V50 Electrics : 2010 poor dipped beam?

[spannerdude71]

Hi

Sorry if this has been covered in the past, I have read a few posts, but if possible I would like some confirmation.

I have a 2006 V50 with poor dipped beam, I am about to look at a replacement a 2010 V50 one is a 2.0D & one a 1.6R

Just wanted to know if the 2010 model has the same issue with poor dipped beam

if so I will need to look at another make model

thanks

Chris

[Clan]

Originally Posted by spannerdude71

Hi

Sorry if this has been covered in the past, I have read a few posts, but if possible I would like some confirmation.

I have a 2006 V50 with poor dipped beam, I am about to look at a replacement a 2010 V50 one is a 2.0D & one a 1.6R

Just wanted to know if the 2010 model has the same issue with poor dipped beam

if so I will need to look at another make model

thanks

Chris

there are several causes to poor dip beam :

Aim is too low , get them adjusted as high as the MOT allows

Cheap bulbs , use volvo long life H7 bulbs

Reflectors tarnished at the top .. you could get some good used ones to fit .

Dirty projector lens inside ,, a good clean can work wonder .

obviously these lights are good enough when new they aren't manufactured as " poor " ...

[T5R92011]

If you can find a later models (2011 onwards) that has Automatic headlamps with dedicated LED DRLs, those models should have headlamps shouldnt have deteriated like the older models that had the dipped beams permanently switched on (which made the silvering on the reflectors deteriate with the constant heat)

There is a very good solution for upgrading the inner headlamp projectors on these cars if you do a search on this forum.

When the projectors are upgraded and adjusted, the headlamps become very very good, even with just regular halogen bulbs. Costs about £130 for the upgrade though..

[Sidonas]

I have just had the pleasure to deal with this problem on my 2004 S40. Although the reflectors seemed fine and the output was much improved after replacing the bulbs for Philips +130%, I had already placed an order for the E46 bi-xenon projector with an H7 housing, so I just went with it. Now the lighting went from unsafe to above average and I'm quite happy with the results. The only thing that's still off and I don't think I will be able to fix is the rotational alignment. The right part of the beam from each headlight is a tiny bit higher than the left one (RHD country).

Unfortunately, this project has left me wondering what could be achieved if I went for the HID retrofit. But that's probably for the future.

First off, get some quality lamps, then clean your projectors and aim the headlights. If the headlights are in poor condition, get them polished. If you're not happy with what you get then, go for the projector/HID retrofit. Should be easier than replacing a car

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by Sidonas

....
Unfortunately, this project has left me wondering what could be achieved if I went for the HID retrofit...

This...




@spannerdude71 - 2010 models WILL have better headlamps than 2006 counterpart, mostly due to the fact that Volvo used clear lenses in AL projectors since 2008, where 2006 models were "frosted" fresnel type lens. However as mentioned above, 9 year old car can also suffer from burnt out projectors or/and dust on lenses and light output may still leave a lot to desire. You have better chances that lights would be better, but be prepared for cleanindg or retrofitting new projectors aswell.
Best option - also as mentioned above, 2011/12 model with ABL active xenons, those are still running around with amazing outputs, see those on road sporadically and most look factory fresh.

[T5R92011]

I really need to get my HIDs up and running again (envy of your above post Lizard!)

I think you made a very smart choice going the D2S route.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

I really need to get my HIDs up and running again (envy of your above post Lizard!)

I think you made a very smart choice going the D2S route.

thanks, never regretted going extra mile for D2S version - ability to use branded bulbs instead of cheap chinese "h7xenon" inventions is great. Have no problem spending 70e for set of Osram Xenarc if I can achieve this:



If I was doing the mod today (and actually I am toying with the idea...) I would use differentr projectors though - would spend extra $ and source set of Morimotos - quality wise are much better than those "branded" Aharon ones from TRL, but also cost much more and needs to be shipped from US. I would also go for Mini D2S 5.0 version rather than Bosch AL as are much wider and seem to have nicer spread that AL counterparts.
Smething for you to consider, just saying

[T5R92011]

Honestly I don't mind so much about the width of the output, though I will admit wider pool does look better.

What temperature bulbs are you running? I'd want to find bulbs that looks closer to halogen temp than pure white, if I'm honest.

I really dislike insomnia inducing blue effects of LED/HID headlamps. If it was possible I'd want to run 4100k colour temp HID with my setup but struggle to find these.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

Honestly I don't mind so much about the width of the output, though I will admit wider pool does look better.

What temperature bulbs are you running? I'd want to find bulbs that looks closer to halogen temp than pure white, if I'm honest.

I really dislike insomnia inducing blue effects of LED/HID headlamps. If it was possible I'd want to run 4100k colour temp HID with my setup but struggle to find these.

Im very much like you, atleast I thoght I was, hence I ordered Osram Xenarc NB Unlimited (66240XNB-HCB) as my first choice. Light colour closest to 4300K and I thought I will like it but actually didnt as much... it wasnt "white" enough, somehow that warm output wasnt feeling right. Then I got Xenarc Coolblue intense (66240CBI-HCB) and while I was afraid of "cool xenon blue" look it was actually more like pure white 5000K effect I was looking for. Did some testing in various conditions and decided that second option is actually better for me.
If you are looking for warm colour, go for the first option - from distance its hard to distinguish those from good halogen bulbs as those just look "yellowish". Powerful and pure light, no doubt about that, but warm.

[Welton]

Some of these new motors with LED's and sharp cut-off are a bit annoying for other road users, they're so bright they hurt your eyes and can very often appear that they're 'flashing' you as they go over bumps in the road.

I heard of someone on another forum visiting an automotive manufacturers exhibition and talking to a well-known lighting company....."we can make the sharp cut-off line softer but customers demand a 'premium' look and expect sharp lines".

Lizard - I like your set up and intend to copy you shamelessly