Anyone aware of the best quality headlight replacements for the S197, 2007 in particular? I'm not interested in HID, just some nice replacements. Brands that are good quality...from seeing the disparity in price between different brands some have to be junk . Thanks.

 

Another loaded question.

What are you looking for? The stock lamps are roughly 3500K. I like the Sylvania Silverstars (4000K) and the Silverstar Ultras (4100K). Unfortunately, I don't believe the Ultras are available in our bulb style. The Silvertars are a bit whiter than stock and I like their output although the life of the Silverstars may be shorter than normal. I had them on an SUV that used the headlights for the DRL's and the Silverstars were lasting from 12-18 months on average. They're worth it IMO. I went to a 5000K bulb in my SUV and had issues with vision in wet, dark weather and went back to the Ultras.

 

I want to replace the entire assy. Mine are badly chipped. When you purchase aftermarket headlight assemblies I assume bulbs are included right?

 

I doubt it.

 

i'm interested in replacing mine as well, but don't want to deal with the huge embarassing hassle of taking off the front bumper

 

Do you really have to take the bumper off to replace lights? I was told this on my last car (Passat) and found I didn't have to at all.

 

I'm considering a Roush cover as well so I just as soon knock everything out at once. I'm looking hard at the Anzo brand halo-style...

I don't think removing the front bumper cover is that difficult. Can't be more difficult than the other things I've done to the engine/suspension on this car.

 

No bulbs included, this ain't Xmas.

Check out Keystone, that's what I use for collision replacements when insurances don't want to fork out OEM.
You could always go to your local body shop and order from them.
Make sure you tell them that you're aware of the current prices, so you don't get buttraped by them either.

 

yeahhhh, now that I'm looking harder I notice the bulbs are pretty expensive themselves. may just take your advice, get some cheaper replacement housings and go with the better quality bulbs...

 

Now I'm finding the stock bulbs are 55w and most of the higher output ~4k bulbs are 85w... the housings are rated for 55's. I like the idea of a pure white light and may just splurge for an HID kit. Just another project that goes WAY over budget...nothing new with this car.