Xenon Headlight Systems: Notes
In order to improve night time driving visibility, Xenon headlight systems were developed for the automotive industry. Xenon technology is also referred to as High Intensity Discharge lighting or HID.
For BMW vehicle Xenon technology was first introduced to the US market in 1993 on the E32 750iL. Since this time Xenon technology has evolved and spread throughout the model lineup.
The first thing noticed about Xenon lamps is the blue/white appearance of the headlights.
There are numerous benefits to Xenon headlights and these include:
- Longer bulb life - typically the xenon bulbs will last from 3 to 5 times longer than conventional halogen bulbs.
- Increased light output - Xenon headlights produce 2.5 to 3 times more light (Lumens) than halogen headlights.
- Blue/white light - The blue/white light emitted from Xenon headlights simulates a natural daylight appearance as opposed to the yellowish light from halogen bulbs. The light color of a light source is measured in color temperature (do not confuse with thermal temperature). Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). The higher the number, the whiter the light appears to be.
- Natural daylight = 4,500 to 5000 K
- Xenon headlights = 4,000 to 4,500 K
- Halogen headlights = 3,200 K (yellow)
- Better driving visibility - the combination of higher Lumens and color temperature provides a superior lighting source. The beam is wider and brighter in front of the vehicle than conventional halogen bulbs improving safety and driver comfort.