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S70 headlights

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » Improve Volvo Headlights
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bigkev414
Posts: 93
Joined: 12 November 2011
Year and Model: S70T sport 2000
Location: gold coast australia

Volvo Repair Database S70 headlights

Post by bigkev414 »

The headlights on my car don't seem too good (compared to the more modern cars I've had). Not very bright, and add a misty rainy night and an old driver with glasses and improvement is desirable.
Can't change the weather, can't get younger. can I do anything with the lights to 'brighten my life up a bit'?
all suggestions and comments greatly appreciated. :shock:

jblackburn
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Post by jblackburn »

They're terrible. The headlights in any new car are like 10x better.

1) better bulbs. I use Silverstars and am quite happy with them, but others will say they're useless gimmicky crap. Whatever; I can see the difference and they light up the road in front of me pretty well. There are other good alternatives as well. I would recommend NOT going to a higher wattage bulb.
2) E-code lenses
3) New reflectors ($) yours are probably dull and pitted by now
4) HID conversion kit - reflectors, lenses, bulbs, and ballasts. Probably the best improvement, but expensive.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


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JRL
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Post by JRL »

HID conversion or buy 2004 C70 clear jewel lights
Both will set you back several hundred dollars

C70 lights and corners
Image
Mod note. Jim passed away in early 2022, his contributions to this forum are immortal, and he is missed. RIP

2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.

precopster
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Post by precopster »

Are the reflectors in your lights faded or oxidised? This can halve the light output especially on high beam and lead to a very out of focus beam. If it's simply not enough light output try a higher rated globe for high beam.

Perhaps a used set in GC may fix some of the issues.

These projectors are nice but I prefer them in a silver finish: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400261796136 ... 1423.l2649
Current cars VW Transporter 2.5TDI, 2010 XC90 D5 R Design

bigkev414
Posts: 93
Joined: 12 November 2011
Year and Model: S70T sport 2000
Location: gold coast australia

Post by bigkev414 »

jblackburn wrote:They're terrible. The headlights in any new car are like 10x better.

1) better bulbs. I use Silverstars and am quite happy with them, but others will say they're useless gimmicky crap. Whatever; I can see the difference and they light up the road in front of me pretty well. There are other good alternatives as well. I would recommend NOT going to a higher wattage bulb.
2) E-code lenses
3) New reflectors ($) yours are probably dull and pitted by now
4) HID conversion kit - reflectors, lenses, bulbs, and ballasts. Probably the best improvement, but expensive.
Thanks mate....I want to try a pair of Silverstars but they are not available in Aust. I located lost on E Bay and just wanted to check with you exactly what to order - located a pair of Osram/Sylvania part No. H7SU, 55 watt, plus a heap of others. Can you pin it down for me please? Exactly what should I order?
thanks as always

regards Kev

JRL
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Post by JRL »

Bulbs won't help you all that much, however
If you want to try ...

From the Daniel Stern website

Best bulbs for low beam are Osram Rallye 65w H7.

Standard H7: 55w, 1400 lumens, 500 hours
H7 ultra "Plus+50": 55w, 1550 lumens, 225 hours
H7 rallye+65: 65w, 2100 lumens, 500 hours, obvious choice
.
Mod note. Jim passed away in early 2022, his contributions to this forum are immortal, and he is missed. RIP

2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.

bigkev414
Posts: 93
Joined: 12 November 2011
Year and Model: S70T sport 2000
Location: gold coast australia

Post by bigkev414 »

OK - I am poverty stricken and have ordered a set of bulbs. Both headlights were totally out of adjustment and the right hand one won't adjust at all .When I took the cover off behind the lampholder inside the engine bay I felt the reflector moving like it is hinged on the top but whatever locks the bottom in place has left go and it swings like a trapeze. Both reflectors are in good condition and look nice and shiny and silver. With the lights set up properly (only had the car a couple of months) and the new bulbs it should work out OK.
While we're on the subject, please forgive me for repeatedly asking basic questions but how do I remove the glass headlight lens to see what's happened to the reflector that moves? I can see the spring clips around the top, but not what else holds it in place at the bottom or side against the rubber seal? I don't want to break anything. Does the park light assembly have to come off too, and how does that fix in place? :)

Thanks as always for all your answers and help. Regards

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BEJinFbk
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Post by BEJinFbk »

There are spring clips all the way around.
You'll need to remove the headlights.
There are 3) 10mm bolts holding each light.
'98 V70 R - Well Equipped for Life Up North... ;)

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