Would like to install an HID lighting system on my 850 wagon. I know they have made the kits illegal for street use not too long ago, but my eyesight isn't what it used to be, and I've had several really shorten-your-breath encounters with deer at night. Will take my chances and be careful not to load the car and shoot the light up. Any opinions on Philips versus Osram, which seem to be the two major manufacturers? Dick

Hi Dick...

Have you considered trying one of the high-end bulbs?

http://ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=1332&NodeID=4077&RootID=629

By the way, I'm using those PIAA bulbs and a set of E-code lenses. They are bright. But I got them on sale at $56.00/set.

Marty

Hi Marty! I did use the high end bulbs in my Volvo in Norway. I switched out the American SAE lamps for the Euro lenses. Did not change the reflector. I took over with me a set of the spendy Sylvania Superstars, at about $37 a pair from Wal-Mart, two pair for high and low. Installed them and was very impressed with the white light. However, one of the low bulbs burned out after about one year, and, since you can't buy the Silverstars in Norway, I had to revert back to the original bulb. I installed a set of Silverstars in my sis's 240 sedan, and wouldn't you know, a low bulb burned out after eighteen months. Am not impressed in the least with all the hype about those Silverstars, not with such a short life and the price you pay. Dick

Not very cheap:

http://www.autoaccessorystore.com/w/hid-kit.asp

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

If you install HIDs, don't forget to upgrade the wires. They draw more electricity and generate more heat. You will toast the wires in a few nights.

Have you looked for Ecode lenses that replace the stock ones? I did that with my V70 and it gave me 100% more light on the road. Along with lighting up the road signs on the right side of the road.
I kept the old lenses, just incase I ever sell this car to someone who lives in an inspection state.

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Hi Klaus,

Where did you buy your Ecode lenses?

Chuck

Hi Klaus,

Can you tell me where you got the e-code lights, and roughly how much they cost? Did you replace the lamp assemblies, or just the lenses? I see that FCP Groton sells Scan-Tech e-code lamp assemblies for $175 EA and lenses for $65 EA (for 1998 V70). Do you know if Scan-Tech is equivalent to OE, or cheap/inferior aftermarket? I don't know much about lighting but I would think there can't be much difference in output if you only change the lenses, right? Thanks,

-Daire

I got the lenses from FCP, seems that they got them by mistake because they are true European lenses. The US spec reflectors are different than the Euro spec so there is a hot spot on the driver's side which I had to tape over to keep the truckers happy. The cutoff is very sharp and the beam goes far enough down the road to make it safe at night without brights. Great in fog, too.
The best solution is to replace the entire headlamp assembly, but that costs more than $100. If I had a newer car...

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Hmm, looking closely at my headlights, I think I may already have E-code lights (I'm not the original owner). There's a little circle with an "E" inside molded into the lens, and no DOT markings. Does this mean they are E-code lights? If they are, I have to say I'm not all that impressed - they don't have the sharp horizontal cutoff, and output is so-so. But maybe I only have the lenses and not the reflectors. My other car (1997 3-series) has Euro headlamps with a much better pattern and output.

If there is no horizontal cutoff, I am afraid you got the economy version of DOT knock-offs. Mine have an E4 inside the circle and were made by DJAUTO(?), the pattern is extremely sharp. Because of the DOT reflectors, both lights are aimed way down compared to the builtin level bubble.
I would still prefer the complete headlight housing the Europeans have, including the city lights and in-dash leveling system.

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Hi Klaus! Nice to hear from you again! I brought a set of e-code lenses back with me from Norway when I returned in May. I need the HID system for my 97 wagon in Norway. Much cheaper to buy it over here and throw it in your suitcase when you go back. They have so many frigging tunnels over there, that when you're driving along with your photogray lenses in the summer and they're darkened down and you suddenly enter a tunnel, you can't see your hand in front of your face, even if your headlights are on (which they have to be, all the time in Europe). I was under the impression that the HID system drew less wattage (35 watts) than the regular 50 or 55 watt halogen system. Don't understand the wiring problem. Do you have a source? Dick

Sorry for the delay, Dick. I wanted to verify the HID power usage. You are correct, the HIDs have a builtin transformer and uses less wattage than conventional lights.
Don't the Norwegians have junk/salvage yards around Oslo to pick up entire headlight modules? I really prefer the pattern Europeans have over the US DOT diffusers. We can't see beans at night over here. Besides, having "city" lights would be a plus for daytime running lights.
My wife has Zenon(?) lights on her A4 which are really nice. It's great for us "older" folks who have a slower pupil reaction time with oncoming headlights.
Lets hope the Euro takes a dive in the next year or two so that we can enjoy being "rich" Americans again,

Klaus

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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)