Headlamp lighting very poor on my '98 S70

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 26 Apr 2018, 06:11

Hello all. One of my H7 bulbs burned out the other day so I got a new pair for the low beam lamps. They were a set of Phillips 55W and were supposed to be 30% brighter. Not!
I also discovered when looking at those two site glass balancers on both the left and right sides under the hood that the bubble was considerably sitting towards the "back" portion, away from the center black line. I turned the hex device to bring the bubble back to the middle and it seems the lighting las night was even worse. What have I done wrong if anything or perhaps I just need a better bulb or lighting system. Is there any recommendations for a brighter bulb without having to replace the whole housing? I saw some LED H7 bulbs on Ebay but not sure about if they are designed for the wiring. Let me know. Thanks!

Post by **nickelghandi** » 26 Apr 2018, 06:26

You might have burned out reflectors in your housing in which case about the only option is to replace them. Your first step though should be to aim your bulb back where it was. Regardless of where the bubble is, if your headlights shine on the road and people are not flashing their brights at you then they are more than likely properly aimed.

Neither LEDs nor HIDs work very well in the OEM housings. They scatter the light too much blinding everyone else and actually worsening your visibility. I tried several different bulbs before finally replacing my housings. If you are deadset on LED bulbs, I would recommend Auxbeam FS-3's. I have had good luck with them.

You should replace your housings with OEM ones or with some ABM Projector housings. I opted for the ABMs and have been very pleased. I run LEDs in them. I have had them for over a year and they are just as good as new. The best part about them (for me) is that you can continue using H7 sized bulbs. You can get them from IPD or eBay.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 26 Apr 2018, 06:55

I second the above. Your reflectors are likely shot and your glass lenses are probably well pitted from years on the road. If you want better lighting, you are going to have to replace the whole assembly. Unfortunately this is far from a cheap upgrade.

There are plenty of YouTube videos outlining how to properly aim your headlights for best visibility without blinding everyone else.

MMT51 · Post by **MMT51** » 26 Apr 2018, 10:49

I replaced my worn out headlights on a 2000 S70 with these TYC aftermarket units:

https://www.amazon.com/TYC-20-5410-00-D ... automotive

Paid $140 for the set a year ago. They were a great improvement, not as good as the 2003-2004 C70 Jewel headlights that most people recommend, but a lot less money.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 26 Apr 2018, 11:42

I've been contemplating the TYC aftermarket units, but being so cheap made me skeptical. I'm sure they are better than my old stock units, but I question the reliability and longevity. Do they have glass lenses?

MMT51 · Post by **MMT51** » 26 Apr 2018, 21:17

I was skeptical too, but they have glass lenses and look just like the originals. They’ve been in for a year. Hard to say whether they’ll last as long as the originals, but neither will the car.

New headlights will make the
turn signals look shabby, you’ll end up wanting to replace those as well.

The TYC units come with bulbs, but I did upgrade to the 65W type, Osram I think.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2018, 23:03

The main issue to watch for on aftermarket lights is the wiring harnesses. Check them from time to time for melting wiring insulation.

TYC parts are cheap but those I have used seem to be reasonable in terms of quality.

If you look into your lights (while off!) and the reflectors are gray rather than shiny, then it is time to replace the whole units.

I will add my agreement to what the others have said about checking on how to align headlights. The bubbles are only any good if the car is standing on absolutely flat ground. If the car was sitting slightly upwards when you adjusted the lights, you lenses are now pointing the worms directly in front of the car.

Neil.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 27 Apr 2018, 05:32

Yeah scot850, I am sure you are correct about aiming those lamps. Being an engineer and seeing a nice sight glass (plastic) with line bubble, I get excited. My thinking is that if I get the bubble right over the black line, I am good to go. I will have to re-check this and will aim my car at our two black painted garage doors some night from about 15-20 ft. away. Can I assume that "TYC" and "ABM" are the abbreviations for a company? No one included any links.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Apr 2018, 08:17

TYC and ABM are brand names. MMT51 left a link to Amazon for a TYC light. Might find FCP Euro also supply that brand and Rock Auto.

Neil.

Post by **nickelghandi** » 27 Apr 2018, 08:46

Here is the ABM link. Way better than TYC, but WAAAAAY more expensive.

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6956/11 ... 70-s70-v70