S80 side marker bulbs.

S80 side marker bulbs.

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Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Sunday 18th June 2017
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Recently replaced a bulb in the side marker on my S80, they are shown in the handbook as 3w, the other bulbs of this type elsewhere on the car are 5w.

For some reason they seem difficult to find, one outlet even suggested I had misread the handbook.

Question, is there any problem fitting 5w instead of 3w.

C70GT

319 posts

87 months

Sunday 18th June 2017
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You may end up melting the lens, they are 3w for a purpose.

Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Monday 19th June 2017
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Thinking about the confines of the side marker where the bulb sits, I think your right, thanks for that.

Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
Just for info, I went to my Volvo dealer for a 3w bulb for my side marker today, he said "We use 5w".

Told him I want a 3w, which he will have to order.

As my MOT is due tomorrow I asked if a side marker bulb a failure, he said no.

When I said "Can I quote you on that", he said he would check.

Came back and said a definately "No". We shall see.


Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
kapiteinlangzaam said:
It makes absolutely zero difference, except the bulbs will be 2w brighter. You will not be melting anything with a 2w output increase.

I've run W5W in place of W3W bulbs for years.
Interesting, but why you use a 5w if where it fits specifies 3w, I understand it being a tad brighter, and a slight increase of heat as well.

Just interested. Wonder why some cars have side markers in the first place, most don't.

Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Monday 19th June 2017
quotequote all
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Vipers said:
kapiteinlangzaam said:
It makes absolutely zero difference, except the bulbs will be 2w brighter. You will not be melting anything with a 2w output increase.

I've run W5W in place of W3W bulbs for years.
Interesting, but why you use a 5w if where it fits specifies 3w, I understand it being a tad brighter, and a slight increase of heat as well.

Just interested. Wonder why some cars have side markers in the first place, most don't.
Because in alignment with your experience, *everywhere* stocks a W5W, and *nowhere* stocks a W3W smile
Makes perfect sense. Tks beer

Vipers

Original Poster:

32,883 posts

228 months

Wednesday 28th June 2017
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Just to wrap this up, this is the response from Volvo UK.

I can confirm the side markers come with two options as per the below.

Orange lamp body uses the 3 watt bulb.

White lamp body uses the 5 watt bulb.

3 watt bulbs are available to order under part number 989794 from any approved dealership and 1800 are showing in stock.

We would therefore suggest that this specific part is used.