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
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?
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.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZhEAAOSw-QBcEASg/s-l1600.jpg)
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.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/284AAOSw0j5eBIm5/s-l1600.jpg)
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.
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.