What Size Bulbs Does a 2005 Volvo XC70 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2005 Volvo XC70 Have?
The 2005 Volvo XC70 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2R projector headlights. The XC70 has been available from 2005 to 2016, and the 2005 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2005 Volvo XC70?
The 2005 Volvo XC70 comes equipped with factory D2R HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D2R HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a H3 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2005 Volvo XC70
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Volvo vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D2R capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2005 Volvo XC70 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2R LED | Buy HID-D2R LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Side Marker | 5008 LED | Buy 5008 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Dome Light | 47830 | Buy 47830 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2005 Volvo XC70How Long Do 2005 Volvo XC70 Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2005 Volvo XC70 typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 21 years old, the original bulbs on your XC70 are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2005 Volvo XC70?
For the high beams, the H9 is interchangeable with H11, H8. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2005 Volvo XC70 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo XC70 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2005 to 2016, the Volvo XC70 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2005 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2015. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2005 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other XC70 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2R LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2R LED low beam bulb: