850 dismal headlights, what can i do?

[jim_from_surrey]

the evenings drawing in and a change of workplace has rammed home to me how pityful my headlights are... are there any easy fixes to this? (that dont involve spending too much money)

are these replacement bulbs that claim **% brighter than standard but with normal wattage any good?

can i replace the bulbs for higher wattage or are there wiring/relay/switch complications with the extra load?

as far as i know the lights are working as designed, no electrical problems on the car, just cr@ppy lights!

thanks guys

Jim

[Al115]

I have fitted Osram SilverStars to mine which make a definite improvement. Or you can go the whole hog and fit HIDs, but that's a little more expensive. Plenty of guys on here have done it and will be able to give you details.

[splatt]

http://www.volvot5.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=5062

This was recent discussion.
Hope it helps..if not try the search function..

[audimadmike]

I've fitted white 70 watt bulbs to mine..brighter..whiter.. but still crap!

The HID kits others have fitted seem a better option though £200 ish and you need good reflecters to benefit.

Mike

[Redbrick]

Your lights may benefit from an internal clean. Three bolts hold them in, pop the clips off and clean the inside of the glass and the reflectors. Mine were filthy.

Philps Vision Plus are the best replacement bulb I've tried.

[audimadmike]

But clean VERY gently as the chrome/silvering comes off with age and you'll have matt yellow reflectors!
The glass on mine looks like new after a clean.

Mike

[M44K TS]

as above, clean the glass and reflectors.

I fitted some 80w/100w sportsblue bubs by Ring on my mini. Been in 3 years and no problems what-so-ever. No problems with the wiring or anything especialy as everyone knows how bad mini wiring and switches etc. can be aswell.

They give a bright white light with only a tiny hint of blue. After driving the mini then getting back into another car with normal bulbs, the normal 55w ones look yellow and dull.

[elliot]

HID's all the way i have just brought a set after trying everything including 100w.They are amazing i went for the 5000k kit it produces a very very white light with a tinge of blue and i dont use the 100w main beams any more they just put a yellow fuzz around the top!!!They also look the nuts

[siamblue]

as above, clean the glass and reflectors.

I fitted some 80w/100w sportsblue bubs by Ring on my mini. Been in 3 years and no problems what-so-ever. No problems with the wiring or anything especialy as everyone knows how bad mini wiring and switches etc. can be aswell.

They give a bright white light with only a tiny hint of blue. After driving the mini then getting back into another car with normal bulbs, the normal 55w ones look yellow and dull.

But they are illegal to use on the road, Not sure if there are points involved but a fine for sure.

[Redbrick]

But they are illegal to use on the road, Not sure if there are points involved but a fine for sure.

Illegal? I know they are for 'off road use only', but illegal on the road? Is that what that means? 100W bulbs are for 'off road use only' as well, it says on the pack.

I've got through 3 MOT's with the Volvo and 1 MOT with my VW using HID's. I've also been stopped by the Police and they were never mentioned.

[SaffronC70]

"for show use or off road use"

Usual disclaimer to cover the company.

I've been though the MOT, and if anyone has seen my lights, they are quite blue on warm up !

Chris

[siamblue]

Illegal? I know they are for 'off road use only', but illegal on the road? Is that what that means? 100W bulbs are for 'off road use only' as well, it says on the pack.

I've got through 3 MOT's with the Volvo and 1 MOT with my VW using HID's. I've also been stopped by the Police and they were never mentioned.

I think you will find the maximum wattage on our public roads are 55w,
my pipe on my bike had not for road use and i was fined £30 and told to get it changed and to report to a mot station to have the form stamped,

[siamblue]

found this

Please note: Motor Car - 100w For Competition use only.
UK Legal maximum wattage 60/55 watts.
Motorcycle - no limits

[M44K TS]

I'm always wary though, but i suppose 3 years of having them and not even being questioned is just good luck

I may push the boat out and get a HID kit for the mini in the future though

[jim_from_surrey]

thanks for all the replies guys - i've been away from an internet connection for a couple of days.

HID's are a bit expensive for me - i don't mind shelling out £20 or so on some new bulbs though.

I will have a look at getting inside them too, as i would imagine mine are pretty dirty!

anyone know if theres any issues with current drain through the wiring, relays, etc on an old 850 with the higher wattage bulbs - obviously they will draw more amps than standard.

The philips ones mentioned... these are standard wattage ones i take it?

cheers

[M44K TS]

wiring/relays should handle it no problem, if dodgey mini wiring handled hit for 3 years, i'm sure bomb proof volvo wiring is up to the job.

[jim_from_surrey]

funny you should have a mini, i have had 6 over the years, one of them i fitted 2 x 100w spotlights... they were very bright but blasting up behind someone i found i had done something to the relay i had fitted (being 18 i probably hadnt used a high enough ampage one) and the lights wouldnt turn off! poor guy ahead, i think i burnt the back of his head until i could find a place i could turn off, stop and rip the wire off the relay! ahhh... the days of innocence/ignorance LOL!

[fireclown]

MMMMM that reminds me of a story too. when i was a snapper. i put some spots on my mini. without a relay. (i was young) went down the road put full beam on and....... the wireing went up in smoke. lol. a lesson learnt. once more.

[M44K TS]

that happend to me twice before i eventually could be bothered to wire them through the propper relay. Being stuck in a pub car park with your lighting loom melting all over the engine bay wasn't a nice experience, good job the negative terminal was loose on the battery otherwise it might have been bye bye car!

that reminds me, i must tighten the battery negative up again

[block-head]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=8015340995

These are pretty good replacement blue lamps. Halfords will charge you 15 quid for them.