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. BMW xenon headlight systems have evolved and their availability as optional equipment has spread throughout the model lineup. Blue/White in color and using ellipsoidal technology Xenon headlights provide improved night time visibility in all driving conditions compared with traditional Halogen bulb head-lights.

Xenon headlights provide the following benefits:

• Longer bulb life. Typically, 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.
  Fig 1: [Xenon And Halogen Light Focus]

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.