hids or upgrade bulbs?

[PETE S40]

I have a ph2 with twin lamp headlights and im considering my options.

Id go for osram or philips bulbs with smd side lights if i keep the current setup but what about hids?

Iv researched and it seems the reflectors are better suited than most for hid and provide a fairly decent beam pattern within reason.

I was thinking of just getting dipped beam and leaving the high beam as a halogen.

Thoughts....

[stuartrf]

I bought the volvo xennon headlights for my v40
Wouldn't go back to anything else
And bought a different set of bulbs and now have hid fog lohhts

[Goco6449]

Originally Posted by stuartrf

I bought the volvo xennon headlights for my v40
Wouldn't go back to anything else
And bought a different set of bulbs and now have hid fog lohhts

Are xexons a straight swap or is there wiring to change for car to take them ?

[dralphs]

Originally Posted by Goco6449

Are xexons a straight swap or is there wiring to change for car to take them ?

Depends on what version of lights you have now, single reflector, dual reflector, 4 pin or 5 pin plug/socket.

If dual reflector (ie phase 2) with same plug then they are plug/play but officially you should have the height setting done by sensor on rear axle and not the adjuster next to light switch.

[Goco6449]

Thanks for your reply will take a look hoping it's straight swap no idea if phase 1 or 2 is 2001 1.6 only got it as a run around but headlights do worry me as roads here not lit at night so would prefer upgrading with least hassle not sure if I could fit hid with enough confidence for them not to be blinding folk ......swapping is easy I used to swap my old V40 left hand to right hand back in the day lol.

[clarkey1984]

An 01 will be phase 2, although you'll need to buy the whole hid unit from a scrappy or somewhere as you obviously can't just stick an HID bulb in a light meant for normal halogens.

[dralphs]

Originally Posted by Goco6449

Thanks for your reply will take a look hoping it's straight swap no idea if phase 1 or 2 is 2001 1.6 only got it as a run around but headlights do worry me as roads here not lit at night so would prefer upgrading with least hassle not sure if I could fit hid with enough confidence for them not to be blinding folk ......swapping is easy I used to swap my old V40 left hand to right hand back in the day lol.

I collected quite a few parts for s/v40 including OEM HID headlights to upgrade my old S40 and then wnet and bought a V40 ready fitted

I've still got the parts (now not needed as after 4 years and on 250k miles the V40 has been replaced by a V50)

There isn't a complete set of HID headlight but i do have a pair of dual reflector headlights plus other parts and a complete set of HID reflectors, ballasts, bulbs which you should be able to build up into a HID set.

See photos

PM me an offer, headlights seem to go for upwards of £25 each on ebay, postage would be at cost probably £20.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by PETE S40

I have a ph2 with twin lamp headlights and im considering my options.

Id go for osram or philips bulbs with smd side lights if i keep the current setup but what about hids?

Iv researched and it seems the reflectors are better suited than most for hid and provide a fairly decent beam pattern within reason.

I was thinking of just getting dipped beam and leaving the high beam as a halogen.

Thoughts....

It's worth checking the legality of a HID conversion, particularly if you don't have headlight washers fitted:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Xenon-head...8856492/g.html

In general high output bulbs do not last as long as normal ones. I tried two types (Philips Nightbreakers and Halfrauds) and they both blew within about 3 months of daily use (Every sensible Volvo owner keeps his headlights or DRL's on when driving during the daytime). I then fitted GE Megalight upgrade bulbs and they have now lasted nearly one year, also a German car mag that tested them rated them as the best ones available.

[kieran40]

I've got hids in mine Pete they are great just stick to 5000k or 6000k for optimum light performance, I had 11k's in mine although they look cool because they are really blue they don't put out much light. there's mine with hid upgrade also mount vision rider has done his. Never been pulled by da cops either

[baldmosher]

HID looks amazing, but if you're sticking with halogen, I can heartily recommend two Philips bulbs.

I have one White Vision and one Xtreme Vision in mine at the moment, the WV is slightly whiter, but also slightly less light output, but it's not too noticeable unless you're staring straight at them, and then you'll have spots in front of your eyes so you won't notice the difference anyway. X-Treme are a bit cheaper and unless you really want the white look I'd go for them.

X-Treme Vision* colour temp 3350K
X-Treme Vision 130+ colour temp 3700K
WhiteVision colour temp 4300K

I have "white" LED sidelights and although they're clearly a completely different shade to both bulbs, I've passed MOT without any mention. If you do want to match that, then HID/Xenon is the only way forward.

EDIT: some more info, I didn't know about these new 130+ versions
http://www.powerbulbs.com/blog/2014/...eme-vision-130

*previously known as X-Treme Power