What's the best headlight for 850?

robocam · Post by **robocam** » 12 May 2012, 02:31

What's the best drop-in headlight for an 850? I looked inside one of my headlights and found the silver reflector (not the glass cover) altered/dulled by the heat from the bulb. There are so many aftermarket brands at Amazon: TYC, Depo, and some with no brand name. Are they all about the same or is one better than the other?

I also came across this projector set.

https://www.coolprojectors.com/parts/he ... asp?q=5849

Anyone try this? Is it better than stock?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **rspi** » 12 May 2012, 07:02

Well, if you just want to replace/repair what you have, just get one from a jy. If you want to upgrade, most should be better. Not sure who made the ones on the link but iPd sells a set that look like those.

Post by **Ben850** » 12 May 2012, 09:29

robocam wrote:What's the best drop-in headlight for an 850? I looked inside one of my headlights and found the silver reflector (not the glass cover) altered/dulled by the heat from the bulb. There are so many aftermarket brands at Amazon: TYC, Depo, and some with no brand name. Are they all about the same or is one better than the other?

I also came across this projector set.

https://www.coolprojectors.com/parts/he ... asp?q=5849

Anyone try this? Is it better than stock?

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure if you read the disclaimer for the fixtures in that link, but it basicly states these are not street legal, use at your own risk.
So if that is not a deal breaker for you, then good luck. I'm sure there are better options out there.

robocam · Post by **robocam** » 12 May 2012, 09:40

I think that's just their general disclaimer for all their parts. It also says, "unless specified otherwise." They say these headlights are SAE/DOT stamped, whatever that means.

Ben850 wrote:I'm not sure if you read the disclaimer for the fixtures in that link, but it basicly states these are not street legal, use at your own risk.
So if that is not a deal breaker for you, then good luck. I'm sure there are better options out there.

robocam · Post by **robocam** » 12 May 2012, 10:00

If I get one from a junk yard, it will probably have the same problem as mine (dulled with age). I guess I'm mainly wondering if the stock replacements are as good as OEM.

But after reading these two links, and I'm convinced that I should stick with OEM. I really don't want to spend $385 though!

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthr ... s-TYC-Depo

http://www.capacertified.org/press/CAPALighting2.pdf

rspi wrote:Well, if you just want to replace/repair what you have, just get one from a jy. If you want to upgrade, most should be better. Not sure who made the ones on the link but iPd sells a set that look like those.

1800ES · Post by **1800ES** » 12 May 2012, 10:14

I bought a new, complete passenger headlight assembly from the site below for $69.99. It is identical to the damaged one that was in the car. Shipping was quick.

http://www.lampsandlenses.com/epcgetspe ... =HEADLIGHT

robocam · Post by **robocam** » 12 May 2012, 10:22

Wow, that's a really good price! Can you tell any difference in light quality/beam pattern? Is it every bit as good as stock? Thanks!

1800ES wrote:I bought a new, complete passenger headlight assembly from the site below for $69.99. It is identical to the damaged one that was in the car. Shipping was quick.

http://www.lampsandlenses.com/epcgetspe ... =HEADLIGHT

1800ES · Post by **1800ES** » 12 May 2012, 10:25

I haven't really noticed any difference and I know a few other local Volvo owners who have been happy with stuff they've purchased from him (mainly for 240's). The site's owner is a Volvo lover/mechanic. My boyfriend bought an old 1800ES from him a few years ago. Nice guy.

I have no affiliation with him. Just a happy customer.

Post by **tjts1** » 12 May 2012, 12:00

The 'best' 850 headlight are the Euro market H1 bulb headlights. You can find these on ebay in any of the LHD countries. I spent less than $200 on mine shipped from Germany.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 May 2012, 04:42

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I was told the TYC Assembly is very good. I purchased 2 (not TYC) Lens and after removing the old broken and pitted ones discovered the flaking and burnt reflector coating. Used the 90+ % alcohol to strip and degrease and then painted with Krylon Aluminum Paint of some kind. I did remove the metal piece that shrouds the bulb. Stuck a Thermometer inside from the back and it was still below the paint temp Max Heat Range after warm up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-WHITE-H1- ... f4&vxp=mtr

Used these bulbs and they are white and slightly brighter than OEM in the Volvo due to the paint. Friend spent I think $60 for some Sylvania's at O'Ry and one went out in 2 months. He has these now and are much brighter in his Odyssey than OE. If you can afford it or have not bought lens get some new Assemblies as these bulbs will be very nice with real reflectors and not paint. They also have a Lifetime Warranty through the U.S. Manufacturer by sending $6.95 plus one bad bulb in a padded envelope. They will send you a brand new set shipping included. Using them I think since 2000 or so on quite a few cars and have used the Warranty only twice.

Blessings,
BKM
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