Led headlights

Maxdog · 01-24-2015, 08:00 AM

What are led headlights , I have xenon, Are they out yet, is it one bulb, what does look light? No cheap shots please

smithf80 · 01-24-2015, 08:34 AM

the current gen 3-series does not have the option of LED headlights, they are only available on the 4-series.

I believe LED will be available on the LCI 3-series.

The halos are pretty cool looking but I'm not sure they really light up the road any better then regular xenons do. (and the xenon headlight halos look good anyway)

stormlv · 01-24-2015, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxdog

What are led headlights , I have xenon, Are they out yet, is it one bulb, what does look light? No cheap shots please

Coming to 3 series LCI, already on 4 series

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1030409

That said, a quick google (or even forum) search would have answered some of your questions

DrivenByE30 · 01-24-2015, 08:43 AM

Evolution of the headlights:

1) candle
2) bulb
3) halogen
4) xenon (or high intensity discharge (HID))
5) LED
6) Laser

the above list does not include the BMW coronas/angel eyes...
The coronas are LED and have always been LED based.

LED headlights will be available on the F3o starting with the LCI..

LED is better, but not enough for me to not love my Xenon...

Sladester100 · 01-24-2015, 09:11 AM

An excellent video. My XENON Adaptive with HBA does all the same... So I' m yet to see a benefit of XENON vs LED in function or aesthetics. The LED light it supposed to be crisper again though? And cost compared to XENON for each unit is apparently cheaper according to my dealer when we specced my wife's 2AT

DocB · 01-24-2015, 09:14 AM

The above video depicts the "Adaptive" feature of the LED headlights, does it not?

BMWs Xenon headlights have this same Adaptive feature as well, correct?

stormlv · 01-24-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocB

The above video depicts the "Adaptive" feature of the LED headlights, does it not?

BMWs Xenon headlights have this same Adaptive feature as well, correct?

Yup, you can have it with Xenons as well

skw · 01-24-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Evolution of the headlights:

1) candle
2) bulb
3) halogen
4) xenon (or high intensity discharge (HID))
5) LED
6) Laser

the above list does not include the BMW coronas/angel eyes...
The coronas are LED and have always been LED based.

LED headlights will be available on the F3o starting with the LCI..

LED is better, but not enough for me to not love my Xenon...

The coronas/angel eyes were not always LED based. First appeared on the '01 e39 and those had a regular bulb. Can't remember the exact size but I used to get replacements at a marine store.

RoundelM3 · 01-24-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skw

The coronas/angel eyes were not always LED based. First appeared on the '01 e39 and those had a regular bulb. Can't remember the exact size but I used to get replacements at a marine store.

Correct - the early E9x series had halogen bulb illuminators for the lucite "rings", and LUX LED replacement illuminators were a popular modification. As I recall, the F10 5-series was the first to have the LED coronas.

Squiden · 01-24-2015, 11:46 AM

After driving both a 335 with xenons versus my 435gc with LED, in normal driving I think the xenons are actually a bit better... The LEDs are just as bright as the xenons, but the xenons have a crisper cut-off than the LEDs for the low beams. I haven't had a chance to try the high beams to compare if they are brighter/further... Perhaps that is where the LEDs really "shine". ;-)

stormlv · 01-24-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiden

After driving both a 335 with xenons versus my 435gc with LED, in normal driving I think the xenons are actually a bit better... The LEDs are just as bright as the xenons, but the xenons have a crisper cut-off than the LEDs for the low beams. I haven't had a chance to try the high beams to compare if they are brighter/further... Perhaps that is where the LEDs really "shine". ;-)

What do you mean, they have a crisper cut-off?

When I drove the loaner with xenons I had opposite feel.

The tests that I did also backed up my "gut" feeling...

Also, in my tests, LED were 38% brighter...

Xenons

LEDs

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1030409

Shahdog · 01-24-2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithe90

the current gen 3-series does not have the option of LED headlights, they are only available on the 4-series.

I believe LED will be available on the LCI 3-series.

The halos are pretty cool looking but I'm not sure they really light up the road any better then regular xenons do. (and the xenon headlight halos look good anyway)

This is true

4 series have option of LED

and i believe i have seen an x5 with LED

looks square versus round

Newest BMW thing

Although still step below i8 laser light

😀

Blubaron79 · 01-24-2015, 01:24 PM

I have LED's now on my 4. I came from an E92 with HID's. Is there a difference? Yes. However I now need to step into a 4 door for work. So my F30 can't get LED's. I honestly don't think I'll miss them that much. There is a difference, but not where you can't see at night. They just look cooler..

Mike_L · 01-24-2015, 02:48 PM

I had LEDs on my A6. Where you really see the difference is in bad weather. The LED light cuts through fog and spray much better than Xenon and road markings show better. Otherwise, not much difference.

erichighley · 01-24-2015, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormlv

Coming to 3 series LCI, already on 4 series

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1030409

That said, a quick google (or even forum) search would have answered some of your questions

FWIW us in the States don't get the fancy LEDs. Rather, we get auto high beam assistance. Other markets get the nice anti-dazzle headlights. Until DOT approves that for us, the LED is really just a cosmetic option.

stormlv · 01-24-2015, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erichighley

FWIW us in the States don't get the fancy LEDs. Rather, we get auto high beam assistance. Other markets get the nice anti-dazzle headlights. Until DOT approves that for us, the LED is really just a cosmetic option.

They're not just cosmetics!

LEDs *are* brighter :
Almost 40% brighter for low beams
Almost 30% brighter for high beams

Please read my other thread for details...

E90Fleet · 01-24-2015, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

the above list does not include the BMW coronas/angel eyes...
The coronas are LED and have always been LED based.

.

Nope

They have mostly been light tubes with standard type bulbs at the ends.
Only the recent models are LED

For example:
E90 used a small light module with built in halogen bulb
E90LCI used standard H8 halogen bulbs

DrivenByE30 · 01-24-2015, 03:28 PM

i stand corrected on the coronas

Aaaaaaaaa · 01-24-2015, 03:33 PM

Anti-dazzle feature can be coded in. Love my LEDs. They are becoming standard on a lot of other cars nowadays with the next thing being lasers. Xenons are an aging technology, been around since the 90s.

Tommy_hf · 01-25-2015, 05:38 AM

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ba...led-26530.html

This article describes advantages and disadvantages of halogen vs HID vs LED.

There was a test in Germany testing it as well.
Coolest look and color LED. But lower lumen output than xenon.

teaston · 01-25-2015, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocB

The above video depicts the "Adaptive" feature of the LED headlights, does it not?

BMWs Xenon headlights have this same Adaptive feature as well, correct?

Yes, but not in USA as your government don't allow it.

It can be coded on cars with adaptive & high beam assistant hardware in them.

stormlv · 01-25-2015, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy_hf

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ba...led-26530.html

This article describes advantages and disadvantages of halogen vs HID vs LED.

There was a test in Germany testing it as well.
Coolest look and color LED. But lower lumen output than xenon.

So, first off, just because LEDs has a lower lumen output than xenon, doesn't say anything about the beam brightness.

Lumens, give you the total amount of light output in all directions.
Lux, on the other hand take area into consideration a.k.a light intensity (1 lux = 1 lumen / m^2)

http://gemini-lights.com/explore/lux-and-lumens

LEDs give off directed light, compared to xenons, so while they may have lower lumen output, their lux can be higher.

Second of all, this article is generic in nature and hasn't done any measurements, least of all on BMW LED lights vs Xenon lights.

In my tests, my LEDs had a higher lux than the loaner's Xenons that I tested (which is even visible in the photos).

01-24-2015, 08:00 AM	#1
Maxdog Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 258 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xdriive msport Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Ontario Canada iTrader: (0)	Led headlights What are led headlights , I have xenon, Are they out yet, is it one bulb, what does look light? No cheap shots please
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01-24-2015, 08:34 AM	#2
smithf80 Brigadier General 2117 Rep 4,960 Posts Drives: '18 F80 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 F80 M3 [5.00]	the current gen 3-series does not have the option of LED headlights, they are only available on the 4-series. I believe LED will be available on the LCI 3-series. The halos are pretty cool looking but I'm not sure they really light up the road any better then regular xenons do. (and the xenon headlight halos look good anyway) __________________ Hera Mica Blue on Cohiba Brown 2018 F80 M3
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01-24-2015, 08:43 AM	#4
DrivenByE30 Brigadier General 557 Rep 3,858 Posts Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal iTrader: (0)	Evolution of the headlights: 1) candle 2) bulb 3) halogen 4) xenon (or high intensity discharge (HID)) 5) LED 6) Laser the above list does not include the BMW coronas/angel eyes... The coronas are LED and have always been LED based. LED headlights will be available on the F3o starting with the LCI.. LED is better, but not enough for me to not love my Xenon...
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01-24-2015, 09:11 AM	#5
Sladester100 Lieutenant 104 Rep 584 Posts Drives: F30 320d & G29 M40i First Edtn Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South East, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW Z4 M40i Fi ... [0.00]	An excellent video. My XENON Adaptive with HBA does all the same... So I' m yet to see a benefit of XENON vs LED in function or aesthetics. The LED light it supposed to be crisper again though? And cost compared to XENON for each unit is apparently cheaper according to my dealer when we specced my wife's 2AT
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01-24-2015, 09:14 AM	#6
DocB Lieutenant 272 Rep 581 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	The above video depicts the "Adaptive" feature of the LED headlights, does it not? BMWs Xenon headlights have this same Adaptive feature as well, correct? __________________ 2003 328i 2006 330i 2014 328i 2015 435 GC 2015 X1 2016 X1 2018 ///M2 2020 M340i
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01-24-2015, 11:46 AM	#10
Squiden Private 7 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 435i GC Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: CR, Colorado iTrader: (0)	After driving both a 335 with xenons versus my 435gc with LED, in normal driving I think the xenons are actually a bit better... The LEDs are just as bright as the xenons, but the xenons have a crisper cut-off than the LEDs for the low beams. I haven't had a chance to try the high beams to compare if they are brighter/further... Perhaps that is where the LEDs really "shine". ;-)
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01-24-2015, 01:24 PM	#13
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1207 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '18 340 XDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I have LED's now on my 4. I came from an E92 with HID's. Is there a difference? Yes. However I now need to step into a 4 door for work. So my F30 can't get LED's. I honestly don't think I'll miss them that much. There is a difference, but not where you can't see at night. They just look cooler.. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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01-24-2015, 02:48 PM	#14
Mike_L Banned 263 Rep 1,969 Posts Drives: 2015 335xi GT M-Sport MPPK Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: New York City iTrader: (2)	I had LEDs on my A6. Where you really see the difference is in bad weather. The LED light cuts through fog and spray much better than Xenon and road markings show better. Otherwise, not much difference.
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01-24-2015, 03:28 PM	#18
DrivenByE30 Brigadier General 557 Rep 3,858 Posts Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal iTrader: (0)	i stand corrected on the coronas __________________ all 3 are MT > F30 Luxury 335i 6MT- The dream driven... _..._4/12/12 ED trip MASSIVE photo thread here <<<
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01-24-2015, 03:33 PM	#19
Aaaaaaaaa Banned 7471 Rep 5,063 Posts Drives: The other M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	Anti-dazzle feature can be coded in. Love my LEDs. They are becoming standard on a lot of other cars nowadays with the next thing being lasers. Xenons are an aging technology, been around since the 90s.
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01-25-2015, 05:38 AM	#20
Tommy_hf First Lieutenant 65 Rep 327 Posts Drives: F36 CQ M, Z4 E85 3.0iS MSL SC Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ba...led-26530.html This article describes advantages and disadvantages of halogen vs HID vs LED. There was a test in Germany testing it as well. Coolest look and color LED. But lower lumen output than xenon. Last edited by Tommy_hf; 01-25-2015 at 05:43 AM..
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