98 V70 Headlight Bulb Choices

[sleddriver]

Back in 2007, after conversing with Daniel Stern at Candlepower, I chose the Osram Rallye 65W H7 for the low beams. Once installed, I took several measurements with a Sekonic digital light meter. They were indeed noticeably brighter.

However, I also noticed that light was being thrown in other areas not previously noticed with the standard H7 lamps. I also noticed the Osram's threw a lot of light just in front of the sled.

Despite their lowered hrs rating, they both have recently expired: One in Aug and the other a few days ago. Rather amazing that! No doubt being fed less than 13.2Vdc to go that extreme length of time. I'll have to check the V at the lamps.

I have no complaints at all with the Osram 65W H7. However I'm wondering if a 55W H7 +30 or +50 bulb would work better/throw more light farther out in the Volvo H7 low-beam reflector design.

I'm looking for more focused light farther out on the low-beams. The 65W H7's might be better for the high-beams. Note that both low & high beams are lit when high-beams are on as the H7 bulb is a single filament.

Are all H7 reflector designs similar or are some better than others?

Another issue that occured to me: the headlight reflectors are now 19yrs old and therefore probably are not near as reflective as they used to be.

Comments? Suggestions? Recommendations?

 

[901Memphis]

Suggest seeing if you can find some oem housings if you financially possible first, which may be challenging

 

[Olas]

Reflectors can be used to spread the light over an area, like a floodlight,or they can focus the light to a point Ike ou get with a spotlight.

Keep the standard housings, reflectors and bulbs, and fit auxiliary lamps to give the extra illumination you want.

 

[sleddriver]

I'm going back with four of the Osram Rallye bulbs. Excellent light, long bulb life (7yrs!) and much less expensive now than when I purchased them 7 yrs ago (17 vs. $26). Free 1st class shipping too.