Just wondering if anyone has ever done a HID retrofit replacing the projectors with ones designed for xenons. I didn't know this until doing some more research on the subject, but as I understand it nowthere is a difference between the halogen projectors and the xenon projectors. Now it has me thinking should I or is there a way to swap out my halogen projectors and try to find some that are manufactured for xenon lights?

 

You cando the plug-and-play way with some PIAA bulbs: http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S40-2005...-135-440-1588/ They have a high wattage output, but they cost $90-$100.
Or you can opt for the HIDs: http://www.sharphid.com/
The HIDs are Better and a kit starts at $175.
I say go HID.

 

Sorry I made the post a tad misleading. I'm currently using an Apexcone hid kit with my factory halogen projectors. What I'm thinking of doing is actually changing out the projector units themselves with ones manufactured specifically for xenon bulbs. I've read that there is a difference between the two and believe that doing this could really benefit the hid kit and provide a better result. Sorry I made a confusing posting, should of mentioned I already did the kit on the car.

 

I'm confused...what year S40 are you driving? I have an 04 first gen and I am looking to buy a HID kit from SharpHID.com but now you have me worried... Is this something I need to worry about? Or can i just install and plug and go...?

 

Depends on the kit you put inthe car. 35w vs 55w is a big difference. The 55w should be the same if not better than the Xenons.
My understanding is that Xenon bulbs and HIDs are like the same, if that is true...There would be no point in swapping bulbs.
I am still learning about this stuff so Feel free to correct where need.

 

I have an '06. I'm not sure on the set up on the 04s. I thought the first gens are the reflector style headlights but I'm not exactly positive on that.. If they are I would highly recommend doing a retro fit to actual HID/xenon projectors instead of just putting the HID kit in your current reflectors. Doing so would cause unsafe glare and hot spots to oncoming motorist. The reflector lenses will not direct the light beam as it should be with HIDs. I'm using my standard halogen projectors right now but I'm thinking at this point I am going to go ahead and try to find some Hella, Valeo or Bosch projectors designed specifically for use with HIDs. My factory halogen projectors have horrible cut off as well as a bit too much glare with the HID kit installed. I'm just wondering if anyone with a 2nd gen S40 with a HID kit installed has tried to fix it by replacing the headlights projectors. Time to find some that fit! Let me know if anyone has done this before, it would REALLY help out!

 

There is a different between Halo proj. and Xenon proj. "light focus spots"
I asked the Volvo services and they told me to replace full Xenon proj house itself will cost me $1200 CAN.
So, if you just want to have a Xenon look, I suggest buy the HID conversion kit and install it.