Xenon Lights (Optional): Notes
The automotive industry/press often identify xenon lighting systems as HID (high intensity discharge) systems. Xenon headlight technology was first introduced to the US market exclusively on the E32 750iL in 1993.
Xenon headlight systems have evolved and their availability as optional equipment has spread throughout the vehicle lineups. Blue/White in color and using ellipsoidal technology Xenon headlights provide improved nighttime visibility in all driving conditions compared with traditional Halogen bulb headlights.
Xenon headlights provide the following benefits:
- Longer bulb life. Xenon bulbs will last from 3 to 5 times longer than halogen.
- More light output. Xenon headlights produce from 2.5 to 3 times more lumens than halogen.
- Blue/White light (simulates natural daylight). Xenon bulbs produce a blue/white light while halogen bulbs produce a yellow light. The light color of a light source is measured in color temperature (not to be confused with thermal temperature). Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). The higher the color temperature the whiter the light.
Natural daylight = 4,500 to 5,000 K
Xenon headlights = 4,000 to 4,500 K
Halogen headlights = 3,200 K (yellow in color)
- Better driving visibility. The combination of higher lumens and higher color temperature provide a superior lighting source. The beam is wider and brighter in front of the vehicle than conventional halogen bulbs improving safety and driver comfort.
- Lower operating temperature.
- Lower power consumption.
Xenon bulbs are identified as D-2S (D=Discharge). Xenon bulbs illuminate when an arc of electrical current is established between two electrodes in the bulb. The xenon gas sealed in the bulb reacts to the electrical excitation and heat generated by the current flow. The distinct bluish/white brilliant light is the result of the xenon gas reacting to the controlled current flow.