Exelent straigtforward video, i have small hands and it was easily done in 10 minutes including cleaning the headlights. All thanks to you guys, without this video i would not have started this doing myself. Thanks again for making this possible.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Jordy, We are happy that found the video useful. We try to make videos explaining and demonstrating how to carry out a particular task. Some may be easy and some may be a bit more of a challenge but with a straightforward approach it should not be beyond anyone with an interest to do it

[@idajosefin0121]

BIG thank you! I watched this video one time and then tried on my A3 and i made it on the first try! Even though i had some struggles getting the plastic thing back in place :)

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad it helped!

[@26russell]

Really helpful thanks, managed to change in a couple of minutes with this.

[@primalpatel8015]

most inspiring thing I’ve seen all day

[@AMS_KustomDipz]

Perfect ty, I went for the Osram D2S 85V 35W +200 Xenarc tho. I will put the H7s in once my local store has some in stock. But for now I'm just changing to see if the warning light goes away on the dash so all good!

[@alkiriad2139]

thank you form Poland! You make my life easier :)

[@zanornik1942]

Just changed the bulb in 5 minutes, thanks to your video!

[@DrivewayDudes]

👍

[@stevemcdevitt9336]

I had spent a long time trying to get the bulb back in. I gave in, and resorted to utube . Thank you so so so very much for posting this and resolving my frustration. Job done. Thanks again 😊

[@DrivewayDudes]

You're very welcome

[@hongyangjiang4976]

Thank you so much for your video. Very helpful. I was about to replace my assembly for 300 dollar.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Happy to be of assistance 👍

[@bmw-e30]

Very good video --- I fitted one before seeing your video and was wondering about these securing clips--now I can check. I'm not sure polarity matters on these.

[@KpopLabPro]

2:36 is perfect view of mechanism, thank you

[@simaandrei18]

Thanks mate, after seeing this video I thought it isn't that hard to replace it my self, so I did it!

[@DrivewayDudes]

Well done and we're happy you found our video useful

[@Mattskyovic]

Thanks a lot! Best wishes from Canada 🇨🇦

[@alexpino5706]

Thanks a lot DD, simple short practical video!

[@dragandoganski2498]

Amazing the world need more people like you

[@marytheresadawson4634]

Looks straight forward - going to give it a try! Yep worked a treat!! Mucho gracias Paul.

[@stratstelian7652]

2ww

[@robertcale4284]

Thanks for the very straight forward explanation. I will put it to use later today.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Thanks. I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@warrennaidoo5471]

thanks Paul. Your instructions were spot on.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Warren, Thanks for the comment. We at Driveway Dudes are happy that you found the video useful and helpful :) Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@simonams]

great video - with all the other cars I have worked you need to turn the bulb fitting to lock it into place. This vid explains that you dont need that and that saved me a whole load of time. Thanks

[@AladinSarsippiusSulemanagic]

Thanks very much man! A 30 second job after watching your clear and precise tutorial 👏👏👏

[@DrivewayDudes]

You're welcome!

[@jlee8]

Thank you!! Great step by step guide. 😊

[@arshadowma]

Thank you from the Netherlands!

[@joemelrose9133]

Hi! I've just been trying to replace both bulbs, managed to do the nearside bulb no problem but having great difficulty getting the offside dipped bulb out. Do the clips push in (towards the bulb) or out (towards the car)? Or is it just a case of pulling like the other one? Thanks!!

[@snipermakedonski]

Brilliant! Clear and worked like a charm!!

[@VienTheFarmer]

can't wait to give this a try tomorrow

[@Buildingempires101]

Thanks, informative and clear instructions

[@MrLudiJasko]

Great video. Proper technical and visual instruction.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Thank you for the comment

[@lubomirmicka8836]

Thank you. Perfect details.

[@booshong]

My 2008 Audi A3 has H11 bulbs, which I think are due to the S Line package. It was very difficult to find any information on this, but hopefully I will save someone else the same headache. This (excellent) video was still very helpful! The H11 bulbs simply twist out, though still awkward to reach into the housing. Looking at the front of the headlight was useful for correct positioning when inserting/twisting the new bulb. I used Osram 64211, which seem almost identical to the bulb I pulled out (Philips 12362).

[@DrivewayDudes]

Happy it helped

[@ex-tractorfan]

Excellent. I need to do this later today. I just took the bulb out to check what type and it was really fiddly putting it back in, I should have watched this video first.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Nick, Thanks for the nice comment. Happy to hear that you found the video useful. We will be uploading more A3 related videos soon :) Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@Blocheadkayg]

Thank you brother u really helped me a lot

[@andylynch78]

Thanks! You’re right about it being fiddly especially with the fuse box on the left.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad to help

[@davesheldon2874]

very clear instructions - thanks

[@buxvan]

Thanks for the video. Just replaced the bulb. I made the mistake of removing the plug to the bulb first. Had to plug it back in again to get purchase to prise the bulb out. Thanks again.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi David, Thanks for the comment. Happy you found the video useful. Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@benbarnard8280]

Thanks, Just done it exactly like that, nice vide

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad it helped

[@pkuukas]

Smashing job of a video! Thanks!

[@DrivewayDudes]

👍

[@Botsmaan]

Is there any video on how to do it on a 2014 model?

[@dinho23232]

Metal thing up right, that was what I was doing wrong. Thanks!

[@gootballe583]

Great video. Unfortunately mine is a 2010 which is different. Mine has some kind of metal bulb holder which fell off as I removed the bulb. No idea how it fits back on and I can't see any online references to help. Changing a bulb should not be this awkward

[@evolution368]

Great video! Really useful! Thanks

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coskunyesiltas5725]

thank you very much. I changed it perfectly thanks to you.

[@DrivewayDudes]

You're welcome!

[@dingding1487]

I did this , as my car is showing error on dipped beam headlight , but still no lights ! what can be ??

[@nikosniko7092]

Thanks for the help! I took the plug out first and it made it almost impossible to pull the light bulb. Appreciate it .

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Nikos Niko, Happy our video helped. Paul

[@gavro1293]

This video still helping in 2024 almost

[@johnmorefield5973]

Saved me going to Halfords mate

[@xhenobb2069]

How do u undo the clips ?

[@patschwerdtfeger6973]

Just a heads up to those that have the 2008 Audi a3 3.2l v6, we have the xenon headlights so they are different from what is in this video. Replacement of the xenon bulbs are a royal pita, but they are doable without having to take off the bumper. Just wanted to give a heads up to those with the 3.2l

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Pat, Thanks for the info. The 2008 Audi A3 8P in this video takes H7 and is mentioned in the description below it. We also mention that this may apply to other Audis' and other models. Yes, we are aware that some models may use xenon, hid, led combinations or variants, etc. Some may be original, some may be aftermarket. It is advisable that you first check the type of bulb that that you will be replacing to avoid ordering or purchasing the wrong one (2 pin, 3 pin, socket connection) By making this video we want to show you the viewer that you can diy rather than having to fork out a handful of notes to a workshop/dealership. Paul

[@MrDaveCoaches]

Do you have a 3.2L?

[@robertcale4284]

Just replaced low beam bulb. Take note some models involve twisting the connection a quarter of a turn and do not pull straight out and in.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Good to know thanks :)

[@mrgrumpy5116]

simple little job .... but not if it's the first time and you're fiddling around in the dark, thanks

[@Mihailnikolov69]

Very very straightforward and helpful ! Thank you

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Mihail. Thank you for your kind comment. We are happy you found the video helpful. Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@BlueGooper]

Thank you!

[@HU-rj1kx]

Thank you very much it was very helpfully

[@DrivewayDudes]

Glad to hear that!

[@raymoore6277]

Thanks, opened it up today and wondered how the hell its done.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Ray, We're happy you found the video useful.

[@JoolzThePirate]

The joy of a bulb is that it is NOT polarity sensitive, it’s an element warmed up

[@josemarmolejo9462]

Muy útil, gracias

[@charlesthrawley5092]

The video is on point and very helpful. Plain & simple just how I like it. Only question is how do you get your hand around the black box that's in the assembly to be able to get to the bulb? Lmao Or can the box be unmounted & slide out? It's so tight in there I really can't tell what going on...lol

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Charles, It's just a matter of feeling your way. I explained in the video that you follow the wiring with your fingers. If you have hands the size of shovels it might be more difficult. Driveway Dude - Paul

[@rg5373]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@smacks7583]

Life Saver!

[@RiddlePC]

I cannot find a tutorial for my shape a3. It’s a 2013 a3 and the mechanism inside is nothing like the videos. Nothing works.

[@lesleymachado8341]

Thank you 👌🏼

[@DrivewayDudes]

No problem 👍

[@imonthebeach3185]

thank you!

[@justanotherdashcam24]

I want to install white dipped and daylight bulbs (not hid/xenon) on my 05 Audi A3 have you any suggestions on a go to brand?

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Rob, There are many brands and no name brands out there nowadays competing with each other so It's really down to personal choice and budget.

[@samirbrihi1276]

My headlights were perfectly balanced before my right light went. I replaced it now it is noticeably brighter than the left, is the adjustment easy? I'm trying to find a video for this same car model but cant

[@DrivewayDudes]

One explanation is that over time headlight bulb brightness can dull or fade slightly. Another explanation is that the replacement headlight bulb may not be a match for the original. To solve this you may need to replace the weak one with an exact match to the new one

[@martincastaldo7856]

I have like an orange back to mine, not sure how to get it off...

[@icanfixthat4206]

hello Paul just wondering if you've encountered any problems with the ESP/ABS the light on my car keeps showing but there are no codes to clear would greatly appreciate any help Thank you

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi abu buckets. No we've not encountered this issue on the A3. Has any work, maintenance, upgrades or mods been carried out on the car recently ? Have you replaced any parts on the car with non OEM or unapproved Audi parts ? As I understand it VagCom diagnostics will reveal a fault but if it's intermittent then more investigation may be needed. Most common fault for this i've heard was Steering wheel misalignment. Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@icanfixthat4206]

nope everything is still standard no work or mods have been added to it someone said it could be possibly a wheel speed sensor but I am not sure how to even check this Thanks Abu

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. What size are your wheels? Large wheels with low profile tyres don't absorb shocks/bumps on the road as well as average sized (15"/16") wheels with "chunky" tyres. If your wheels, regardless of size and profile of tyre are buckled or dented in any way, it cause your ABS light to come on as your sensors are reading an issue with the wheel speed. Depending on where you are located, most tyre garages offer wheel repair if your wheels are in need of repairing. Let us know if this resolves your issue. Driveway Dudes - Will

[@awalpace4925]

Thanks mate

[@mouniraissami6401]

Thank you

[@bluesyr.l.967]

I have the same car, my question is, if I get xenon lights bulbs can I just replace them as you did?

[@DrivewayDudes]

If they’re genuine CanBus then they should work without giving errors or your dashboard

[@bluesyr.l.967]

Okay, well I can give it a go

[@stev1efps951]

Hi Paul, if you get the opportunity could you show us all how to change the side light bulbs on this particular car, I'm aware this is extremely difficult as myself and others can't do it without loosing endless amounts of skin! Thanks buddy!

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Steven Low, Thanks for the request. We can make a video and have it up over the weekend if that helps. Driveway Dudes - Paul

[@stev1efps951]

That would be great! Many thanks!

[@stev1efps951]

Driveway Dudes Have use made a video yet? Or do you know when you will? Struggling to fit these side light bulbs! Thanks

[@DrivewayDudes]

We'll have it up this week. Thanks

[@stev1efps951]

Great thanks!!

[@th3pi4nit8]

I can't do nothing, i have to remove the safety or what? I don't understand

[@lacerba1175]

From Italy thank you soooo much!🔝

[@DrivewayDudes]

You are very welcome

[@guillermoreyesaguilar4181]

Thanks!

[@DrivewayDudes]

👍

[@josephlabs]

Thanks

[@pauli1370]

Vielen Dank ... thank you!!

[@DrivewayDudes]

👍

[@damaing4203]

You did not explain how to unclip the safety clips on the bulb. I’ve been trying for 2 hours

[@user-ts4rh7lz8e]

​@@markyrusshey man I just wiggled the conector and pulled it upwards the ln pull and it got out then i just pushed and it worked

[@markyruss]

@@user-ts4rh7lz8e I used long nose pliers - they are really jammed in, just a tug and they popped out

[@DontwatchB]

@@markyrusshave no idea what you’re on about. Just done it took less than 2minutes for both.

[@jaxeden]

Pull harder

[@markyruss]

@@jaxeden i used long nose pliers

[@izzygonzalez73]

I have a 2006 Audi A3 2.0T is it the same way?

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Death_Cloud, Thanks for the question. The Audi A3 8P/8PA was manufactured 2005 -2008 and apart from little changes for different countries rules and laws it should be the same or similar. If you remove the back cover of the headlight unit, take a pic using the camera on your phone and compare it to the ones in our video. That way you will know for certain. DrivewayDudes Paul

[@izzygonzalez73]

@@DrivewayDudes thank you

[@StudioNubes]

please forgive the wind noise, it's Ireland = Like+follow

[@avantiura1]

Spase is not too much, but diamond hands

[@Loca2424]

Super

[@patschwerdtfeger6973]

Are the high beam bulb and low beam bulb the same? Or are they separate bulbs?

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi Pat, Are you asking if this is a single or dual element bulb? This is a single element bulb (2 pin connector) Combined dual element bulbs have different connections (3 pin connector) Cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks, etc, may have various set-ups but they must have both, either singly or combined. Paul

[@patschwerdtfeger6973]

When I look up the bulb to purchase online, it gives me the option to choose the high beam bulb or the low beam bulb. Judging from your response I am guessing they are separate bulbs entirely. Thank you for your time to make this vid, helps out a ton.

[@DrivewayDudes]

The low beam bulb is generally 55W and the high is 65W

[@pirexengaer]

And on the other side? Don't we have to remove the battery?

[@DrivewayDudes]

Not at all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHi6XnqllruAp5Y

[@icecassidy9675]

Niiice

[@DrivewayDudes]

Thank you

[@GymChess]

It doesn't matter how you connect the bulb, the polarity that is.

[@DrivewayDudes]

Hi GymChess, Thanks for you comment. For a straightforward fitting we replaced it the way the previous one was sited and connected

[@GymChess]

But that's something else and has nothing to do with how you connect the bulb. It's like debating how to connect your toaster to the wall socket. Does it matter which way the polarity is? *laugh* Right, it doesn't, even though a car battery has DC electricity and an apartment for instance AC. Another thing, it also doesn't matter how you disconnect your car battery. Everybody keeps preaching that the minus comes off first followed by plus. That's nonsense. You break the circuit either way and it makes no difference whatsoever which comes off or on first.

[@csengelagzi9816]

Been trying to unclip it for half an hour, got pissed off, mum intervened and unclipped that mf in 30 second 😤 😂

[@essel23fly]

My car did not have those safety clips, it was just a twist into position. Maybe the US version is different. Also another tip to easily putting the light bulb rather than feeling it in is to actually look inside the headlight as the bulb is gong in, you can see where the edges line up.

[@DrivewayDudes]

There's no doubt variations. Thanks for the tip👍though we did try looking into the headlight but views are restricted, again may depend on variation

[@razvanursui547]

Hey i need help?

[@DrivewayDudes]

???

[@razvanursui547]

@@DrivewayDudes how i can change the headlights in front?

[@razvanursui547]

@@DrivewayDudes in fact i have changed the bulbs but it does not go the short beam only the long headlight (it is probably a safety burner) and i do not know what is the safety for the light headlights

[@razvanursui547]

@@DrivewayDudes i need change headlamp safety at audi a3 since 1998.

[@DrivewayDudes]

@@razvanursui547 You have two separate H7 bulbs in the unit, one is for main beam and one (in this video) is for dip beam. Both the H7 bulbs are rated 12V 55W. If the wiring is crossed then you may experience dip when on main and main when on dip. The shape and angle of the reflector in the unit determines the direction of the light beam

[@rondhole]

Bulb has no polarity, it is simple resistor type load unlike LED

[@DrivewayDudes]

If you watched the video then you may have noticed there is a tab on the bulb so it will fit one way only

[@rondhole]

@@DrivewayDudes it is nothing to do with any tab wiring. They are identical. Just the mouning tab to the socket has orientation

[@CJCG1]

J

[@andrewcherry3350]

Wow this looks like a right pain in the arse

[@JonHallMusic96]

What a fucking pain in the ass this is! No room to get your hand in at all I could barely manage

[@DrivewayDudes]

Did you do it in the end?

[@JonHallMusic96]

Driveway Dudes just about, it's not quite at the same angle as the other side. I think my car is slightly different as it's a round cover and has a sort of wing but like design for the bit the bulb sits in, the untouched side is pointed straight up but the side I just changed has a slightly different angle but it feels solid and doesn't wobble. Most importantly it works! Haha

[@DrivewayDudes]

Well done. Hope the video helped in some way. Paul 👍