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Lights (fog and otherwise)



It appears that with the onset of winter, Audi owners everywhere are discovering
the woeful state of lighting in their cars, especially the 200's.  In the rush
to install fog lights they are, perhaps, not considering another option: Hella
XL auxiliary low beams.  I just installed them on my '91 200 TQW and they make a
big difference.  The beam pattern is wide close to the car (similar to fog
lights, but maybe not quite as wide) and also iluminates a good distance in the
center.  In impromptu and very unscientific tests (flashing high beams off and
on) I found them to have a range equal to the stock high beams on my car, and a
much "cleaner/whiter" light.  They are an all-around better solution for general
use, but probably too bright for heavy fog or snow.  I think Eric Fletcher also
recommended them in a previous post, but bemoaned the cost.  Automotive
Performance Systems (APS) in CA has them for $105, complete with Hella FUSED
relay, wires, switch (not factory), etc.   They advertise in european car, but I
forgot to ask about any reader/internet discount.   These are DOT legal when
used as extra low beams.  This also makes a very easy install: tap unswitched
power from the battery post in engine bay, tap switched low beam wire to relay
(already fused), run output from relay to lights.  You don't need to run a wire
into the passenger compartment.  This does mean your aux lights will be on
whenever your low beams are on, and only then, but it's easy and effective.  One
drawback is idjits who see additional lights on and think "That guy is blinding
me" or "He forgot to turn his fog lights off" and proceed to flash their high
beams at you.

I have not finalized where I am going to mount them on my car yet, I think above
the bumper is better, but I'm too much of a coward to drill in the top (I
already did on the bottom).  I think I may remove the black rubber trim between
the chrome strip and the grill, trim a gap, then attempt some sort of lateral
mounting set-up.

Joe Yakubik

Aside to Lee Levitt:  I don't think there is a switched ACC line in the engine
bay that is also easy to use.  The fuse box has an abundance of them, but most
of the connections are occupied by things like heated seats, electric windows,
etc.  Be cautious before disconnecting anything in that fuse box; the Bentley
manual is not real clear on wiring.