Hey,
I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with HID (Xenon) headlights in a 940 Wagon. I've got a headlight out and would like to replace them both with Xenon lights. I'm finding them pretty cheap on eBay for 91-95 940's and they claim you just replace them like you would a normal light. Are they any good and do they actually just "pop in and out"?

Here's a link to some for example - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLUE-XENON-9004-HEADLIGHTS-91-95-VOLVO-940_W0QQitemZ8051813650QQcategoryZ36476QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Besides that fact that that guy has terrible feedback. :)

Thanks

Read this. Should answer all your question.

Daniel Stern Lighting

Great link tjts1 - thanks! I did go ahead and buy some off of ebay. I was one of those suckers that saw DOT approved and thought they're be ok, which.. they're probably not. :)I'll watch them closely after I put them in. If I don't like them, then no big loss - they weren't all that expensive.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Be careful about using the terminology "HID" which stands for High Intensity Discharge.

The bulbs you cite are certainly NOT HID lights. HID lights need the voltage boosted up to some thousands of volts to work.

The bulbs you cite are incandescent bulbs like any other incandescents, and run on 12 Vdc. To get a higher color temperature (more blue, less red), you need to run the filament hotter. Some bulbs also have the capsule coated with some blueish coloration to enhance the blue appearance.

Running the filament at a hotter temperature does, in generaly shorten the lifespan of the filament, and that's where the creativity in mix of gases in the capsule begins to mitigate the longevity issue.

I am using a type of bulb like the one you cite and have, in general been satisfied with them. I would suggest staying away from the 8500K bulb and stick to something between 6000 & 7000K max. The only way they are going to get even close to an 8500K color temperature is by heavily tinting the capsule, and this is going to act as a filter and REDUCE the amount of light comming out of the capsule.

One other thing to look for in these aftermarket bulbs is the current draw. You don't want to be exceeding the usual current too much or the excess heat may damage the headlamp.

Thanks for the information daidnik. I see now - they claim "HID simulation" using Xenon and Krypton.

I read a little bit more about these kinds of lights and will make sure I stay between 6000K and 7000K if I decide to get them. I probably will, they don't cost too much - just don't want to ruin anything while doing it. :)

Thanks again.

Unless it's $500,don't bother.Do a search,plenty of info out there.

steve