Where to go for inexpensive, DIY improvement in light?
- SilverStars?
- E-code glass?
- jewel headlights?
- HID Xenons?
I have a 98 S70 and the headlights are really not very powerful at all. I can drive with my brights on and nobody flashes me. My bulbs are fairly new (within a year) and are the GE halogens they sell at wallmart. I have tried PIAA’s and they aren’t any better.
BEJinFbk, MVS Contributor and all-around car guru:
“If it’s pitted badly enough to affect your light output, I’d think you’d be able to feel it in the glass.
I’ve never heard of a polishing kit for GLASS headlights, just plastic.
I started with SilverStars, changed up to E-code glass and got reasonable, but not terrific lighting.
Short of jewels, HIDs would probably be my next step for improved lights.
But for now, SilverStars and E-code glass made a noticeable improvement on the cheap. 
“
MVS Moderator MadeInJapan:
“It’s been a while since I’ve posted but found this discussion something I can relate to. Actually, I have a ’98 S70 too and have had the same issues. Although the Silverstars were better, I was burning through them sometimes within a month, then I found the solution! And…it’s fairly cheap!! Change our your whole set-up to HID light bulbs. You can buy the kit for the H7’s here:http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-H … 35W-or-55W You’ll have to use a 1 inch bit to drill the hole on the back side of your headlight cover and then just insert the new bulbs that have a rubber grommet to keep moisture out over the hole and then mount your ballasts to somewhere nearby- I used velcro (passenger side, behind the head light and driver’s side onto the battery). Anyway, they work great- I didn’t even upgrade to 55watts and it’s much brighter now!! They look sort of fluorescent but much brighter and I have had none burn out (by the way- a life time warranty!). Check out the bulb color carefully- I stayed with as white as I could get- of course you could go towards the blue spectrum if you want but I found that they look cheesy, especially on a Volvo (personal taste).”
5 Comments
I have 3 S/V 70s from 1998 & 1999. I was lucky enough to score a pair of OEM type aftermarket headlamps out of the PnP. The reflectors were much better than the 20 year old OEMs. I found a GREAT source of H7 LED bulbs from Boslla company. I use their least expensive bulb. Only 30 watts per bulb. Here is the link. https://www.boslla.com/product/boslla-bullet-series-h8-9-11-the-worlds-minimal-bullet-led-headlight/
The combination is fantastic. Great brightness, great focus good throw. I also scored a pair of 2004 C70 headlamps and put them into my V70. They work better than the old OEMs. One negative point is that they use two different bulb types (H11 and 9005). The original headlamps use H7 for both High and Low beam. If you burn out a low beam bulb you can swap it with the high beam bulb until you can replace it. Lastly I still have a 1998 S70 with OEM setup. I literally found a roll of Nashua silver tape on the street in front of my house. It is very shiny and I plan to cover the interior of the reflector housing with it. If the results are better I will use the Boslla bulbs to complete the upgrade. I am looking forward to the improvement. PS. My friend who is into old Audi’s and VWs just purchased the next more expensive bulbs. https://www.boslla.com/product/80w-9005-led-headlight-bulb-9600lm-6500k-white-2-bulbs/ Both of these bulbs have NO external exciter block. This makes them easy to install in the space of our headlamps. I Highly recommend them.
Nice job ! I use aluminium tape, easy to mount, good reflection. Makes a 2cv rear light 5w look like 10w. Also used on most 240’s I owned, also did repairs on headlamps without removable front.
Thanks for your suggestion of aluminum tape, Marc!
What about glass headlights? My wife’s 99 V70 has the same problem. Her headlights are glass lenses and cant be sanded. Aside from replacement, any suggestions?
Frankly, the 3M lense repair kit works great! Made dull XC90 headlight lenses look like new. Great product! I have used on 3 cars so far all headlights. The volvo xc90 headlights have more coating to remove to get under the degraded plastic so be sure to follow the instructions….more passes on the sanding steps.