Best Headlight Replacement for Audi S5 B8.5 (2013–2017)
If you’re rolling in an Audi S5 B8.5, you already know you’ve got a gem. The facelifted B8.5 S5 has one of…
If you’re rolling in an Audi S5 B8.5, you already know you’ve got a gem. The facelifted B8.5 S5 has one of the cleanest front-end designs Audi ever dropped. But as time goes on, even the best headlights start to fade, yellow, or just stop keeping up with modern lighting tech.
This post is all about helping you find the best headlight replacement for Audi S5 B8.5. I’m talking options that look OEM but hit harder, with better lighting, sharper styling, and way better vibes for your car’s front end. I’ll go over everything—from OEM vs aftermarket, how to choose the right set, where to get them (Amazon & AliExpress picks), how to install them, and what to avoid.
Why Replace the S5’s Headlights?
Let’s be real—those stock lights looked amazing back in 2013. But if yours are foggy, cracked, or if you’re just bored of the stock DRL strip, it might be time for a refresh. Replacing your headlights:
- Instantly modernizes your S5
- Improves night visibility (especially if you’re upgrading to LED)
- Boosts resale value
- Adds style and personality
- Makes your car safer, especially in bad weather
Honestly, headlights do more than just help you see. They set the whole tone for the front of your car. A fresh set makes everything else pop.
Understanding Your S5 B8.5 Setup
Before you dive into buying, let’s get a grip on your current setup:
- Years covered: 2013–2017 (Facelift model, aka B8.5)
- Factory lights: Xenon HID with DRL LED strip
- High/low beam: Projector lens
- Wiring: DRL powered separately, uses a ballast for Xenon setup
Most people upgrading want either:
- A fresh OEM look with better brightness
- Something custom with black housings, sequential DRLs, or full LED projection
OEM vs Aftermarket (What You Need to Know)
✅ OEM Pros:
- Exact fitment
- Zero guessing on compatibility
- Works with existing wiring and modules
- Plug-and-play, no coding needed
✅ OEM Cons:
- Super expensive ($1,500+ per side in some cases)
- Doesn’t upgrade appearance much
- Still uses Xenon unless you retrofit
✅ Aftermarket Pros:
- Way more design options (smoked housings, startup animations, etc.)
- LED or laser options
- Often cheaper than OEM
- Newer lighting tech + better beam patterns
✅ Aftermarket Cons:
- May need coding (OBDeleven or VCDS)
- Build quality can vary (check reviews!)
- Some kits need minor rewiring
For most S5 owners who want an upgrade, a quality aftermarket headlight is the move. But don’t cheap out—bad headlights are worse than no upgrade at all.
What to Look for in the Best Headlight Replacement for Audi S5 B8.5
When shopping, keep this checklist handy:
1. Compatibility
Make sure it fits 2013–2017 S5. A lot of listings say “A5/S5 B8” but are actually for the pre-facelift. Double-check fitment.
2. Light Source
Do you want to stay with Xenon or switch to full LED?
- LED = brighter, longer-lasting, modern
- Xenon = traditional Audi vibe, but might require ballast
3. DRL Design
This is the visual signature of your car:
- Stock = single strip
- Aftermarket = sequential, dynamic, U-shaped, or startup animation
4. Housing Style
- Chrome = close to OEM
- Black or smoked = aggressive look
5. Warranty & Brand Reputation
Stick with known names: VLAND, Spyder, DEPO, or OEM suppliers. Check reviews and warranty policies.
Top Amazon Pick: Spyder Auto LED Projector Headlights
- Black housing
- LED DRL strip with projector beam
- Plug-and-play for most models
- Looks sharp and modern
If you want to upgrade your headlights without going too wild, these are a solid bet. The black housing gives that RS5-style vibe while staying classy.
Top AliExpress Pick: VLAND Custom DRL Projectors
- Full LED with projector beams
- DRLs, sequential turn signals, startup animation
- Black and smoked options available
- Affordable, ships worldwide
These are one of the most popular S5 headlight upgrades for a reason. They look premium, feel well-built, and make your car look 5–6 years newer.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Tools You’ll Need:
- Torx screwdriver set
- Socket wrench set
- Plastic trim removal tools
- OBDeleven or VCDS (for coding if necessary)
- Patience (seriously, the bumper is the hardest part)
Installation Steps:
- Prep the area: Disconnect battery and raise the front of the car.
- Remove front bumper: Torx screws inside fender, under the car, and by grille.
- Unbolt OEM headlights (3–4 bolts per side).
- Unplug connectors carefully.
- Install new headlights: Secure them with the same bolts.
- Reconnect wiring harness.
- Test everything: DRLs, low/high beams, turn signals.
- Reinstall the bumper.
Optional but recommended: use OBDeleven or VCDS to code DRL behavior or disable bulb-out warnings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying B8 instead of B8.5 headlights
- Assuming all kits are plug-and-play (some need resistors)
- Forgetting to code DRL/turn signal behavior
- Not checking for condensation seals
- Breaking bumper clips during removal
Mods That Pair Well With New Headlights
Since you’ve already got the bumper off, why not go a little further? These mods complement headlight upgrades:
- RS-style honeycomb grille
- Carbon fiber front lip
- LED fog lights or yellow fog bulbs
- Smoked side markers
- New Audi rings or black emblem badges
These simple tweaks totally transform the front end.
Light Output Comparison: Halogen vs HID vs LED
| Bulb Type | Brightness (Lumens) | Lifespan | Warm-Up Time | Color Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen | 1,000–1,500 | 500–1,000 hrs | Instant | 3200K |
| HID | 3,000–3,500 | 2,000 hrs | 10–15 sec | 4300K–6000K |
| LED | 4,000–6,000+ | 10,000 hrs+ | Instant | 6000K+ |
This is why more people are going LED—longer life, better visibility, no warm-up, and a clean white look.
Real-World Owner Reviews
“Switched to VLANDs with the sequential DRL and the startup animation—absolutely love ‘em. Makes my 2014 S5 look brand new.” – Mark D.
“Did the Spyder headlights and blacked-out grille at the same time. Total transformation, and install wasn’t as bad as I thought.” – AJ M.
“AliExpress came through. Took a few weeks but the lights were better than expected. Coded with OBDeleven, no issues.” – Luke R.
Final Thoughts
Your S5 B8.5 is already a he