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850 / S70 & V70 '96-'99 / C70 '97-'05 General Forum for the 850 and P80-platform 70-series models |
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after market headlightsViews : 3723 Replies : 49Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Oct 21st, 2018, 08:51 | #11 |
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Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 09:37
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Location: Horne (Nr. Horley)
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I do stand to be corrected, but I believe that (for standard headlights) the difference between LHD and RHD is in the lenses. The lenses are very easy to remove, just a series of spring clips around the outside edge of the headlight unit, so if you want to stay with standard headlights I think you could use RHD units and swap your existing lenses over, assuming that they are not damaged - they're normally OK, it's the silvering on the reflector that goes. If RHD units work out cheaper for you, then this may be an easy option?
Just a thought. FWIW I had this problem, changed the units for new ones from PFV and even using standard bulbs the headlights are absolutely fine, as good as any other car of the era, and as good as my other cars if not better. It's all in the condition of the reflectors IMHO. I've still got the old units, so it means I've got a spare set of lenses in case mine get broken or chipped!
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Oct 21st, 2018, 12:17 | #12 |
C70 T5
Last Online: Mar 23rd, 2022 21:00
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Midlands
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I have/have had the lot and here's my experience.
OEM Headlamps - extra bright bulbs - poor OEM Headlamps - premium H7R HID kit - great Crystal Jewel Headlamps - extra bright bulbs - good Crystal Jewel Headlamps - premium H7R HID kit - awesome ABM Projectors - extra bright bulbs - poor ABM Projectors - premium H7 HID kit - poor The ABMs offer style but are truly terrible for any decent light quality. Crystal Jewels offer the best light output with upgraded bulbs or a HID kit but, come at a price. OEM headlamps provide exceptional results with a good quality H7R HID kit. This is cost effective with kits from HIDs Direct costing approximately £45. This is the cheapest yet effective option overall.
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2000 C70 T5 GT Coupe 1998 S70R / 1995 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo 2007 Mercedes CLS 320 CDI / 2011 Mercedes S350 Bluetec 2007 Suzuki GSXR-1000 |
Oct 21st, 2018, 15:37 | #13 |
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Last Online: May 15th, 2022 15:53
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Location: Torrenueva, Costa del Sol
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Hi Luxobarge, Thanks for that. My existing headlights are RHD with LHD lenses. There is little to choose in price between purchasing in uk or germany/spain except postage is a killer. From spain / germany postage is about £6.00 whereas from uk is about £30.00 to £40.00. I have found some german headlights manufactured by Van Wezel auto parts. Reviews indicate good quality. regards jack.
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Oct 21st, 2018, 15:45 | #14 |
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Last Online: May 15th, 2022 15:53
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Hi DSK, Many thanks for the very detailed info. I have looked at the C70 "crystal" headlights but expensive. I am interested in HID kits but google throws up so many warnings about the light beams being all over the place. I think I shall settle for new standard headlights with standard H7 bulbs; Its got to be an improvement over what I have at present. thanks again jack.
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Oct 21st, 2018, 18:12 | #15 | |
C70 T5
Last Online: Mar 23rd, 2022 21:00
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Midlands
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Quote:
If you look at https://www.hids-direct.co.uk/, they offer premium and cheaper kits. They also allow you to choose the headlamp style (reflector or projector) in which, you wish to fit. The bulbs are different between the H7 (projector) and H7R (reflector). I run the H7R bulbs in the crystal and OEM headlamps and normal H7 in the ABM projectors. MOT is never an issue, with any of the cars following me (we usually do a section of motorway together before I continue south and my mum goes to the midlands) - no issues with glare or poor beam etc.
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2000 C70 T5 GT Coupe 1998 S70R / 1995 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo 2007 Mercedes CLS 320 CDI / 2011 Mercedes S350 Bluetec 2007 Suzuki GSXR-1000 |
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Oct 21st, 2018, 18:56 | #16 |
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Last Online: Sep 14th, 2022 17:04
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Derbyshire
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Are the HID kits still legal? Thought I read about a bunch of issues with them recently.
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Oct 21st, 2018, 21:03 | #17 | |
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Last Online: May 15th, 2022 15:53
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Quote:
Hi DSK, Many thanks for that. Are the standard halogen headlights reflector or projector. I am not bothered about upgrading the high beam bulbs just the low beam. Is this possible or must both be upgraded. Would you say that fitting a HID kit is a simple job or best left for a garage to do. Thanks jack |
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Oct 21st, 2018, 22:24 | #18 | |
C70 T5
Last Online: Mar 23rd, 2022 21:00
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Midlands
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Quote:
I am running the 55w H7R kit and I have to say its OTT for brightness and the 35w kits I used to use are perfect. I have to admit, the 55w kit works a treat to dish out some revenge for the idiots who drive around with their rear fog lights on You can upgrade the dipped beam alone and that's all I'm running the HIDs for.
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2000 C70 T5 GT Coupe 1998 S70R / 1995 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo 2007 Mercedes CLS 320 CDI / 2011 Mercedes S350 Bluetec 2007 Suzuki GSXR-1000 Last edited by DSK; Oct 21st, 2018 at 22:33. |
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Oct 21st, 2018, 23:41 | #19 |
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Last Online: May 15th, 2022 15:53
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Location: Torrenueva, Costa del Sol
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Hi DSK, Many thanks for that. Can an idiot like me fit the kit or is it best left to an expert. Looking on google there is a great difference in price for the kits. What sort of money do I need to spend in order to get a good kit. Thanks jack.
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Oct 22nd, 2018, 00:30 | #20 |
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Last Online: Yesterday 21:18
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Location: Co. Limerick, Ireland
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Hi, Jack, I recently got my hands on a pair of RHD crystal/jewel headlamps and, in comparison to the originals, they're nothing short of brilliant, although, I was hunting for approximately 12 months or so but it was worth the wait. I can only imagine what a new pair must be like. If you're lucky enough to find a '03 to '05 C70 being broken in Spain then go for those headlamps!
I'm looking at LEDs/HIDs bulbs now to try and preserve the reflectors from further "heat" deterioration and increase light output but, unless you have a functioning headlamp cleaning and leveling system, you can run into problems at NCT/MOT/ITV inspections. If you're after a quick fix I'd say just go with the ones off eBay.de (just use your eBay.co.uk username & password). I believe I spotted a pair of headlamps and 4 x H7 bulbs for under a hundred quid + postage. Fitting is around 30 mins total and you just need to swap out your height level motors from your existing lamps onto the new units.
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Liam... '96 854 TDI SE, '99 V70 2.5D S, '05 C70 2.0T Collection, '05 S80 2.0T SE, '15 V70 D4 SE Lux Nav. |
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