E-code is the term used to refer to European automotive lighting specifications (ECE). They are variously configured as projectors, reflector only, or reflector-and-lens. The best by far is reflector-and-lens, as you see with Mercedes....and that's what's on the Volvo.

You absolutely WILL see a difference. The e-codes for the 70's focus a much higher percentage of light on the pavement, with a hard cutoff to keep light out of oncoming drivers' eyes. They angle up to the right 15 degrees (in the UK they angle to the left) to illuminate roadside signs and obstacles, and to provide extra distance along the curbs and roadside lane markers. They also throw light further to the sides of the car. The high beams are beyond belief -- even with ordinary US-made halogens they're like the landing lights on a 747.

In my car, I put Philips VisionPlus halogen H7's in the low beam position, as they provide 50% more light than stock halogens for just $40/pair. I got them from autolamps-online.com, as they're available only in e-code countries.

Would I consider the Philips HID system? Yes...but not without the e-codes. Otherwise you'll get the same pathetic results as an HID-equipped Lincoln or Acura: lots of bright white output aimed at nothing in particular and thus illuminating tree limbs, rooflines, clouds, low-flying aircraft....and the retinas of oncoming drivers. Pull alongside one someday and see how little of their expensive HID illumination makes it to the pavement. You'll get the same poor results in a Volvo equipped with DOT lenses.

Me? I'm biding my time as HID's are still too pricey for my budget. (They've dropped $250 in the last year-and-a-half, and I'm waiting for further price reductions.)
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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)