Collection: H15 / H16 Bulbs

The H15 Bulb: DRL and High Beams in a Single Bulb

The H15 is a dual-filament halogen bulb designed for modern headlights that combine daytime running lights (DRL) and high beams in a single optical unit. It contains two distinct filaments:

• 15W Filament — provides the daytime running light (DRL), continuously illuminated at normal speed (mandatory since 2011 on new vehicles).
• 55W Filament — provides the high beam, activated by the driver.

Specific PGJ23t-1 base — not to be confused with H7, H11, or others.

Which vehicles use the H15?

The H15 is almost exclusively used by the Volkswagen Group (VAG) on the MQB platform since approximately 2012. Main models:

• Volkswagen: Golf 7 and 7.5, Tiguan 2, Passat B8, Polo 6, Touran 2
• Seat: Leon 3, Ateca, Arona
• Skoda: Octavia 3, Kodiaq, Karoq
• Audi: certain shared MQB platform models

If you have a VW Golf 7 (or a model from the same platform) and your DRL or your high beam is no longer working — it's an H15 that needs to be replaced. Important: if only the DRL is dead but the high beam still works (or vice versa), it's the entire bulb that needs changing — the H15's two filaments are integral.

H15 halogen or H15 LED kit?

• Standard 15/55W H15 halogen — direct plug & play replacement. No electronic compatibility issues, no special adjustment. The simplest and most economical solution.
• H15 LED kit — whiter and more modern DRL rendering, 5× longer lifespan. But the dual-functionality complicates the LED conversion: you need to choose a kit that accurately reproduces both filaments (15W DRL + 55W high beam). CE approval is mandatory (with "E" marking) since 2023 for high beams. Most premium kits integrate an electronic module that reproduces the DRL/high beam management of the original ECU.

Replacing an H15: precautions

On Golf 7s and derivative models, the headlight is not always accessible without partially disassembling the optical unit or removing the front wheel. Before replacement:

• Consult a video specific to your model (YouTube, VAG forums)
• Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your dexterity
• For the Tiguan 2, disassembly is significantly more complex — workshop recommended
• Never touch the glass of the new bulb with your fingers (use a clean cloth)