Replacing Xenon headlights on a 2012 Volvo XC60

The first fix on my newly purchased Volvo XC60. The Xenon headlights were starting to flicker which is one early sign that the Xenon bulb is failing, it's better to replace it sooner rather than later to avoid losing your headlights but also so that it doesn't cause strain on the ballast which is the controller electronics that provide the power to the Xenon bulbs.
The Xenon bulbs I purchased were OEM spec Osram D1S 35watt Xenarc original bulbs, purchase link from Amazon: amzn.to/3STGggx
As with all bulbs, replace in pairs so buy two!

[@kristy7308]

Thank you so much. I just successfully replaced my bulb!

[@nikhillalu]

Just replaced mine on a facelift xc60 was very similar but instead of the clips holding the back piece in it was some screws, 4 of them holding it in, but otherwise exactly the same

[@bertrandls]

I just changed mine but disconnected the battery before. It says some high voltage could remain and be dangerous... so it says... One question though, do you confirm we can replace those bulbs with LED bulbs? Do you know some references? Thanks and greetings from France.

[@junkendriven]

Fair point on high voltage but many modern cars don't like battery being disconnected and you can cause more issues! It is correct they run at high voltage though, so I don't know if you can easily replace with led as they would need to handle the high voltage ballast/supply. I've not checked as find the Xenon very powerful

[@alasdairgow4919]

So is that bulb and ballast all in one unit? They have got real small, I used Chinese ones in 2008 and the ballast was massive and prone to water ingress, resulting in flickering

[@junkendriven]

I'm really unsure, seems too little for a full ballast, there is a module on the XC60 called the Xenon hid controller so it could be split in some way. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out the electronics other than it being a sort of starter/inrush type circuit