I have done searches on the subject of headlights for these cars and would really like to do an HID kit. Just don't have the money right now. My issue is that I don't feel like the headlights are allowing enough light through the lenses. The vehicle is a 1998 with 136,000 miles on it. I changed the old bulbs with new Sylvania SilverStar Ultras in the past month. I think those have made a slight improvement but I am still not happy. I was riding in my friend's first gen Prius which I think has regular halogen's and his lights light up the road great. WAAAAY better then what mine do.

So besides changing the bulbs what do people think of the Ecode lenses?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo...ht_2856wt_1590

I saw these and am intrigued but am wondering how much the would help.

Also, I took look at my lenses and it seems they are pitted. Could they be dirty on the inside of the lens and on the reflective material in the assembly? I guess this could be diffusing the light quite a bit. I am also wondering when others have typically changes their lenses.

I cleaned the outsides of the lenses and there are no cracks at all. I am pretty certain these are the original lenses that came on the car. Thanks for the input.

 

1. I have had the E-codes and they change the light beam pattern. You might get slightly more light output, but mainly they are European spec lenses and have a different beam pattern. I liked them when I had them.

2. SharpHID.com sells good HID's and for great prices. Under $150 and yes that is cheap and they are the real deal. And work great!

3. Do not touch the reflective material in your headlights, you'll ruin it. It scratches easily.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I am now thinking about going with an HID kit and have been in contact with Sharphid.com. Really cool guy.

I am going to use the E-code lenses as well.

My only concern is what kit to go with. I am thinking the 5000K kit but unsure of whether to go with the 35w or the 55w. I want to have the most light output but minimize any unnecessary glare to other drivers. Although, part of me is saying screw 'em, I can see where I am going. Really, I would love to go the projector route, but it just isn't in the cards. What would you recommend as far as the 35w vs 55w kits?

Thanks.

 

I have done some searches on the 35w vs 55w kits and didn't find a clear cut answer except some felt like they were hard on other drivers eyes and would get other drivers highs flashed at them.

Just looking for your thoughts. Thanks.

 

I have a 35w kit and only have had a few people flash me their lights. A 55w kit might get more and 5,000K is a good bulb temp to get.

Also with the stock headlights even with E-code lenses there is going to be un needed glare. Those housings and lenses are not made for HID's.

The ABM projectors like I have work great with HID's though.

 

Any reason you opted for the 35w kit vs. the 55w kit? The projectors look sweet. I would love to do them.

Would the 55w kit with stock headlight/E-code lenses be overkill?

Thanks.

 

Just and update:

I went with the 35W kit from sharphid.com and the E-code lenses. WOW!! what a difference. No one has flashed me and I think I want to aim the lights down a bit, but so far so good.

Next step - getting some projectors.

Thanks.