Used Volkswagen Golf Headlight

Golf headlights are generation-specific, so the key is matching the correct generation: Mk5 (2004–2009), Mk6 (2009–2013), Mk7 (2013–2020, with a facelift in 2017 producing the Mk7.5), and Mk8 (2020 onwards). Within a generation, headlights are generally shared across different body styles and door counts, but you should always confirm the exact part with the breaker against your registration, especially if you are near a facelift year.

This question spans the Mk7 facelift boundary: 2015 is pre-facelift Mk7, while 2018 is the facelifted Mk7.5, and VW updated the front-end styling at this point. Both are Mk7-generation cars, but whether the headlight units themselves interchange across that 2017 facelift is something you must confirm with the breaker against your registration, as the units may differ in design and fixing points. Do not assume they are interchangeable simply because both are Mk7 cars.

No — Golf headlights are shared across 3-door and 5-door variants within the same generation, as the front-end panels are the same regardless of body length or door count. Just match the generation and facelift period, and the breaker will be able to supply the correct unit for your car.

Trim level — whether your Golf is an S, SE, SE Nav, GT, R-Line, or any other variant — does not affect headlight fitment, as the mounting points and front-end structure are the same across trims within a generation. However, different trims can be fitted with different headlight technologies (for example, halogen versus xenon or LED), so the unit pulled from an R-Line or higher-spec car may look or function differently to the one you are replacing. Always confirm with the breaker that the headlight type matches your original unit, not just the trim name.

The Mk6 Golf was introduced in late 2008 and was on sale through 2009, meaning a 2009 car is most likely a Mk6, but some early 2009 registrations may still be Mk5 — your registration plate is the definitive guide here. It matters a great deal, because Mk5 and Mk6 headlights are not the same and will not interchange. Give your full registration to the breaker so they can confirm the exact generation before sourcing a unit.

No — the driver's side (OS, offside, right-hand side on UK cars) and passenger's side (NS, nearside, left-hand side) headlights are handed and are not interchangeable with each other. When contacting a breaker, always specify whether you need the NS or OS unit alongside your registration and generation details to avoid being sent the wrong side.