2000 V70 dim headlights

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 22 Oct 2023, 13:31

My headlights are so dim that I can't see in front of me even with high beams. I am amazed that worn reflectors are so limiting.

I really like the idea of painting the reflectors like mentioned in another post but I wasn't sure if that would be good enough and needed a quick answer, even if temporary., A bulb just burned out to make it worse.

I haven't seen anyone post about trying the following ...

A pair of mini bi-led projectors ($40) are available on eBay. They are also on Amazon but my order was never delivered on my first order and was cancelled on the second ... I don't know why.

: IMG_20231022_150535.jpg (347.58 KiB) Viewed 395 times

I installed one in just a few minutes, didn't even remove headlight cover. I did bend an internal bulb shroud out of the way with a screw driver through bulb opening and I can't put on rear cover anymore. Also only one side of the bulb retaining lever snapped in place during initial install. I'll try to resolve that later.

I bought the one with the least amount of lumens as I didn't want to blind incoming drivers. I took a quick drive last night and worked great ... I can see now!! I haven't even replaced the 2nd bulb yet.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Oct 2023, 19:07

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The shroud should be removed with either the Halogen or LED. The Halogen has a painted tip while LED in most instances do not have a round lens at the tip unless it's a really low Lumen bulb. Any LED upgrade will be bright to oncoming drivers as the reflector were not made with an OEM designed beam height cutoff. Just make sure it's adjusted to the manufacturer height and no higher.

Same LED in bad vs refurbished reflectors 2000 S70
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: Good, Bad & Ugly.png (2.49 MiB) Viewed 369 times

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: Recoated Reflectors.png (2.19 MiB) Viewed 369 times

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 22 Oct 2023, 20:03

MoVolvos wrote: ↑22 Oct 2023, 19:07 .
Any LED upgrade will be bright to oncoming drivers as the reflector were not made with an OEM designed beam height cutoff. Just make sure it's adjusted to the manufacturer height and no higher.

Same LED in bad vs refurbished reflectors 2000 S70
.
Good, Bad & Ugly.png

.Recoated Reflectors.png

This is different than the LED you chose. It is a mini led projector. It has a small lense on it with a cutoff line. However, once installed the headlight cover blurs the cutoff line. I figured I'd consider sanding/polishing cover if it was too blinding. However, upon further inspection, the headlight cover/lenses fluting appears to be inside not outside. So, I still have to take the lense off if I want to do that ... Bummer.

I recall your post from a year ago, how is paint holding up? Still work ok?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Oct 2023, 21:51

dj_v70 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2023, 20:03
MoVolvos wrote: ↑22 Oct 2023, 19:07 .
Any LED upgrade will be bright to oncoming drivers as the reflector were not made with an OEM designed beam height cutoff. Just make sure it's adjusted to the manufacturer height and no higher.

Same LED in bad vs refurbished reflectors 2000 S70
.
Good, Bad & Ugly.png

.Recoated Reflectors.png
This is different than the LED you chose. It is a mini led projector. It has a small lense on it with a cutoff line. However, once installed the headlight cover blurs the cutoff line. I figured I'd consider sanding/polishing cover if it was too blinding. However, upon further inspection, the headlight cover/lenses fluting appears to be inside not outside. So, I still have to take the lense off if I want to do that ... Bummer.

I recall your post from a year ago, how is paint holding up? Still work ok?

Interesting, do you have a link to that light? The reflectors are holding up well and I turn on the headlight on all the cars when driving regardless whether it's day or night. Having all the lights on is always safer. Had a rust color shirt on the other day and was looking at the lights and for a moment thought WOW, the coating burned off already

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dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 22 Oct 2023, 23:53

Here is the item that I bought.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195937153685

Glad to hear that your approach is still holding up..

Post by **abscate** » 23 Oct 2023, 03:21

Don’t forget in colder climates you want resistive lights to melt the snow and ice off your headlights !

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 23 Oct 2023, 18:29

abscate wrote: ↑23 Oct 2023, 03:21 Don’t forget in colder climates you want resistive lights to melt the snow and ice off your headlights !

Didn't think of that, I should have gotten the 200W bulbs instead of the 50W version:)

My new lights really help me see much better but the lens fluting appears to make the bulb act like a high beam instead of a low beam. The cutoff is fine outside of the headlight but once installed inside it seems to disappear.

I need to get this car inspected next month, so, I'll probably wait and see if it passes and go from there.