Hi,

Is there an option to install brighter low beam light bulbs? I have a 2005 Volvo S40 with regular halogen headlights (not the Xenon headlights). Are there any disadvantages to these bulbs if they exist? Also, where can I purchase them? Thanks.

 

There's a few things to consider here - first is the headlight lens. Not sure about the 05 S40 but in older models there's an option of upgrading the headlight lens to an "E code" (essentially the European standard allows for low beams to throw the light a bit higher and more direct). The second option is the bulb itself. There are-after market bulbs that tout white or blue light color to give the appearance of a brighter light. Blue light diffracts less than other colors but not sure if that really helps illuminate Bambi standing in the road. The standard H-11 low beam bulb is 55 watts, and you can find 80 watt bulbs. These bulbs will be brighter but also pull 50% more amperage which can burn out switches/wiring not designed for that power so its a buyer beware on that. Finally you can get upgrade kits for Xenons - these produce more light with the same amps as halogens but require a ballast to get the bulbs lit so these kits are expensive and require some wiring work. Check out Xenon headlight bulbs, automotive foglight bulbs, HID replacement car bulbs - you can also look for info on PIAA super whites - Tirerack.com sells them for $59 a pair. They are 55W bulbs and if you are ok with spending $60 to check them out - personally I don't see much downside.

 

Watch out for the xenon upgrades. I've read more than one thread about the power draw burning out the wiper blade (iirc) relays. Not sure how they interact but that seems to be the gist of it.

 

Thanks. What about 55 Watt, H11 LED bulbs? Is there such a thing and would they work well? Thanks again.

 

I read some reviews on Amazon about H-11 LED bulbs and the consensus was negative - they are not as bright with a more scattered light as standard halogens plus they seem to have a higher failure rate. Most positive reviews had wording like "makes my car look cool" (for Volvo drivers that's an oxymoron?) - sounds ok for DRL or fogs but I'd say stay away for your low/hi beams.

 

I bought 55W after market low beam bulbs and I want to try them out. The only problem is that I couldn't remove the old bulbs. I was able to detach the power cord. After that, each bulb is attached to a piece of metal (a holder?) that is attached to a part that I would describe as a reflector. Anyway, does anyone have any advice as to how I can remove the old bulbs? Thanks.

 

turns and pulls out...

 

Thanks, I'll try it. Mine definitely needs (A LOT) more force to remove. I'll try again.

 

the bulb has 3 small feet that need to line up with the slots to remove. Should not take any force once you turn and line up to the slots

 

The feet are not the same size. One will be larger than the other two. Line up the slots with the correct size feet. Dielectric grease will help with any sticky issues.

 

I tried the various brighter low beams which work well, but also cost more and do not last as long. With the running lights it seemed like standard bulbs last about 2 years and the bright ones about 1 1/2. I switched to 35Watt HID daylight color aftermarket bulbs from DDM tuning ( DDMtuning.com ) (the cost was about the same as the extra bright bulbs) and they have worked well for over 4 years. Some folks like the brighter 55 watt system, but it is blinding for urban use. Color temperature ranges from yellowish to a blue purple which may not be legal in your area.