xenon vs halogen H7

guys,

i've another query. my ulysse's fitted with halogen H7 projectors(?). I'm quite happy with them.:D However, I keep wondering if xenons will significantly improve nite-visibility.[?] Any of you have actually seen the difference between the H7s and xenon?

what's your opinion on changing from the H7s to xenon? is it possible, to start with? if it's possible, how difficult and what kind of indicative cost is one looking at?

regards

buzz[8D]

Hi,

Xenon lights are not an option on the UK model , although I think are on the Citreon/Peugeot variants. I am not sure if any UK owners have made the switch already... no doubt will be proved wrong!

All I know is that Xenon bulbs seem quite dear in Halfords [a UK based Motor superstore] - I have no intention of replacing my bulbs; personally I don't see the point at the moment. The car is too new, and I have no qualms with the current setup. I am sure it is possible though.

One thing in the manual I noted - cars with Xenon lights do not need the load leveller switch. Is this because of the type of light generated?

Stuart

I thought I read somewhere, maybe in this forum that the Xenon lights have to be at the optimum level all the time. As this is the case the vehicles are equipped with an automatic levelling system so doing away with the manual option.

Lou

Hi - you are right - Xenon lights are automatic levelling, which is why there is no bevel as such to actually move them up and down from the dash!

It would have been an option that I may have been tempted by - alas, not a option when I ordered.

Stuart

Hi,

The Xenon lights in Halfords are different to the factory option xenon lights. The ones which replace the normal bulbs use low pressure gas xenon gas in a normal filament, the factory ones are high pressure gas discharge type and need a very high voltage to start working. They have an electronic control ballast which controls them and it would be very expensive to put this system in. Also you need entirely different optics to focus the light.

The Halfords ones for about £20 just have a different colour light due to the gas but not the intensity of the proper version.

I worked at the advanced development labs for Philips in Holland for a year where they developed the first xenon system for the BMW 7 series.

Save your money and stick with the normal bulbs.

Poggy

Hey Poggy, you are Fiat Expert Mark II! What ever happened to Mark I?

Stuart

Hi,

It just so happens I was at Philips to do a project when I was at University and it happened to be at the same time as the BMW job. I remember getting welders eye from measuring the light intensity, nobody told me there was no UV filter.

Poggy

Hi,

Probably coz you were only an undergraduate at the time - dispensable or something.

Stuart

Sacrificed for the good of BMW :D

Poggy

hmm, interesting thread this one. OK, so I'll stick with the standard fittings. they're bright enuf. there's more to xenons than merely hooking one on to the system then.

you're right, the levelling system becomes redundant with the xenons, something to do with the illumination spread and intensity i suppose.

thanks again for your valuable comments. and poggy, take care with the eyes...rgds all

buzz;)

Cheers Guys,

I think I'll just stick with the original halogen, or the new philips vision plus. Cheers for your comments people.


Michael

Stilo Abath, leather, 17" alloy upgrade, Sprint blue, lovellllyyyy....

Sorry, I'm in the wrong topic.......ooppss

Stilo Abath, leather, 17" alloy upgrade, Sprint blue, lovellllyyyy....

Still here! Factory Xenon bulbs are really not bulbs. They arc between two contacts and the arc is the light given out surrounded by special gases.Very expensive also to replace, as the capacity on the rear needs to be discharged before removing.

You Can Learn Something New Everyday Of Your Life

Hi,

Know this is a bit old, but just realised that Xenons are now an option in the UK - £500, but you also need to Headlamp washers at £150.

Fiat have also increased cost of Connect Nav + ; it was £1,100 before including CD changer - now you have to pay the extra £280 for the changer. I have just respec'd my car on the Fiat UK website using current prices, and the list actually works out more than when I ordered mine in May. Amazing!!! You would have thought the price would have come down.

Then again, they are offering interest free credit!

Stuart

Ouch - The 'normal' lights are pretty good anyway IMHO. They're certainly better than what was fitted as standard on all of my previous cars (various Espaces, Galaxy, Cavalier, Astras).