Volvo V50 Dipped Headlights

[Volvo V50]

Hi there.

I have a Volvo V50 and have concerns that the dipped headlights are inadequate. For example when I am driving at night I find it very difficult to see any reasonable distance. It is becoming very dangerous, especially on dark country roads.

I have noticed this I bought the car. I took it to a local mechanical recently and he says it’s fine.

Has anybody else had similar problems or know of any faults regarding the dipped Volvo V50 headlights?

Cheers

[Harvey1512]

I have an S40 with exactly the same problem. Follow this thread, it pretty much covers it all,

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=60478

This one may also help,

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=64565

The general gist is try manually raising the lights as they may be set too low, mine were criminally low. (the first thread covers this and how to do it)

I changed the bulbs on mine but this was not entirely successful as I have discovered (see second thread) that the life span of these is not great in a car that runs with its lights on all of the time (DRL). They run at a hotter temp than the normal bulbs and so the lifespan is reduced. You may fit them and they last 25,000 miles or they may last 2 months, as mine did. (If you get your garage to switch off the DRL then they should last longer of course)

I found that raising the lights to a decent level made a huge difference. With regards to the bulbs I have just had to accept that Volvo lights are pretty poor in comparison to other makes, disappointing really.

[Volvo V50]

Thanks a million for that Harvey.

[Lynton 3]

Agree with Harvey
Ensure that your beams are adjusted correctly, service available at most garages, and fit the brighter bulbs. It does improve them considerably.

[DeeJ]

I've noticed this on my s40, the beam is rather low.
I've fitted rally bulbs and they have brightened up alot.
But on dark country roads why not just put your main beam on. it helps alot

[pigapumbu]

Why hasn't volvo who built their name on safety sorted this out. So many people buy the car, take it home and at night realise they are having two torch lights to light the road. Its ridiculous and exactly why I fell out with volvo ownership.

I had the same problem. MRG were kind to check and raise the lights. I saw how they did it, brought car home and put it close to a wall. Readjusted it myself and raised it up further. Its a great improvement although the brightness is not that good.

I just accept the fact, dark windy roads, I can't drive too fast on them (even though within speed limit).

[Harvey1512]

Couldn't agree more with Pigapumba. The lights are a nonsense as are the dealers constant refusal to accept it is an issue. Volvo should have people monitoring forums to see what are the consistent themes running through it. Weak lights are definitely one of the issues and this should be picked up on and resolved. It is such a basic part of the car.

I love the way my car drives but this is a big stumbling block.

[7050man]

Hi chaps, well sorry to disagree, but I don't think the lights are that bad. Yes on somer wet unlit roads when the road surface absorbs alot of light, then yes more light spread would be nice, but I don't think the lights are any different to other cars I have driven.

I think the problem is that other cars with factory Xenons are too bright and glare from them can be blinding.

If you also factor in the illegal aftermarket ones without the leveling system, then you have no chance.

By the way I'm not talking about the +30,+50 aftermarket bulbs.

Just my opinion.

[HadiK]

Thank goodness I found this thread - I thought I was going mad with how poor the dipped lights are on my V50.

Up here in the hills of the Peak District, it's pitch black at night. Add to that a bit of drizzle and an oncoming car and I was literally driving blind.

Can't wait for the snow to clear so that I can get out and sort the vertical adjusters!

Thanks for the tips everyone.

[v50Dom]

I adjusted my headlamps manually and the difference is fantastic. I used to try all sorts of after market bulbs, but I'm not convinced the improvement is worth it.
In terms of why do Volvo set them so low, I think health & safety is all about the other person (in this case motorist) and causing discomfort to someone else is considered unfavourable. (hope that makes sense)

Anyhow, I love my V50. Best car I've bought so far.

Cheers now,
Dom