Is it common for the v70 to have very poor lighting? headlights don't seem to have any power they don't look that dim when you look at them but I can't see anything at night. High beams on and nobody even notices. I don't have driving or fog lights. How can I improve it? all bulbs high and low are 55w. The cars manual shows 55w on high and low. help. thanks

Using brighter bulbs will not do much to help the USA model C70 or V70. The DOT-specified headlight assembly has been compromised compared to the European specific lamp housing in a number of ways. The problem is, you really need to replace the entire headlight assembly, not just the glass cover. I am still trying to find a vendor for the whole lamp. The glass covers are available from EuroSport Tuning, but they do not have the entire unit.

Question: does anyone have the part numbers for the European lamp assemblies (complete) for left hand drive (i.e., not UK but for the continental countries)? Thanks!

Just wondering what the light quality is like on the 2004 C70, and if those lights would bolt right into an older V/S/or C70? They look really cool with the clear lenses.

Gordon

Are we talking the same car? MY 850 AWD is adequate, maybe less bright than my old 300SD with euro lenses and 100/65 bulbs, but I have to squint from reflection from stop signs on my '99 V70R AWD. (Alberta, but I think we get the same setup as you.) I'd look closely at voltage. Let us know if you're happy with the upgrade: can't have too much light on dark gungy nights. I may upgrade if the difference is worthwhile. Thanks,Turner.

Despite the comments so far, I realy don't think the V70 lights are so dim that no one notices them. In fact, our '98 and '95 have what I consider quite adequate lighting for the northeast US, and are far and away better than our 740 or 960. Not quite up to the four round bulbs in our '87 BMW or '84 MB SL, but good none the less. There is a factory recall on '98 headlights due to premature burn-outs. We haven't done it yet, and have only put one bulb in our '98 at 78k. I would speculate carsx burning up bulbs are keeping the daytime running lights on, with the result that all of the bulbs are being burned at double or quadruple the time compared to the hours that are used just after dark. If so, you can soon expect to stasrt on tehinterior dash bulbs as well, just a matter of hours burned. As far as the '98 brightness, try getting the lights re-aimed, leaning toward the high side. I guarantee that if they are set up right, you will get constant response from oncoming drivers when on high. after that, check with a voltmeter to see that the lights are getting adequaate current right at the light plugs. After that, consider upgrading the lights themselves. There are clearly some much better light units out there, its just that your comments seem to sugggest that your car is not at normal brightness to start with.
--
Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (171k), '93 965 (147k), '95 855T (60k), '98 V70XC (78k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k).

thanks for your comments. I can tell you this much they are new bulbs, they are aimed correctly and in the dark roads here in the northeasr, upstate NY, they SUCK. dark roads with no street lights I might as well be using no lights at all,they are that bad. the low beams don't even show any sign of life on the road. the high beams light up the road just enough to about equal to normal low beams. My Saab is much brighter (also a 98 9000). the saab uses 9006 bulbs. Should I spend the $250 for the ecode lens? I need something soon because this volvo is my wifes car and It is just not safe at all. If I do go with the ecodes lens, any idea where to get them for a 98 v70? $250 is lots of money. Any help? Thanks

You are right. I have my American Spec 1999 Volvo V-70 with me here in England where the Volvo's -- and all other cars have much brighter European headlights.

Agree with the comment that going to a higher wattage may not be sustainable with the wiring harness. I have never had a car that has gone through so many bulbs in 110,00 miles at least three headlights, three turn signal bulbls, two fog light bulbs, and two tail light bulbs. By contract my 94 Mazda Miata just changed one of its sealed headlights and it has 105,000 miles on it.

Peter

Do a search here for E-code headlights (pull-down menu above). You can replace the headlight lenses with the European (E-code) lenses. I've done so and they're better although not nearly as good as HID lights or a round E-code. I bought mine from FCP Groton http://www.fcpgroton.com/. Ask for "Nick". The general consensus is that going to higher waat bulbs is not a good idea because the wiring is marginal to begin with and the housings are plastic.

Good luck!

-Punx

you bought them for you v70? I did not see any listed on that web sight? also should I go to 100w on high beam? For such a nice safe car what crap for headlights

marcoda,listen to punx phil... call up groton ...also check the archives the diffreence between stock lens and e code is night and day you may find that you do not need to change bulbs. i found that while changing over my housings lost their adjustment so i took 'em out and repaired ball and socket joints ..now they shine like crazy and not in the trees.

thanks guy, yes I did call them and they did ship them to me at a much lower cost then anyone else. I hope this works. thanks again guys