2005 V50 2.4i - New to me - Early improvements

Jimcv50 · Jan 1st, 2015, 19:34

Hi guys,

Just last weekend I bought a 2005 V50 2.4i Sport. Its a bit rough around the edges and has done 120k but has a full service history and all the right paperwork so i thought why not! Picked it up for £2750.

So far so good, coming from a clapped out old fiesta i am absolutely loving the comfort, speed and smoothness of this car.

Im wanting to know more about what kind of early improvements i can make to make the car look a little more presentable and smart. Heres a list of things im wanting to explore.

- I have been wondering about replacing a few of the interior lights with LEDs? It would be easy to do but i just dont know which led's to buy.

- I would also like to change the number plate bulbs with LED's too as it does look far better IMO. Has anyone got any idea which LED's ill be needing to order which would fit? Also possibility of fitting LED's instead of the poor sepia-like sidelight bulbs that the car currently has

- Im also wondering about fitting an HID kit to increase the power of the dipped beams. Im not after those horrible bright blue things you see on kids cars these days. Just some refined nice brilliant white 'xenon' looking bulbs. Anyone have any idea about which kit I should consider?

- And lastly im looking to fit a different front grille, as the current standard chrome grille looks just a little dated and dull. Im keen to try a newer S40 grille with the black horizontal slats, chrome surround and chrome volvo '/' through the centre. With regards to this, all I really need to know is compatibility issues i might have. Below are some photos of my car so you guys can basically let me know what grilles would be compatible and what ones wouldnt.

Heres some photos, please bear in mind she's new to me but does need some love. The wheels, although great looking, are in a real bad way so they'll be getting a refurb at some point soon. Im also missing an offside wing mirror indicator which is in the post at the moment.

Any help or advice for some early mods i can do to make her look a little more fresh and smart would be greatly appreciated!

Also, Happy New Year all!

Jim.

The Thong · Jan 2nd, 2015, 12:37

As far as I'm concerned the Grill upgrade is a must. However, they're like hens teeth, I ended up buying a new one from the dealer. It's looks great though.

If you decide to go down the dealer route, you'll be requiring the one off the American spec model.

TT

iainmd · Jan 2nd, 2015, 13:13

I have the grille you're after in good condition boxed at home. I replaced mine with a badgeless grille so if you require the egg crate grille I may be able to help there. Any S40 grille 2004-2007 will do you. The chrome waterfall grille was only fitted to the V50.

I'm away from home until Saturday evening but can post a picture for you then if you like?

In terms of number plate LEDs mine are the following linky
They work fine and have done for the last 3yrs.

In terms of aftermarket hids I'm not a fan and believe them to be on the wrong side of the law but I do understand that the OEM headlamps are poor and the reflectors tarnish over time. Buying hids and fitting them to tarnished projector lamps might be a false economy. I started out with better bulbs (Osram Night breaker Plus) and then replaced both lamp units with TYC ones from euro cars parts for about £220. The lights are now grand and still halogen.

Hope that helps.

steV50 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 13:19

An S40 grille for a 2004.5 to 2007 model year car should fit. The facelift cars from 2008 model year on have a slightly different shape grille which will not fit.

The Thong · Jan 2nd, 2015, 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by iainmd

I have the grille you're after in good condition boxed at home. I replaced mine with a badgeless grille so if you require the egg crate grille I may be able to help there. Any S40 grille 2004-2007 will do you. The chrome waterfall grille was only fitted to the V50.

I'm away from home until Saturday evening but can post a picture for you then if you like?

In terms of number plate LEDs mine are the following linky
They work fine and have done for the last 3yrs.

In terms of aftermarket hids I'm not a fan and believe them to be on the wrong side of the law but I do understand that the OEM headlamps are poor and the reflectors tarnish over time. Buying hids and fitting them to tarnished projector lamps might be a false economy. I started out with better bulbs (Osram Night breaker Plus) and then replaced both lamp units with TYC ones from euro cars parts for about £220. The lights are now grand and still halogen.

Hope that helps.

Where was you when I wanted a grill 😄😄😄😄😄😄

TT

Jimcv50 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:06

Iainmd, If you post up a photo of that grille it would be ideal, Cheers! Is it the same Grille 'The Thong' posted a photo of?

Thanks for the link with the number plate LED's, ill get them ordered ASAP.

With regards to the tarnished projectors. I saw a thread somewhere where a guy was restoring his light units and cleaned up the projectors so they looked good as new again. Is it just a case of removing them and buffing them back up with a cloth or does it require a fair bit more work?

Oh, before I forget. Another question i have is regarding tyre size. Mine need replacing soon so ill be looking for some 215/45/18's. However, i had heard that some people comfortably run 225's instead. Is there really an advantage/disadvantage to doing this or am i better off sticking to the normal 215's?

Thanks for the advice guys. Im so damn keen to get my V50 looking great ASAP!

Sasha94 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:19

That guy was probably me haha, yep it is easy enough to clean the projector lenses out but if the shiny finish inside them is worn then it's a bit more complex. My issue was more dull and yellow lenses which scattered the light everywhere rather than worn projectors but it is worthwhile to strip the lights down and do it, you only need basic tools and it doesn't take long.

Love the car btw, same colour as mine, Flint Grey iirc

I would deffo get that grill sorted, the V50 looks ancient with it on compared to my S40 which looks modern even though it would wear an 04 plate if it weren't for my p/plate.

HID wise, there are pro's and con's and the legal side does state they shouldn't be used without refitting the washers and self levellers but I have a set in the S40, just swapped out the old 6000k 35w bulbs for H7R 4300k 35w bulbs which are a bit shorter than H7 bulbs and have bits of paint on them to reduce glare to other road users. I had HID's in my old 407 too and they are cracking things, not one person has flashed their lights at me in the 14 months I've driven cars with retrofitted HID's. I didn't want to fit them in previous cars but 407's have bad lights too and I tried better halogens before I gave in to HID's and they were worth it so I chucked a set into the S40 and I have no regrets, I can actually see!!!! Following all the work on the lights and new bulbs and adjusting them up a bit I now have the headlights I should have had when I bought the car

My next upgrade is also LED number plate lights and a full LED interior light conversion along with a change of wheel colour to dark grey

Also sorry for the thread hijack op, but TT, are those facelift mirrors on your car? Did you fit them and if so, is it a straight swap? I have tiny little ones on the S40 which I can't see out of but the C30 has those mirrors which are much better. Wouldn't mind adding a set of those to the upgrade list!

Jimcv50 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:29

Sean94. Cheers for the prompt reply!

Regarding the grille you have, which one do you have precisely? Yeah the stock v50 one i have looks terrible and pretty dated. Im guessing its pretty easy to fit the new grille aye? Just a few clips and stuff like that?

Regarding the HID's, im quite happy with the lights at the moment to be honest. But i was just wondering about improving the look of them really, from an aesthetics kind of view. I think ill try cleaning the projectors and fitting some better halogen bulbs first before trying anything else.

Have you changed your sidelights to LED's? This is something i would like to explore also cause the standard sidelights look terrible in comparison to the rest of the lights.

Glad you like the car! Im chuffed with it

Sasha94 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:43

This one

No I haven't changed the sidelights yet but it is easy to do, once you pull the big tab up to remove the light and connector, take the rear panel off and remove the dipped beam bulb to make access easier, locate the sidelight under the main beam bulb and simply pull out, refit the new bulb and push back in.

I've done it in past cars, just need to get my ass in gear and sort the S40 out haha. If you want a better looking bulb, might I suggest trying Osram Cool Blue Intense halogen bulbs? They are 4200k so nearly the colour of my HID's, it's what I used before fitting HID's in my previous cars. They look really good tbh. I'll try dig out a pic of them on my old 307 so you can see

Jimcv50 · Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:48

Cheers Sean. Any idea which LED's ill be needing for the sidelights? Im not very clued up when it comes to knowing sizes and fittings etc.

Regarding the Osram cool blue intense halogen bulbs. Are they noticeably blue? Cause im really after the perfect white look, like xenons.

Jan 2nd, 2015, 12:37	#2
The Thong VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 20:45 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: The Independent Republic of Leamington Spa	As far as I'm concerned the Grill upgrade is a must. However, they're like hens teeth, I ended up buying a new one from the dealer. It's looks great though. If you decide to go down the dealer route, you'll be requiring the one off the American spec model. TT __________________ Never underestimate the power of stupid. It’ can’t be reasoned or negotiated with and you’ll never never beat it…. Cut your losses, smile and walk away Currently Volvoless but Thong will be back

Jan 2nd, 2015, 13:13	#3
iainmd Member Last Online: Today 15:54 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fife View Photos By: iainmd	I have the grille you're after in good condition boxed at home. I replaced mine with a badgeless grille so if you require the egg crate grille I may be able to help there. Any S40 grille 2004-2007 will do you. The chrome waterfall grille was only fitted to the V50. I'm away from home until Saturday evening but can post a picture for you then if you like? In terms of number plate LEDs mine are the following linky They work fine and have done for the last 3yrs. In terms of aftermarket hids I'm not a fan and believe them to be on the wrong side of the law but I do understand that the OEM headlamps are poor and the reflectors tarnish over time. Buying hids and fitting them to tarnished projector lamps might be a false economy. I started out with better bulbs (Osram Night breaker Plus) and then replaced both lamp units with TYC ones from euro cars parts for about £220. The lights are now grand and still halogen. Hope that helps. __________________ Present: 2009 Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Past: 2004 Volvo S40 T5 SE Last edited by iainmd; Jan 2nd, 2015 at 13:23.

Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:06	#6
Jimcv50 New Member Last Online: Mar 3rd, 2015 23:32 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cardiff	Iainmd, If you post up a photo of that grille it would be ideal, Cheers! Is it the same Grille 'The Thong' posted a photo of? Thanks for the link with the number plate LED's, ill get them ordered ASAP. With regards to the tarnished projectors. I saw a thread somewhere where a guy was restoring his light units and cleaned up the projectors so they looked good as new again. Is it just a case of removing them and buffing them back up with a cloth or does it require a fair bit more work? Oh, before I forget. Another question i have is regarding tyre size. Mine need replacing soon so ill be looking for some 215/45/18's. However, i had heard that some people comfortably run 225's instead. Is there really an advantage/disadvantage to doing this or am i better off sticking to the normal 215's? Thanks for the advice guys. Im so damn keen to get my V50 looking great ASAP! Last edited by Jimcv50; Jan 2nd, 2015 at 16:19.

Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:19	#7
Sasha94 The Dumb Blonde Last Online: Mar 17th, 2019 10:58 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Bangor, Gwynedd	That guy was probably me haha, yep it is easy enough to clean the projector lenses out but if the shiny finish inside them is worn then it's a bit more complex. My issue was more dull and yellow lenses which scattered the light everywhere rather than worn projectors but it is worthwhile to strip the lights down and do it, you only need basic tools and it doesn't take long. Love the car btw, same colour as mine, Flint Grey iirc I would deffo get that grill sorted, the V50 looks ancient with it on compared to my S40 which looks modern even though it would wear an 04 plate if it weren't for my p/plate. HID wise, there are pro's and con's and the legal side does state they shouldn't be used without refitting the washers and self levellers but I have a set in the S40, just swapped out the old 6000k 35w bulbs for H7R 4300k 35w bulbs which are a bit shorter than H7 bulbs and have bits of paint on them to reduce glare to other road users. I had HID's in my old 407 too and they are cracking things, not one person has flashed their lights at me in the 14 months I've driven cars with retrofitted HID's. I didn't want to fit them in previous cars but 407's have bad lights too and I tried better halogens before I gave in to HID's and they were worth it so I chucked a set into the S40 and I have no regrets, I can actually see!!!! Following all the work on the lights and new bulbs and adjusting them up a bit I now have the headlights I should have had when I bought the car My next upgrade is also LED number plate lights and a full LED interior light conversion along with a change of wheel colour to dark grey Also sorry for the thread hijack op, but TT, are those facelift mirrors on your car? Did you fit them and if so, is it a straight swap? I have tiny little ones on the S40 which I can't see out of but the C30 has those mirrors which are much better. Wouldn't mind adding a set of those to the upgrade list! __________________ 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS with loads of toys! ex 2012 V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux, 2008 XC70 D5 AWD SE Geartronic, 2004 S40 2.0D SE, 2008 C30 1.6 S & 2000 C70 2.0T

Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:43	#9
Sasha94 The Dumb Blonde Last Online: Mar 17th, 2019 10:58 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Bangor, Gwynedd	This one No I haven't changed the sidelights yet but it is easy to do, once you pull the big tab up to remove the light and connector, take the rear panel off and remove the dipped beam bulb to make access easier, locate the sidelight under the main beam bulb and simply pull out, refit the new bulb and push back in. I've done it in past cars, just need to get my ass in gear and sort the S40 out haha. If you want a better looking bulb, might I suggest trying Osram Cool Blue Intense halogen bulbs? They are 4200k so nearly the colour of my HID's, it's what I used before fitting HID's in my previous cars. They look really good tbh. I'll try dig out a pic of them on my old 307 so you can see __________________ 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS with loads of toys! ex 2012 V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux, 2008 XC70 D5 AWD SE Geartronic, 2004 S40 2.0D SE, 2008 C30 1.6 S & 2000 C70 2.0T

Jan 2nd, 2015, 13:19	#4
steV50 Senior Member Last Online: Today 17:21 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Dorset	An S40 grille for a 2004.5 to 2007 model year car should fit. The facelift cars from 2008 model year on have a slightly different shape grille which will not fit.

Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:29	#8
Jimcv50 New Member Last Online: Mar 3rd, 2015 23:32 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cardiff	Sean94. Cheers for the prompt reply! Regarding the grille you have, which one do you have precisely? Yeah the stock v50 one i have looks terrible and pretty dated. Im guessing its pretty easy to fit the new grille aye? Just a few clips and stuff like that? Regarding the HID's, im quite happy with the lights at the moment to be honest. But i was just wondering about improving the look of them really, from an aesthetics kind of view. I think ill try cleaning the projectors and fitting some better halogen bulbs first before trying anything else. Have you changed your sidelights to LED's? This is something i would like to explore also cause the standard sidelights look terrible in comparison to the rest of the lights. Glad you like the car! Im chuffed with it

Jan 2nd, 2015, 16:48	#10
Jimcv50 New Member Last Online: Mar 3rd, 2015 23:32 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cardiff	Cheers Sean. Any idea which LED's ill be needing for the sidelights? Im not very clued up when it comes to knowing sizes and fittings etc. Regarding the Osram cool blue intense halogen bulbs. Are they noticeably blue? Cause im really after the perfect white look, like xenons.

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