Xenon headlights provide a beautiful white light which may have a cold bluish tinge. But what if is suddenly takes on a violet glow or even pink? The answer is simple โ it has come to the end of its life. Unlike incandescent lamps, xenon lamps do not suddenly burn out.
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Does BMW use xenon lights?
BMW HID. The HID stands for High-Intensity Discharge and is basically BMW Xenon lights. They produce light by creating an electric arc between two electrodes in a glass filled with xenon. This helps create much brighter light then Halogens and at the same time are very efficient and durable.
What are BMW xenon headlights?
Xenon Headlights Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights have bulbs, but unlike halogen lights, they don’t have filaments so they tend to last longer than halogens but not as long as LEDs. They use less energy than halogens and more than LEDs. They also are hotter than LEDs and become dimmer over time.
Do all BMW have led headlights?
Most BMW vehicles now include LED headlights and taillights as standard equipment. But that’s only true for the base trims; for a few additional dollars, you can upgrade to adaptive LED headlights.
How do I know if my BMW has xenon headlights?
Turn your car on, turn the high beams on, stand in front of one headlight and stare straight into it for 10 seconds. If you are only partially blind, its a halogen. If you are completely blind, its xenon.
Which is better LED or xenon?
Conclusion -Which are better LED or Xenon Headlight Bulbs? LED headlight bulbs are generally considered to be better than halogen and xenon HID headlight bulbs. This is because they can last longer, are more energy efficient and can produce a brighter, better quality beam of light.
How long do BMW xenon headlights last?
Also known as High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, xenon headlights deliver a white-blue light, approximately two to three times brighter than a halogen, last approximately 2,500 hours and are energy efficient.
Is it illegal to have xenon headlights?
Some of the cars you see with blue headlights came with high-intensity discharge (HID) lights from the factory, and they are totally legal. Other cars you see with blue headlights have illegal modifications that can often result in a ticket, or worse.
Which is brighter xenon or LED headlights?
One reason xenon lights have gained in popularity is their extreme brightness. It’s often brighter than both an LED light and a standard headlight. These brighter headlights do come with a trade-off, though. They use much more energy than LED light.
How do I know if my BMW has LED headlights?
The non-adaptive have the LEDs mounted on a plate at the top end of the headlight. The adaptive have them in the middle (horizontally) of the headlight.
Why are BMW headlights so expensive?
BMW. Due to having high-intensity xenon headlights, BMW headlights can be pricey to replace. Xenon or HID headlights came out over 15 years ago and are mostly used on luxury cars. An assembly without a bulb runs about $2,000 if you’re replacing the bulbs too and add another $500 for the pair.
Can I legally put LED bulbs in my headlights?
Any good quality after-market LED bulbs will meet this criteria. As long as the beam pattern and the colour of the light is correct โ then there is no reason an LED upgrade bulb will fail an MOT.
Why can’t you touch a xenon bulb?
If you touch the bulb with your fingers, the salts and oils from your skin will damage the bulb and cause the heat to concentrate. This can significantly reduce the life of the bulb or even worse cause it to shatter. For this reason most halogen capsule bulbs that you buy will be sealed in plastic inside the box.
What color xenon is the best?
There are seven “K”s for HID color temperature: 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, 6000K, 8000K, 10000K and 12000K. the lower number with the longest wavelength and the best penetration the light has. The penetration of 3000K and 4300K is the best, comparing to 10000K and 12000K, they are the worst.
How often should you change xenon bulbs?
We’ve tested the light output of new versus four-year-old bulbs, and can see a significant drop in light output, and based on this and other tests, we are advising technicians to recommend replacing xenon HID bulbs every three year.
Can I replace xenon with LED?
You can replace xenon lights with LEDs. Xenon light bulbs are a kind of incandescent light.
How do I know if my headlights are halogen or xenon?

Is xenon HID or LED?
Technology: LED lights use electricity while HID uses gas (typically xenon). Energy use: Both have high energy use compared to halogen, but LEDs are slightly more energy-efficient. Life span: LED lights might last up to 45,000 hours while HIDs have a life span of around 15,000 hours.
What is brighter HID or xenon?
HID is a type of light fixture that creates brighter light, and lasts longer, while Xenon is a subtype of HID that contains Xenon gas instead of the other alternatives. 2. Xenon lamps do not need to warm-up like other HID lights. 3.
What are the best headlights for night driving?
- Best Halogen Bulbs: Sylvania XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulbs | Buy Now.
- Best Bright White Light Bulbs: Philips CrystalVision Ultra Headlights | Buy Now.
- Best LED Headlights for Rear Lights: Auxbeam LED Bright White Headlights | Buy Now.
Which is more expensive xenon or LED?
Many drivers turn to LED headlights to give their vehicles a custom look. The one downside to LED lights is that they are more expensive than xenon headlights.
Can I replace xenon bulbs myself?
With a halogen bulb, it’s really simple to replace your old bulb with the new. However, Xenon HIDs are much trickier. Xenon headlights work at 65 volts, which can give you a very nasty shock. This is why we would always recommend getting your qualified auto-electrician to fit your new bulbs.
How much does it cost to replace a BMW headlight?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a BMW 328i headlight bulb replacement is between $193 and $329. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $72 while parts are priced between $136 and $258. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
How can you tell if a xenon bulb is blown?
- Dim headlights.
- Headlight bulb flickering quite frequently.
- Headlight bulb gives off a dim pink glow.
- Constantly blowing fuses.
- Low beams don’t work fine, but high beams do.
- None of the headlights is working fine.
Why are HID illegal?
California permits only headlamp bulbs that emit white or yellow light. Since high-intensity HID bulb light is blue, these lights are not permitted on vehicles in the state.