Xenon headlights don’t seem as bright as they used to

[Allubo]

Hi. I’ve lately noticed that the xenon bending headlights on my 2012 s60 don’t seem as bright as they once were. With oncoming cars in the dark it can be really difficult to see ahead.

No issues with full beam as they’re a separate bulb but just wonder if anyone else has found this and whether there’s something that can be done to restore them.

Thanks

Alex

[Zebster]

I was also thinking mine weren't as bright as they once were. And I've also recently noticed condensation inside the units after a journey.

[Bonefishblues]

If it's the case that your lenses are fine, it's just the gradual yellowing/deterioration of the bulb's performance, I think.

[Allubo]

I’ve not noticed any condensation, just a disappointing amount of light for something that’s so expensive to replace.
I might try cleaning the contacts on the headlamp cables and see if thag makes any difference

[alf27]

Just replace the bulbs, see if that improves the output.

[Allubo]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I didn’t think you could replace the bulbs in the xenon headlights

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Allubo

Correct me if I’m wrong but I didn’t think you could replace the bulbs in the xenon headlights

Put your reg into Powerbubs or one of the other bulb vendors

[Chrisv60]

Originally Posted by Allubo

Correct me if I’m wrong but I didn’t think you could replace the bulbs in the xenon headlights

They're the easiest bulbs I've ever changed. Pull the pins and pop the headlight out, remove the rear cap, pull the plug, twist the collar and out comes the bulb. Put new bulb in and reverse process. 10 minutes tops.

If I recall, the bulb is a D3S which was £45 from Amazon (watch out for fakes.)

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Chrisv60

They're the easiest bulbs I've ever changed. Pull the pins and pop the headlight out, remove the rear cap, pull the plug, twist the collar and out comes the bulb. Put new bulb in and reverse process. 10 minutes tops.

If I recall, the bulb is a D3S which was £45 from Amazon (watch out for fakes.)

Indeed. I think it's a fair price for their length of life and light output. Certainly way better than changing Nightbreakers every 6 months on one of my other cars, as I did for a year or two before I bored of it.

[Allubo]

Thanks for that! Clearly I was thinking xenons were witchcraft compared to any other bulb 🙄 will get a new set ordered I think. They’ve done 8 years