V70 Active Bending Headlights

[Michael Wilford]

My local main dealer wants to charge me £200 to fit a new dipped beam bulb which recently expired for my active bending headlights. Now I didn't ask for this to be fitted, just wanted the bulb then he said it was a potentially dangerous job due to the risk of being electrocuted.

To be fair their is a warning in the manual, surely this is not such a big issue providing you disconnect the power? Also what bulb should I fit or should I say what does Volvo fit for a 2011 Mk3?

Any help would be appreciated.

[GrahamBrown1]

This is a perfectly do it yourself job at home. The genuine bulbs are made by Osram and give very good life but not cheap as you know. Others may recommend others but I personally like to use the osram. The type of bulb is a D1S 35watt.

So the potential danger comes from not disconnecting the headlamp whilst changing the bulb due to the risk the ballast might try and a light the bulb if the ignition is on or hasn’t powered down. If the bulb fails to light it will try again. The ballast converts the standard 12V to the 000s of volts AC to light the bulb. This then reduces down once the bulb is lit.

So I would just ensure all is turned off and powered down. Volvo have made the headlamp very easy to remove so once removed the bulb is dead easy to change taking no more than 15 mins a side if that. You ideally should change both as there is the potential for colour difference between the old and new bulbs.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Michael Wilford

My local main dealer wants to charge me £200 to fit a new dipped beam bulb which recently expired for my active bending headlights. Now I didn't ask for this to be fitted, just wanted the bulb then he said it was a potentially dangerous job due to the risk of being electrocuted.

To be fair their is a warning in the manual, surely this is not such a big issue providing you disconnect the power? Also what bulb should I fit or should I say what does Volvo fit for a 2011 Mk3?

Any help would be appreciated.

I think he must have been electrocuted before he gave you that price.

Simple job. Buy a decent brand like Graham says. Osram is a good one to go for, but take your pick really. Phillips also do decent bulbs as an alternative.

[GrahamBrown1]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

I think he must have been electrocuted before he gave you that price.

Simple job. Buy a decent brand like Graham says. Osram is a good one to go for, but take your pick really. Phillips also do decent bulbs as an alternative.

I just looked up the price of genuine, £180!!!! Each! I remember when they were a £100 and it made me cringe then. Tho they do last 10years or more but still! I hadn’t realised they had gone up so much so yeah shop round.

[Michael Wilford]

Firstly wanted to thank you all for taking time to reply, great response thank you. Wow, no idea how expensive they are

I will have to phone around, as you said Graham ideally you should change both but at these prices I'm not so sure I want to do that.

[Michael Wilford]

I have just purchased two Osram DIS 35 Watt bulbs through PowerBulbs £74.78. So happy with that, many thanks again.

[Bob]

My originals are Philips so I got a pair off Amazon for £116.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Michael Wilford

I have just purchased two Osram DIS 35 Watt bulbs through PowerBulbs £74.78. So happy with that, many thanks again.

Powerbulbs are highly trusted and reliable seller, their vehicle guide is very accurate, I always use and recommend them.

It's been said but it's perfectly safe to change the bulbs yourself, by the time you have removed the key, lifted the bonnet and pulled out the headlight clips the ballast will have discharged.

Contrary to popular legend, HID bulbs run at a maximum of 80 volts - however a much higher voltage momentary "strike" is applied to start them when first switched on.

It is best practice to replace both, and usually worthwhile as the light output on HID lamps deteriorates with age, it can be as low as 20% when they finally stop working, so when you have your new ones fitted you will likely be pleased with the night driving.

[Michael Wilford]

That's always reassuring you have bought the right bulb and from a trusted source. Yes, they were mentioned on an older post they seemed very competitive. Bulbs are a ridiculous price but if they last 10 years perhaps some justification. Tannaton, thank you for the added advice that is helpful.
Bob, ouch expensive again, I understand they are a good bulb still competitively priced I am sure.

[Bob]

Here is how to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=555eDnofgLQ

Bob