Isn't that what BMW and some other lux makes use now?  Must not be too bad.  For no more than they cost, why not try them out and throw the old ones back in if they're not for you?

I have been told the bulbs are too hot for our lenses. I don't think I've ever seen a newer VW with them installed.


                                                                            :cool:

I have the h4's.I haven't had any trouble with mine yet but I have the glass lenses because mine is a dunebuggy with the baha light's for driving light's. They have those sylvania light's out now that are suppose to be able to see really well with the extra power.Thinking about putting  them in my reg.cars as they burn out which takes alot of time to do so.

O.K. here's the deal...
true HIDs require relays/ control modules, gas units, etc.  These are what the Passat w8s have.  They're really pretty untill the owner finds out that not only is the bulb about $128.00, the different style of headlamp housing requires you remove the front bumper cover and grille frame components along with the headlamp assembly itself to replace the bub.  Translated into our (dealership's) price, that's a $400-$500 repair.  
The best bet to obtain a brighter light without spending a grand or more to convert over to true HIDs is to buy the Sylvainia "silverstar" bulbs.  I have run these in my '02 Golf over a year now and have not had any problems.  One note:  I have seen some passats as well as new beetles that have shown signs of the headlamp harnesses inside the housings overheating/ insulation cracking.  The addition of these bulbs may accelerate the process.  Personally, as I have said, I haven't had any sort of problems.  By the way, the silverstars are a great deal brighter than the stock bulbs.  Keep in mind though, that if your lenses are clouded/ yellowed, the effect will be lessened.  Good Luck.