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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Best Xenon Headlight Design (BMW/Audi/Lexus/Mercedes-Benz)
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View Poll Results: Best looking Xenon Headlight?
BMW 2012 F30 55 67.07%
Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe 1 1.22%
Audi 2012 B8 A4 15 18.29%
Audi 2013 B8 A4 (Mid-cycle Face-lift) 12 14.63%
Lexus 2012 IS-350 2 2.44%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 82. You may not vote on this poll

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      01-17-2012, 05:03 PM   #1
90degreeman
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Talking Best Xenon Headlight Design (BMW/Audi/Lexus/Mercedes-Benz)

I thought it would be very intriguing to find out the general consensus about the latest and greatest Xenon headlight designs. What does the F30 community think? Please keep a sound, rational and non-trolling discussion

IMHO - I may be biased but the F30 trumps this big time. Not only their design is unique (with flattened LED rings on top & bottom), but also gives the car a assiduous & purposeful personality. Props to Audi for coming up with their unique angel-eye design which has been copied glibly by Lexus (*puke*). Designers at MB seem to be confused.

Please vote your top choice. Multiple-choice allowed!

BMW 2012 F30:




Mercedes-Benz 2012 C350 Coupe




Audi 2012 B8 A4




Audi 2013 B8 A4 (Mid-cycle Face-lift)




Lexus 2012 IS-350

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      01-17-2012, 06:17 PM   #2
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unless its an audi, the led lights just seem fake and copied, and those lexus lights look cheap as hell
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      01-17-2012, 07:27 PM   #3
Michael Schott
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I like the Mercedes design best. it's clean and simple. The Audi question mark is too forced and the BMW a bit overstyled.
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      01-17-2012, 07:36 PM   #4
90degreeman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Schott View Post
I like the Mercedes design best. it's clean and simple. The Audi question mark is too forced and the BMW a bit overstyled.
Don't you think that MB has a very confused design? They've got the led stripe in the bottom, a weird protruding LED semi-circular feature towards the grill and a regular round Xenon lens.
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      01-17-2012, 08:08 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Schott View Post
I like the Mercedes design best. it's clean and simple. The Audi question mark is too forced and the BMW a bit overstyled.
Agreed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 90degreeman View Post
Don't you think that MB has a very confused design? They've got the led stripe in the bottom, a weird protruding LED semi-circular feature towards the grill and a regular round Xenon lens.
The LED strip in the bottom is for turn signals. The C class has LED running lights in the lower bumper/fog light area. The little circle thing towards the grille is a bit unique, but really no different than the F30s headlights.
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      01-17-2012, 08:40 PM   #6
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Has anyone noticed from reviewing the F30 owners manual that the inboard "light" on the F30 Xenon module is non-functional?
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      01-17-2012, 08:44 PM   #7
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They all are different and nice. Can't believe some brands are still behind the LED curve!
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      01-17-2012, 09:22 PM   #8
90degreeman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcbrew View Post
Has anyone noticed from reviewing the F30 owners manual that the inboard "light" on the F30 Xenon module is non-functional?
Yes, you're indeed right. Here is the full sequence in 1080p:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...MFkjRFE#t=247s
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      01-17-2012, 10:14 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcbrew View Post
Has anyone noticed from reviewing the F30 owners manual that the inboard "light" on the F30 Xenon module is non-functional?
Maybe they are the cornering lights like on the E92?
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      01-17-2012, 11:26 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptChaos View Post
Maybe they are the cornering lights like on the E92?
i thought the fogs act as cornering lights?
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      01-18-2012, 05:00 AM   #11
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the F30 headlights look far better than the rest - call me biased, but that's what i think
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      01-18-2012, 06:21 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 90degreeman View Post
Yes, you're indeed right. Here is the full sequence in 1080p:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...MFkjRFE#t=247s
That's weird Hadn't noticed that yet. It's a bit sad to not use them... Well, doesn't matter, I still love them

Howow
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      01-18-2012, 01:27 PM   #13
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I think audi are most impressive, followed by BMW. Nothing special about Mercedes or Lexus, could do without.
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      01-18-2012, 03:36 PM   #14
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Does anyone know if we are xenon headlights on the F30 track and move with the steering wheel angle ??

I think they should ... it would be a shame if it doesn't because even on an 2004 Lexus RX, they are included...


just saying ...



Quote:
Originally Posted by 90degreeman View Post
Yes, you're indeed right. Here is the full sequence in 1080p:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...MFkjRFE#t=247s
...oops i guess the last 1 minute of the above video kinda give away the answer to my question...

Could someone confirm please? because the video does not show the wheels turning at the same time...

Last edited by DrivenByE30; 01-18-2012 at 03:49 PM.. Reason: answer possibly
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      02-09-2012, 12:40 PM   #15
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I am confused, (my first post here, please be gentle) : I thought Xenon and LED are different technology, but you are talking here like it is the same thing ?!

Which headlight f30 has: Xenon or LED or it is all the same (both), ?!
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      02-09-2012, 12:48 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marax View Post
I am confused, (my first post here, please be gentle) : I thought Xenon and LED are different technology, but you are talking here like it is the same thing ?!

Which headlight f30 has: Xenon or LED or it is all the same (both), ?!
Xenon is the actual light source for the headlights, its the projector like bulb that the whiteish/blue light comes from

LED's are a different type of light, they are used more for aesthetic purposes(audi led strips, MB led strips...) Also they are used as turn signal lights and break lights.

Hope that helps
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      02-09-2012, 12:49 PM   #17
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Always loved bmw's design. Don't care much for the rest, however i can't stand the Audi's LED wave looks childish and without real purpose. But then again... people have different taste
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      02-09-2012, 12:53 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
Xenon is the actual light source for the headlights, its the projector like bulb that the whiteish/blue light comes from

LED's are a different type of light, they are used more for aesthetic purposes(audi led strips, MB led strips...) Also they are used as turn signal lights and break lights.

Hope that helps
To further muddy the waters, BMW and Audi also use LED's for full lighting, at least optionally, on the X6, A6, A7, A8 and R8. I have used various lights for bicycling at night and find that I prefer LED's to HID and halogen, and actually dislike HID's for their fussy balance and power consumption. I'd guess that as manufacturers try to cut all excessive power consumption, HID's will quickly give way to LED's.
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      02-09-2012, 12:55 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
To further muddy the waters, BMW and Audi also use LED's for full lighting, at least optionally, on the X6, A6, A7, A8 and R8. I have used various lights for bicycling at night and find that I prefer LED's to HID and halogen, and actually dislike HID's for their fussy balance and power consumption. I'd guess that as manufacturers try to cut all excessive power consumption, HID's will quickly give way to LED's.
Great points! I even think they sell LED type bulbe that can replace the halogens(drl's at least).
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      02-09-2012, 01:21 PM   #20
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I went with F30. Audi ones are sexy, but you have that F30 behind you looking at you through your rear view mirror, with those bright eyes ;0) HELLZ YEA!!!
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      02-09-2012, 01:33 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 90degreeman
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcbrew View Post
Has anyone noticed from reviewing the F30 owners manual that the inboard "light" on the F30 Xenon module is non-functional?
Yes, you're indeed right. Here is the full sequence in 1080p:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...MFkjRFE#t=247s
At the begining of the video the rings light up very bright but a few moments later the brightness of the rings decreases. Can someone clarify the reason ? Thanks.
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      02-09-2012, 04:40 PM   #22
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I think the BMW I the cleanest, but the Audi has the most "pop" factor. "Toyota" and MB look like they just tried one of everything everyone else is doing and it's just too busy...
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