Headlights, again... '98 '99 S70 V70

[LOB]

My hope is that a new pair of LED-bulbs will improve my low beam headlight. I've ordered these;

NOK 200.82 31%OFF | CNSUNNYLIGHT H7 LED H11 H4 H1 with Lumileds ZES Chips 9900LM 72W/set 9005 Car Headlight Bulb 9006 H8 Fog Lamp Headlamp 12V 24V
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cMQhI60o

I think you will have to modify the headlight assemblies to fit those in, won't you.

I'm still thinking that the reflector is the key component in lighting, and nothing will fix that if it is bad. I replaced my standard low beam headlight bulbs with some that are supposed to be 30% brighter and saw no difference whatsoever.

When my standard high beams are on with just stock lamps and no mods, the lights are plenty bright enough.

I'm mounting these in a 850. There's space for a 30 mm base of the lamp in a 850. I thought there where more space in a V70 reflector housing!?. I planned to replace my DOT reflectors (my car is a US-spec 855 imported to Sweden). Bought a new pair of E-code reflectors from the junkyard planing to use all my US-spec lamps (HID headlamps (9005), spare bulbs etc) but it doesn't look like I can refit a 9005/9006 in a E-code reflector. I thought I could just move over the bracket for the bulb but it isn't mounted the same way. The E- code is mounted with screws.

Since everyone else is going up in lumens/lux I thought I would do the same (blinding led-projectors). A classic race to the bottom....

[LOB]

Even led bulbs with reasonable emitter placement won't give you the same proper beam pattern and will blind incoming traffic. It varies quite a bit how much though, some are terrible others ok.

Regarding the reflectors I've mostly only seen reflectors that are worn on the low beam side. Barely every high beam reflectors unless someone stuck a 100w bulb in there. If the high beams are ok but low beams are useless it's most likely the reflector.

Also it's possible to fit a little box that compensates for voltage drop to give slightly higher light output as well if voltage isn't what it should be by the bulb.

My impression is that LED headlight bulbs has improved a lot the last year or so. What you're saying used to be the case. Nowadays you can get LED bulbs with the same light pattern as halogen. If they blind oncoming traffic it's because they are way to strong (like 50 real Watt LED). Have you Ratnalle heard of any place in Sweden where I can get my reflectors "re-silvered". It's probably way more expensive than a new par of reflectors but I like the 9005/9006 and I have a lot of spare lamps (HIDs, night breaker, LEDs.)

[hausmeister]

My experience is... if the reflector is bad, nothing you do will help except replacing it.
(EU cars)
In my 850 I replaced them with Chinese projector Halogens. They were reasonably priced and are much better than the reflectors.
In my s70 I bought Hella replacements (OEM basically). They are fine quality wise, but not as bright as the chinese projectors, I have to say.

I thought about LED replacements for the H* Lamps, but that is illegal where I am... and also quality seems to be a big issue, especially for reflectors as the light source needs to be at the exact same point as with the original halogen lamp.

[abscate]

In the states there was a recall campaign , number 101B, to install a pigtail adapter in the headlight circuit to " increase headlight life"

I'm guessing this a series resistive load which also reduces light output , of course. I think I took mine off my T5 trying to solve a weak headlight problem, maybe I'll try measure the resistance during the accounting meeting today

[LOB]

My experience is... if the reflector is bad, nothing you do will help except replacing it.
(EU cars)
In my 850 I replaced them with Chinese projector Halogens. They were reasonably priced and are much better than the reflectors.
In my s70 I bought Hella replacements (OEM basically). They are fine quality wise, but not as bright as the chinese projectors, I have to say.

I thought about LED replacements for the H* Lamps, but that is illegal where I am... and also quality seems to be a big issue, especially for reflectors as the light source needs to be at the exact same point as with the original halogen lamp.

LED illegal in Austria.... What about the German police? From what I've heard they are stricter than swedish police. Driving to Czech republic through Germany I a few weeks. Is there a real risk of getting a fine using LEDs (that doesn't blind oncoming traffic)?

[hausmeister]

LED is not itself illegal, but if the Headlights were not designed for it then yes it's not legal. If they are not obvious and not blinding anyone I doubt that you would have issues unless at the yearly vehicle inspection.

Germans imo are more anal than here, but I guess you would have to ask Germans if this is a problem or not.

[Eddystone]

My experience is... if the reflector is bad, nothing you do will help except replacing it.

Agreed.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=88189

I just installed a new headlight housing and took photos of the bad reflectors and how little light they project compared to new ones. If the reflectors are bad, you need new ones because no source of light will compensate for bad reflectors.

[abscate]

I bet a Burger King whopper wrapper will work as a reflector

[Eddystone]

I bet a Burger King whopper wrapper will work as a reflector

There is reflective vinyl wrap. Not sure how hot it gets in there.

[BEJinFbk]

if someone feels like experimenting, around here,
HVAC folks use a foil tape for sealing duct and
galvanized 24 and 30 gauge vents and chimneys.

Be sure to check the label for the temp rating.
Both cold weather and high heat adhesives
are available. Pretty dang shiny stuff!

Example:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Temperature-S ... 4503&psc=1