I believe it is possible to replace the stock US-spec headlight lenses with the Euro-code type. The question is whether or not there is any advantage to replacing the whole headlamp instead. Would one, for instance, be able to install the low watt city light? I do know that one loses the float levels in the swap.

Thanks everyone.

I just replaced my lenses with E code. I like being able to see again! The reflectors are different for Europe. Aiming the new lenses causes the bubble float to be all the way back, useless. Nice sharp cutoff with the low beams and not as irritating as the new Xenon lights.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 88 245(165K mi)

I have the answer to your question. Both the reflector unit and the cover glass of the genuine European-specification headlights ARE different than the USA DOT models. A friend bought the complete units for me in Sweden and brought them back in his luggage.

First, the replacement is easy. Take out the old and bolt the new ones in their place.

Second, the European light units are equipped with the low wattage city bulbs in their own sockets.

Third, the USA model V70 already HAS the wiring and connector for the low-wattage bulb. It is tucked away above the headlight, tied up against some metal. Take a look with a flashlight and you will see an unused wire. Clean off the connector (which may be grimy or tarnished) and plug it into the socket for the low-watt bulb. That's all you have to do.

Fourth. To turn on the city low watt bulbs, turn your headlights to position 1 (45 degrees). The headlights will be off, but the city lights will glow.

The European lights are dramatically better than the dismal DOT ones. It is grotesque how bad the DOT ones are, especially now that I have the new ones installed. The European lights have a sharp horizontal cutoff. Below it is bright, above it is dark. No fuzzy halo and lost energy and blinding oncoming drivers. The downside is the cost - very steep. The European units were 2725 Kronur each, and my friend took care of transport. I don't know where to buy them in USA. Beware of the jokers selling the cheesy Oriental imports, only accept the genuine Hella lights.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I was hoping to hear from someone who had actually done the swap.

Do you have the Volvo part numbers for these, as I want to check with a friend who lives in Malmo.

What you want are STRALKASTARE.

Headlight complete right: 8628618

Headlight complete left: 8628617

As I noted earlier, beware that they cost about 2700 Kronur each. I can't advise if the cost is worth it for you. If you want to see pictures of the light patterns and the connectors, email me off-line: moranga at canufly dot net. If you replace your original lights, this is a good time to clean away grime and dirt from the area and clean the connectors to ensure trouble-free performance. Good luck.

I don't have a definitive answer. I bought an E-code lens, and while looking for the other one, I e-mailed Daniel Stern Lighting, and he claims that the reflectors are different on E-Code headlights - not just the lenses. Daniel Stern knows a lot about headlights, but I'm not sure I believe that there is a different reflector. I think they have a shield that cuts off the top of the beam on E Code, but we're probably going to get even better light without it.

BTW, I just put a set of E code lights on my 740. What a difference!