V70 Body/Trim: V70 Headlights

[blue and cream]

Help!

My beautiful V70 2.4 D5 SE Lux Geartronic (2007 MkII, 110k) failed its MOT because of the plastic headlight lens' condition - they are very fogged over, and the garage says they are beyond polishing (as has been done for the past 3 years). My nearest Volvo dealer agreed to fit proper Volvo replacements (Part nos 31446849 and 31446850, xenon and motorised) then found they are unobtainable. I am wary of Breakers Yards, because any compatible headlights of the same age will likely be in similar condition. I am trying the internet, as far and wide as the USA, but so far no luck. There are loads of adverts, but not for xenon and motorised headlights such as I have. The garage says that it's got to be a like-for-like replacement.

I think it's dreadful that my car is going to be unroadworthy, and it will be expensive to replace. It is galling to compare it with my C70 which is 3 years older but has perfect glass headlights.

Does anyone know of a source for replacement new headlights?

Thanks for reading this.

Brian

[stuart bowes]

changing to plastic was a terrible idea whoever came up with that should have been sacked

but anyway I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss used ones, have a look on ebay they tend to go for 50-70 quid each or so

they may not be as bad as you think, even if they do a few years with a bit of polish and then a protective anti UV coating (apparently the ceramic coating works well ?) then it's better than ditching the car

the other option is cutting off the lens and replacing with new but last I heard about that it's basically impossible to get new RHD spec lenses shipped over

maybe have a word with Onewheel if there's anyone who will know it's him https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...49013&page=296

[blue and cream]

Thanks, Stuart. I have placed a message on the thread you suggested. Brian

[Simmy]

i would try sand and polish you may get it good enough to get through the mot giving you more time to source some replacements have you tried some one like part finder they do the research an link you with sellers.

[richmac]

Hi,

Another nice temporary fix is to wipe engine oil on them.

If the main dealer can retrofit halogens, Parts for Volvo et al have equivalents available.

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...634a31b1eb30e0

BR,

Rich

[blue and cream]

Simmy: Thank you, I have done exactly that and ordered some 1000 -5000 wet & dry from Amazon, and will have a go, although my Garage which maintains the car and issues the MOT say it has been done so many times it's no longer possible. I have looked at advice on this site, and will try (snow permitting).

[blue and cream]

Rich:
Thank you. I had contemplated this, because there are apparently lots of Halogen lights available, it's the Xenon element that seem to be the problem. I presume the bodywork fitting would be identical. I have been told that it's not as easy as unplug / plug. However, I think it will be the fallback position if my one last line of enquiry, currently with another Volvo main dealer, fails. Brian

[Thassos]

Morning, all may not be lost with your existing headlamps, having been there and managed to get mine back to almost new appearance (they also had a prev refurb done by a local co) depends a bit on if youre prepared to have a go.. polishing only works if you have the right approach, i would suggest trying a small area first to see what is achievable.. then if no luck look at finding some from a breaker. First use even 240 grit (gently) then 800 grit with soap and water, washing off as you go (the wet surface will appear good, but drying off will appear hazy at which point youre thinking ive just made these worse !).. next you need a rotary pad/drill and a polishing paste from mezerma (they do several red, amber, green going from course=1000 to fine=3000 with this stage you should be able to get to water clear even after drying off any water ... after this though you need to spray very fine layers of hardcoat uv resist clear laquer (hb body do these in rattle cans, which can work if you have plenty of time, but needs to be at 20c indoor temp) so if you have a paint shop that can do this part it might be another option, you can also polish the laquer inbetween coats but only when its fully dry & hardened !, so easier done with the headlamps off the car (front bumper off which isnt too difficult to do), all of this takes time but can get the headlights back to almost like new state. Ill post some pics if any help, i did mine on the car but this time of year not an option if your going to hardcoat / spray them out side.