Head Light Bulbs, H3 55 Watt, Each

OVERVIEW

When you''re tearing through the dunes in a sand rail or navigating a dark backroad in your vintage Beetle, visibility isn''t just a luxuryit''s a safety requirement. These EMPI H3 55-watt halogen bulbs are engineered to provide the piercing, white light needed to cut through the darkness and illuminate the path ahead. Designed as a high-performance replacement for auxiliary driving lights, fog lights, and various off-road lighting setups, these bulbs deliver a significant upgrade over aged or dimming factory components. As any air-cooled enthusiast knows, the electrical systems on our classic machines can be finicky, and having a reliable, high-output light source ensures that you aren''t left driving by Braille when the sun goes down. EMPI has been a cornerstone of the VW aftermarket for decades, and these bulbs carry that legacy of quality and fitment that builders have trusted since the golden age of Cal-Lookers.

Standardized for a wide variety of aftermarket and specialty housings, these H3 bulbs feature a 12-volt, 55-watt configuration that strikes the perfect balance between intense luminosity and manageable heat dissipation. Unlike cheap generic bulbs that flicker or burn out under the vibration of a high-revving flat-four engine, these EMPI units are built to withstand the rigors of both street performance and off-road abuse. Whether you are restoring a set of period-correct fog lamps for a Type 3 Squareback or outfitting a modern light bar on a Baja Bug, these bulbs offer the "plug and play" simplicity you need. Sold individually, they allow for easy maintenance of your lighting array, ensuring that your Volkswagen remains as functional as it is stylish. Don''t let a burnt-out filament ruin your night run; keep a few of these in your glovebox and ensure your air-cooled legend always shines bright.

FITMENT

These H3 bulbs are universal for 12-volt systems and are commonly used in the following Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• VW Beetle (All Years): For use in aftermarket H3 fog light kits or driving lamps.
• VW Super Beetle: Ideal for auxiliary bumper-mounted lighting.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Fits many vintage-style replacement fog light housings.
• VW Bus / Type 2 (Split Window & Bay Window): Used in auxiliary roof racks or bumper lights.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Fits various accessory lighting upgrades.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Excellent for brush guard mounted off-road lights.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: The standard bulb for many 5-inch and 6-inch off-road spot lamps.
• Baja Bugs: Fits most tubular bumper-mounted auxiliary light pods.
• Generic H3 Housings: Compatible with any 12V housing designed for an H3 PK22s base bulb.

SPECS

• Bulb Type: H3 Halogen.
• Base Type: PK22s (Standard H3 single-lead spade connector).
• Voltage: 12 Volts DC.
• Wattage: 55 Watts.
• Color Temperature: Standard Clear (Warm White).
• Filament Material: High-grade Tungsten.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).
• Part Number: 16-9165-0 (EMPI).
• Application: Fog, Driving, and Auxiliary Off-Road Lighting.

PRO TIPS

1. Never Touch the Glass with Bare Hands

This is the golden rule of halogen bulbs. The oils from your skin will create a "hot spot" on the quartz glass surface when the bulb heats up to its operating temperature. This uneven heating causes the glass to weaken and will lead to premature bulb failure or even shattering. Always use a clean paper towel or wear latex gloves when handling these EMPI bulbs. If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely before installation to ensure maximum longevity.

2. Check Your Grounds and Voltage Drop

Air-cooled VWs are notorious for losing voltage through old wiring and corroded ground points. If your H3 bulbs seem dim or yellow, use a multimeter to check the voltage at the light socket while the engine is running. You should see close to 13.5-14.0 volts. If it''s significantly lower, your 55-watt bulb won''t reach its full brightness. Consider running a dedicated relay for your auxiliary lights with a thick 10 or 12-gauge power wire directly from the battery or the starter solenoid to ensure these bulbs get the "juice" they need to perform at their peak.

3. Proper Aiming for Off-Road and Street Use

Because these H3 bulbs put out a concentrated 55 watts of light, improper aiming can blind oncoming traffic or cause unwanted glare in off-road settings. For fog lights, aim the beam low and slightly toward the passenger side of the road to illuminate the shoulder and the ground immediately in front of the car. For off-road driving lights on a Baja or Sand Rail, aim them further down the trail but ensure they are synchronized so the "hot spots" of the beams overlap at your primary braking distance. This maximizes your reaction time during high-speed night runs.