S40 V40: Headlight Bulbs

[morrismen]

I have the V40/S40 headlight bulbs are 477. I noted today in Halfrauds that they stock all sorts of 477 bulbs. The standard headlight bulb is 55W. But, there are also other 477 bulbs such as 100W or Xenon Blue or Brilliant White and a multitude of others.
Questions:
1. Will a high wattage bulb melt the headlight light circuitry or wiring?
2. Are all these other high wattage bulbs actually legal and allowed to pass an MOT?

[Robmac999]

Higher wattage are, I believe, illegal. The ones marked 100w are marked 'not for use on public roads' or similar wording anyway.
Try a legal one like Osram Nightbreaker or one of the upgraded Ring / Philips range of 477's.
Halfords even have their own brand ones which are a bit cheaper.

[morrismen]

Interesting. So would a 80W bulb be illegal rather than 55W? I recall seeing one too. Is there a limit on the wattage that can be used on public highways?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Robmac999

Higher wattage are, I believe, illegal. The ones marked 100w are marked 'not for use on public roads' or similar wording anyway.
Try a legal one like Osram Nightbreaker or one of the upgraded Ring / Philips range of 477's.
Halfords even have their own brand ones which are a bit cheaper.

I paid nearly £40 for a pair from halfords without realising it ! Halfords are no longer cheapin price . yes it is illegal to use anything higher than 55 watts for a dip bulb ( 60w for a main beam ) the newer the car the more likely it will overload the wiring or relays too .

[stuart maxwell]

Originally Posted by morrismen

I have the V40/S40 headlight bulbs are 477. I noted today in Halfrauds that they stock all sorts of 477 bulbs. The standard headlight bulb is 55W. But, there are also other 477 bulbs such as 100W or Xenon Blue or Brilliant White and a multitude of others.
Questions:
1. Will a high wattage bulb melt the headlight light circuitry or wiring?
2. Are all these other high wattage bulbs actually legal and allowed to pass an MOT?

i have not long ago bought a volvo v40 estate and find the lights a bit "dim"compared to my old golf gti.
Im going down to garaage to pick up after a service.
I will check if the 100 watt will burn anything out and get back to all.
regards. stuart

[magnuz]

As i understand it, there is no specific law relating to maximum wattage.
But headlamp bulbs have to have the 'E' or 'E1' type approval mark on them to be legal in UK & Europe.
It is unlikely that a bulb higher than 55watt (H7) would have the approval markings on them, & would therefore be illegal for road use.

Personally i wouldn't fit the high wattage illegal ones because of the damage they could do to the electrics, & the extra heat could also damage the reflectors.
Much better to get 55 watt upgraded ones such as Osram nightbreakers,etc.. Which are type approved !

[m1tch1987]

I have some Osram Neolux (cheapest Osrams on ebay) they work pretty well actually, with regards to bulb upgrades look for the Osram nightbreakers or the Phillips +50s, stay with the halogen bulbs as if you fit HIDs etc you will have issues with the MOT unless they are HID headlight units from the factory. I would also give the headlights a good clean, there is loads of muck on the roads at the moment which can make the headlights a bit dirty reducing the light output.

[gmain1967]

Have a look on the search feature - number of folks have had problems with melted connectors and not always (but often) with higher wattage bulbs.

[m1tch1987]

Is your car a phase 1 or phase 2 btw? If its a phase 1 then the best upgrade is to get phase 2 lights as the original lights are pretty poor!