S40 (New) Electrics : Volvo Long Life bulbs or Phillips Xtreme Power H7

[Elfed]

Hi guys, I'm wanting to replace my dipped beam bulbs because one went the other night and the only replacement I had was an emergency spare.

The cost of the Volvo Long Life bulbs are £9.72 each and a pair of Phillips Xtreme Power are around £23 on eBay, so not much difference.

The Xtreme Powers came top of the Auto Express tests in November so they must be pretty good, anyone any experience of the Volvo bulbs? I'm more interested in light output rather than their longevity.

I'm currently running Osram Nightbreaker pluses, ok but nothing special

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product..._per_cent.html

[ASt85]

Go to the Amazon -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/H7-Osram-Nig...7686972&sr=8-1

A pair of + 90% Osram Night Breakers and two free side lamp bulbs for around £13.99 including postage! They've got the Osram hologram on them and are brilliant value - literally - if you'll excuse the pun! They also seem to cope with the start-up voltage better than some of the others available. Beam spread is accurate and within the MOT limits whilst giving increased illumination - NO I DO NOT WORK FOR OSRAM!
If you search "aceparts" amazon shop, you'll find any of the variants ie H4 and a whole load of other goodies at a knock down price - their shipped from one of the Channel Islands, so probably worthwhile purchase BEFORE HMRC close the VAT concessionary status!
Alan

[Elfed]

Thanks, I'm definitely after either Volvo or the Phillips as the Nightbreakers aren't that much of a step up from the standards.

[Clan]

The volvo long life bulbs last about 18 months or more .

[ASt85]

Hi Elfred,
I can understand where your coming from in terms of the Volvo own v variant, but having just replaced Volvo's own with the Osram's not sure I would entirely agree - all I know, is that the Volvo O/Side lamp failed when the bonnet was dropped for the last few inches - with ign off! - and these Osram's not only give a whiter light but also illuminate more of the road below the beam cut-off point. I suspect that the actual perception of what is going on is actually dependent upon the quality of the reflective backing of the headlamp unit, and as a such will probably vary a lot from car to car, and be related the working life of the mirror, and the enclosed trace moisture.
Cheers
Alan

[Elfed]

Originally Posted by ASt85

Hi Elfred,
I can understand where your coming from in terms of the Volvo own v variant, but having just replaced Volvo's own with the Osram's not sure I would entirely agree - all I know, is that the Volvo O/Side lamp failed when the bonnet was dropped for the last few inches - with ign off! - and these Osram's not only give a whiter light but also illuminate more of the road below the beam cut-off point. I suspect that the actual perception of what is going on is actually dependent upon the quality of the reflective backing of the headlamp unit, and as a such will probably vary a lot from car to car, and be related the working life of the mirror, and the enclosed trace moisture.
Cheers
Alan

Hi and thanks, have you looked at the Auto Express link I provided? The Osrams came fourth. They're obviously cheaper but with these dark evenings and living in the country I'd like something brighter. I'm aware of the cleaning the reflector trick but haven't attempted it yet.

[Elfed]

Originally Posted by Clan

The volvo long life bulbs last about 18 months or more .

Hi Clan, how are the Volvo bulbs for brightness, same as all the other standard bulbs or brighter?

[Bendolfc]

Have used both the Philips and Osram and there is nothing in it in terms of output, the Philips only lasted 12 months though, the night breaker plus claims to last longer but time will tell. I tend to take with a pinch of salt any reviews in magazines these days as they tend to favour whoever advertise in the mag if you ask me...

The Volvo ones certainly are not as bright and in such a poor headlight design I'd take a shorter life over the dimmer Volvo bulb.

[tayandre]

Adjusting the beam up (Volvo seem to set them a bit on the low side) makes more of a difference than changing the bulb to something like the Power Extreme ones. As does cleaning the reflector, if you search you'll find the instructions someone kindly posted on here.

I had a set of Power Extreme, one lasted about 12 months and the other about 14. The one that went first I replaced with a cheapo £5 one from the car spare shop. Difference? I had more more in my pocket. Other than premium bulb being a little whiter, there was no difference in beam reach nor light spread.

Doesn't matter how good the bulbs are, the headlight design isn't the best, silk purse and sow's ear comes to mind.

My advice would be save your money, get a decent regular bulb and put the effort into getting the beams aligned to the top of the MOT limit. The bulb alone wont make a huge difference, getting the beam aligned properly will.

[Elfed]

Just fitted Phillips Xtreme Vision 100% on my car, find out tonight if they're any good.

Regarding cleaning the reflector, has anyone a link? The connector block to the headlamp unit seems very stiff and wouldn't budge, any tips?