Sorry very NB but are Xenon headlights worth it?

[Nick2]

Thought you lot would have a view (sort of pun...) as I am tempted by them as speccing new car for Joanne.

Thanks

Nick

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://arweb.co.uk/argallery/Nick2> Our boaty pictures</A>

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

In short, no, not for the price that the most manufacturers charge for them. I've had a number of cars with xenons as standard and when I drive SWMBO's cars, none of which have had xenons, I can see little if any difference. The only good thing about them is that they are self levelling.
The other thing is that the main beam lights are still standard halogen so no benefit there either. I would say if option cost is more than £250, dont bother

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[duncan]

related - the new clear Merc headlights are a hell of a lot better than the previous ones on any car I have driven (main beam). Nowadays a test drive at night is easy to arrange - any afternoon!

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Magnum]

Definately. Much brighter and whiter. Wouldn't have a car without them.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.magnumyacht.net>http://www.magnumyacht.net</A> - Princess P42

 

[BarryH]

Nah they're cak. You look like a complete tosser when you blind everyone. When they go wrong it'll cost you an arm and a leg. You'd be better off getting 7 inch sealed beam units and substituting the side light bulbs for blue or green ones.
All IMHO .........of course!!!!!

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[tcm]

xenon's are noticeably brighter, which makes night driving easier imho.

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[britemp]

They seem to vary greatly depending on the car - I liked the ones on my Type-R best but some more recent ones I've tried seem to be more about style than good lighting design.

<hr width=100% size=1><< Sig removed at request from Kim Hollamby - he thought it might scare forumites! >>

 

[ari]

Don't forget the neons underneath too!

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[BarryH]

You forgot the blue LED's on the windscreen washer jets

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[Nick2]

Might have an issue selling the idea of neons and illuminated washer jets to Joanne.....

Nick

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[SteveE]

They have a clean white light, self leveling so you DONT blind people, and more importantly people see you coming in their direction...

You sell big houses but you cant sell Joanne on neon lights in her window screen washers, back to sales school.....

I think when you do get the new car, send it off to MTV's pimp my ride for that little "Je ne sais quoi" Joanne will love that little touch..

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[paulineb]

So how come I get all the ones with broken self levelling coming towards me .... they are a nightmare and they do blind drivers - they should be banned !

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[BrendanS]

Bollox.

This is going to cause another feud, but sorry, they blind peeps rotten, and I hate the things. Self leveling or not, they are more blinding than normal halogens

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[Magnum]

Depends how low your car is /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.magnumyacht.net>http://www.magnumyacht.net</A> - Princess P42

 

[SteveE]

When I drive my car I cant see if mine do however, I am never blinded by them on other peoples cars, and as I have never had people flashing me (as people do when they think you are on full beam) it would suggest they DONT?

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[paulineb]

That's crap. It would suggest that they realise you have those shitty blinding headlights and you are NOT on full beam, so what's the point in flashing you and annoying the other thoughtful drivers around you.

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[SteveE]

People will flash someone it they think they have full beam on, as I would, however I know the differance between Zeon and full beam, maybe something new to put in the Highway Code

Section X Learn differance between Zeon lights and Full Beam....

Maybe this is the issue? food for thought...

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[paulineb]

You've missed the point. i KNOW the difference between Zeon and full beam which is why its pointless flashing at Zeon's - they can't exactly turn them off can they? Don't you agree its dangerous to have such blinding lights on the road ?

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[jfm]

I've never paid the £800 or so option price but current car had em as standard so I was introduced to them. They are better than normal lamps. Crisper white light. I wouldn't say massively better, ie not worth many hundred £ option money on a "normal" car or second car, rather more worth it for a supercar or semi supercar.

I dont believe they blind others, that only happens if the beam shape is wrong which shouldn't happen if they are original fit. I never get flashed by other drivers (well, not for that reason....)

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[hlb]

So, go on. What the hell are they. Not the blue tint thingies that pass by, are they??

<hr width=100% size=1> No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.

Haydn