Headlamp system, Bi-Xenon
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Volvo S80, 2005 Volvo S80, 2004 Volvo S80, 2003 Volvo S80, and 2002 Volvo S80. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| 1. | Ballast | 5. | Internal headlamp surround |
| 2. | Motor, headlamp range adjustment | 6. | Motor, high and low beam |
| 3. | Bulb connector, high tension | 7. | Moving reflector |
| 4. | Bulb | - | - |
Bi-Xenon uses gas discharge technology and is a headlamp system with moving reflectors. The system combines high and low beams in the same bulb.
It is a statutory requirement (for low beam) for vehicles with this type of bulb to be equipped with headlamps with automatic level control.
Xenon versus Halogen
Xenon:
- has higher color temperature which gives a whiter light
- reflects from road signs and markings better
- has lower power consumption. (approximately 2/3).
Worth knowing:
- Daylight has a color temperature of approximately 5000°K. The nearer to natural light, the easier the light is on the eye. Normal H4 bulb: approximately 3200°K. Volvos gas discharge lamp (GDL): approximately 4200°K
- The Bi-Xenon system also has the advantage of the high and low beam having the same color light. The human eye finds it easier to react between changes.