Volvo Repair: bi-xenon transformer on 2004 XC70 wagon, volvo xc70, 2004 volvo xc70

Question
QUESTION: Question from a fellow AllExperts Expert...

My wife just called from out-of-state where she has our 2004 Volvo XC70 wagon with bi-xenon headlamps.  One lamp is out, and is reported on the dashboard indicator.  She stopped into a Volvo/Suburu dealership she had called when the service dept said it would take 5 minutes to replace the bulb.  

She just cried, very upset, when after looking at it, they suddenly pronounced a transformer part dead and the entire job would be about $1000, because the transformer for the bi-xenon headlamps costs nearly $700.  

We bought this car second-hand, in pristine condition, with the original sticker which has the bi-xenon option at $500.

I told her to walk away, get the car home, and we'll take it to a local Volvo dealer.  

Any advice, or opinion?  Can one bulb out really  be a $1000 job?  How is the transformer working for one headlamp and not the other?

Thanks,
Stu



ANSWER: Stu, I have never had a transformer fail yet.  Unfortunately, each bulb is controlled by its own transformer. In my opinion, I would convert the whole car over to the aftermarket bixenon kits.  They are available on EBay.  I have them in my Classic 242 GT and it works like a dream.  I converted my 06 Mini Cooper S to this setup as well.  Its an option that you may want to consider and save yourself lots of money.  The whole kit with bulbs and 2 transformers and the wiring is at the most $200.00  Let me know if I can help you with anything else.  Roger

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Roger.
I'm a clutz with a wrench, and besides my wife would never let me touch her baby.  Is this something I can buy on eBay and have the local garage mechanic install in a couple of hours?  

You aren't local to New England or Boston are you?  

Answer
Stu, I wish.  Im getting tired of Florida.  25 years is too much for me.  There is a guy in your area that specializes in the older P1800 Volvos.  His name is Don Thibault. Not sure if he would be up to the task on something newer. Doesnt hurt to ask though.  The kits are pretty easy to do so a local guy could handle it.  Roger