XC70: Electrical HIDs question

[al dm]

My new to me 2013 XC70 D5 AWD has Xenon headlights with active bending.

I am debating replacing the HID bulbs as they are 10 years old. They still work fine, but I am sure light output has deteriorated since they were new.

When I go to power bulbs.co.uk to look for replacements, I see that they say the dip beam bulb is the Xenon D1S spec. Then they also list "Full/High Beam Headlight (Headlight Flasher)" as an H7.

Now I was under the impression that the D1s is a "Bi-Xenon" bulb - i.e. uses the same Xenon bulb for both high and low beam. Is that correct? (and if so, how does it do that - is it electrical or mechanical?)

And if so, what does the H7 bulb do? Is it just used when the headlights are flashed, or does it also light up when the Xenon bulb is on high?

Anyway.....enquiring minds want to know....

[XC70Virgin]

Yes replace if you can. 10 years is a good run for those.

The H7 is the other main beam bulb that supports the BiXenon unit in the headlight.

[Tannaton]

The H7 halogen is mean beam assist and compliments the bi-xenon on main beam. Hids can take 3-5 seconds to reach decent light output so the halogens are needed for signalling in daylight….

[al dm]

Good stuff. Thanks.

I have ordered a pair of Osram Nightbreaker D1S Xenarc Laser bulbs for the Xenons, and a pair of H7 Nighbreaker Laser bulbs for the assists.

I'll report back ofter I have fitted them....

[SWH]

Originally Posted by al dm

Good stuff. Thanks.

I have ordered a pair of Osram Nightbreaker D1S Xenarc Laser bulbs for the Xenons, and a pair of H7 Nighbreaker Laser bulbs for the assists.

I'll report back ofter I have fitted them....

I have them, worth the extra and very easy to change (just don't do it on the lounge carpet like I did).

[al dm]

Originally Posted by SWH

I have them, worth the extra and very easy to change (just don't do it on the lounge carpet like I did).

:-) I watched the VolvoSweden video - so should be no problem at all. I bought a pair of the D1s bulbs for £129, which I though was pretty good as Volvo want £165 each for the OEM ones....

I'll probably use the kitchen table rather than the carpet though!

[al dm]

I have just replaced the Xenon D1S bulbs, the H7 headlamp assist bulbs and while I was at it I also replaced the turn signals and position lights with LEDs.

I also did the rear turn signals with LEDs.

I might not get to test them in the dark today as I am being taken out to lunch, so may well drink more than the legal limit. At least I am not driving!

MOT tomorrow, so let's hope there are no nasty surprises with this car....

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by al dm

I have just replaced the Xenon D1S bulbs, the H7 headlamp assist bulbs and while I was at it I also replaced the turn signals and position lights with LEDs.

I also did the rear turn signals with LEDs.

I might not get to test them in the dark today as I am being taken out to lunch, so may well drink more than the legal limit. At least I am not driving!

MOT tomorrow, so let's hope there are no nasty surprises with this car....

I'm interested whether the D1S replacements give much more light.

I've already changed my H7's to Nightbreaker 200% bulbs - massive difference. Love how easy bulb change is on the V70, it's 100% the best solution to enable the removing of the complete lamp assembly. I can still feel the pain of changing bulbs on a 5 series of 2011 years ago.

[al dm]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

I'm interested whether the D1S replacements give much more light.

I've already changed my H7's to Nightbreaker 200% bulbs - massive difference. Love how easy bulb change is on the V70, it's 100% the best solution to enable the removing of the complete lamp assembly. I can still feel the pain of changing bulbs on a 5 series of 2011 years ago.

The new bulbs give quite a lot more light in my opinion (or course I would say that after spending £130 on a pair of bulbs) and it is significantly whiter as well. The pattern is the same (dip is focussed fairly close to the car, but high beam goes on for miles) as you would expect, but I am much happier with the amount of light being thrown down the road.

The old bulbs were 10 years old, and even if they only degrade at around 3-4% per year, that's still a lot less light than when they were new.

I'd recommend it if you have older Xenons - and the D1S bulbs are even easier to change than the H7s. as they are more accessible.