VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

Bulbs

May 27, 2020, 09:38:49 AM

VW Golf Mk2 Bulb Reference Sheet

The following is a reference guide for the standard bulbs used throughout the car.

FRONT
    Dipped Beam/Main Beam   H4   60/55W       
    Front Spot   H3   55W       
    Front Fog Lights    H3   55W       
    Sidelight   233   T4W       
    Front Indicator   382 [BAU15s] P21W   
    Side Repeater   501   5w       

INTERIOR
    Interior courtesy   265 (N 0177234/N 0177232) 12v 10W 41mmØ11mm    
    Interior glove locker   (N 0177262)   12v 3w       
    Interior boot   (N 0177252) 12v 5w 35mmØ10.5mm
    Cigarette lighter (early)   286   1.2W       
    Instrument cluster   (431919040/431919040A) Black base;12V  1,2W / White base;12V  2W       

REAR
    Tail   207   5W       
    Number Plate   233    T4W       
    Number Plate (alt)   504 3W       
    Stop   382   P21W       
    Rear Indicator   382   P21W       
    Rear Fog   382   P21W       
    Reversing   382   P21W

To view this information as a PDF with images and diagrams please see this link:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SmZ1g7wxk5AGwPWQKVJqCa4k5CPNucLJ

Re: Bulbs

Reply #1 – June 06, 2020, 03:41:07 PM

Has anyone "upgraded" their MK2 Golf tail lights with LED bulbs and were they an improvement?
I've always been a bit disappointed with the intensity of the rear tail lights on my Golf. It's probably because the bulb is behind a reflector type lense. Sometimes when it's muggy it seems they are too dull to see clearly, but using rear fogs would be too extreme/annoying. Any suggestions?

Re: Bulbs

Reply #2 – June 08, 2020, 03:30:07 PM

I can depend on the design of the LED bulb. Some can be bright but often don't have the spread of standard bulbs, so you end up with a bright red dot in the centre of your taillight, rather than a red glow... if you know what I mean.

I had some bulbs like this once, they are forward facing and gave the issue described above.


Since the rear cluster is designed for standard bulbs and uses reflectors then I would suggest a multi-directional LED bulb like this might be more effective.


I've also seen many LED light applications (even OEM factory installed units) where the individual LEDs have failed. It's usually the solder joints that go brittle and crack so whilst they don't 'blow' like a standard bulb they're not the lifetime solution that we're sold.

Re: Bulbs

Reply #3 – June 08, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

Thanks. I did see both types on ebay and did wonder which would be best. I'm not after the LED look, just a brighter light.