I have two S40s; a 2005 & 2006 (mine is the 2005; wife is the 2006). Both vehicles have the same issue: the low beams appear to only light up the road about 50 foot in front of the vehicles. Took the 2006 S40 to dealer who says headlights are in proper adjustment.

Is there something I can do to get the lights to shine further down the road; is there an adjustment I can make myself?

 

May sound silly, but gotta ask anyway:

Are the headlight covers AT ALL yellow or milky with oxidation? Even a light coat of road grunge makes a noticeable difference. Clean 'em and polish 'em if they need it. Several kits of polish/restoration stuff available at auto parts stores. Read reviews before you buy. Some are snake oil, others first class.

How old are the bulbs? Are they dark and discolored? Replace them with quality bulbs, wear CLEAN gloves or whatever it takes, but do not touch the bulbs with bare fingers when replacing. Crud and body oil, etc., on your fingers causes the bulb glass to darken. Could be what happened to your current bulbs. Just sayin'...

Have you checked to make sure you're getting full voltage to the bulbs? Don't know what to tell you if you're not, but checking with a voltmeter is cheap if you have one. If you don't own a voltmeter, get a good multimeter. Everyone needs one anyway.

 

You could install shorter coil springs at the rear suspension.

Or this thread might be helpful.

 

I have the same complaint about my 2005. I ended up buying the brightest bulb available that fits the original housing. They are very expensive though.

 

I just spent $50 for a set of high-end bulbs for my truck. Well worth the money. About to do the same for wife's '11 XC70. Same problem. Alignment's good, covers are clear, bulbs are just getting weak. Will be like new or better then. Rock on, hope my responses help.

Lynn B.