Well I have finally completed the install of my new headlights! Wasn't the most straightforward of jobs as I wanted the dipped beams on with the main beams, and as I have since learned, this is not as simple on a T5.1. But it has been well worth it because you would never guess it was the same van with the overall improvement in headlights!
I went for the THQ V2s in the end as I prefer the look of the separate indicator to fill what is otherwise a void in the V3s. Plus I was really put off with the reports that the DRL/Indicator on the V3s is not bright enough; I can tell I wont have such problems on the V2s. These pics were taken at 1pm albeit slightly overcast day:
I have to say removing the bumper on a T5.1 is a right ballache! I watched the THQ youtube video on changing lights on a T6 and they made removing the bumper look like a 10min job. 2 hours later I finally had mine off!
I went with the THQ LED H1 bulbs for the main beams and the 35w 4300k HID kit for the H7 dipped beams, and all I can say is.... WOW! What an unbelievable transformation!! Thanks again to
@dubber36 and the others for their extensive testing on this thread - this is definitely the sweet spot of bulb/headlight/cost combination.
The last thing I had to do was get the dipped bulbs to remain on with main beam engaged. Apparently a doddle on a T6 - either fit a loom adaptor which THQ supply, or do some quick VCDS coding, but neither an option on a T5.1 with these V2 headlights. So after a bit of research I found a workaround of bridging the headlight switch wire into another wire, located under the steering column. A common mod for those upgrading to the Caravelle H7 headlights apparently. So here is a pic of the wiring mod and the final result: