HID conversions
 

Searched a bit but was a bit unsure what the general consensus is regarding HID conversions on a V50 with poor lighting.
Going to try cleaning lens etc. but wanted to know the thoughts on kits like this.
https://www.hids4u.co.uk/H7-HIDS4U-S...rsion-Kit.html

Good, bad or indifferent, would like to hear some opinions.

Had the 55W kit in my S40 T5 for 3 years now, no issues whatsoever.

They've got all the PWM safe stuff inside to protect to wiper modules.

Plug and play - Job done, lights significantly better :)

PLENTY of topic regarding that here, search for posts and have a good read to avoid nasty surprises.
In a nutshell (as light matters never gets boring to me)

1) with DRLs active and no extra grounding you are prone to wiper module failure and/or some other nasty issues. Make sure to sort it out BEFORE attempting to retro-HID your car.

2) if your car is pre-FL version with fresnel lenses you should NOT put HIDs "just like that" - you will dazzle others and create nasty and very scattered light pattern. Replace lenses/whole priojectors, and THEN put HIDs.

3) 55W HIDS - Im all agains it, but yes ppl use it (see above, cheers FM :buttkick: :tongwink: ). 35W is way enough output, thats the same power as OEM xenons and are bright/dazzly enough to NOT go higher power. but its entirely up to you...

4) have a read about xenon retrofitting in my PDF guide, maybe will give you some tips, if you have some spare time to go trough all the info there ;)

Since may 2018 HID bulbs in a halogen designed reflector housing are specifically a fail on a MOT .

The rules seem kinder regarding the MOT on LED however .

I have a spare pair of good reflectors fitted with LED bulbs and they give a well shaped sharp beam , PM me if interested ...

A V50 with volvo long life bulbs, good reflectors , clean inner glass lens and clear front covers should have a decent beam .. i have found many many with the alignment set too low .

Yet keeping halogens in the standard reflectors isn't an MOT fail - Absolutely unbelievable!

You couldn't draw moths to those lights on the pre-facelift models, they're that bad.

I put some high power halogens in my fairly new (from LB) reflectors to get it through it's MOT and later that night my girlfriend drove us back from a friends house - Without word a lie, we were both squinting trying to work out where the hell the road went, they're also properly aligned (by Volvo).

That's on fairly new reflectors that are still immaculate, no pealing on the silver finish etc.

They're so dangerous in stock form I'm genuinely amazed Volvo have never been sued for letting them hit production.

EDIT: My rant only applies to pre-facelift models. Like most manufacturers, Volvo refused to acknowledge there was a problem to existing customers (god forbid they spend a penny on their customers) yet quietly redesigned a much better light on the face lift model.

yea - that was my initial thought aswell after reading up about this when I got the car 3y ago.
30 pages of complaints on lights for early models, petitions and debates, with general consensus "Volvo doesnt acknowledge its a problem..." and then, 2008, FL model with "upgraded" lamps.
If original were "nothing problematic about" why upgrading this part? :>

I keep reminding myself how "great" OEM lamps are when driving to NCT (MOT) every year...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1575384586

Thanks for the replies, for the record its a 2010 model.

any car that has the projector headlights hid bulbs are a total must
bulbs are brighter, last longer so that's a win win
only go for a 5 or 6000k bulb though
and even the balast boxes fit inside headlight too!!

From the MOT tester's manual :

"Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

For those that want to read the full reason regarding the law etc..

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...-hid-headlamps