LED vs. Xenon

[ss134]

Can anyone enlighten me to the differences between the LED lights and Xenon both performance wise and aesthetically? Do the xenon headlights still have the white angel eyes?

If anyone has pictures showing the differences it would be much appreciated.

[MarkY]

Do you mean LED and Xenon? I think the primary differences are that LEDs draw less power, burn cooler, last longer, and allow more flexibility design-wise since you can emit the same amount of light from a smaller space. Look at how thin some of the headlight openings are on new cars. That is only possible by using LED. That's my guess on your question but I'm sure someone else has better info.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by MarkY

Do you mean LED and Xenon? I think the primary differences are that LEDs draw less power, burn cooler, last longer, and allow more flexibility design-wise since you can emit the same amount of light from a smaller space. Look at how thin some of the headlight openings are on new cars. That is only possible by using LED. That's my guess on your question but I'm sure someone else has better info.

You can also add "less weight " to the list of benefits.

[jondoc72]

I believe you still get the same LED rings on both options

I think in both options the main ligths will swivel when turning and similar brightness at nite,


LED pack> next generation, will have nicer look ( at nite ) , automatic high beams,

still dont know if the tail ligths are LED in both options

[ss134]

So the angel eyes will still be white with the xenons only not as bright/sharp?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by ss134

So the angel eyes will still be white with the xenons only not as bright/sharp?

Similar angel eyes and brow on LED and Xenon. It's the actual headlight projector that is different.

[consolidated]

Anyone seen comparison pics yet?

[ss134]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Same angel eyes and brow on LED and Xenon. It's the actual headlight projector that is different.

Thanks, for the info. Don't think I'll be paying the extra for the LED if that's the case.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by ss134

Thanks, for the info. Don't think I'll be paying the extra for the LED if that's the case.

Yeah I've been debating this. 2k is a lot for lights. I was definitely getting it when I thought it included the angels but now I'm unsure. If it changes the tails I'll definitely get it.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Yeah I've been debating this. 2k is a lot for lights. I was definitely getting it when I thought it included the angels but now I'm unsure. If it changes the tails I'll definitely get it.

I can think of better things to spend that money on- car will still look great with xenons.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Yeah I've been debating this. 2k is a lot for lights. I was definitely getting it when I thought it included the angels but now I'm unsure. If it changes the tails I'll definitely get it.

Originally Posted by ss134

I can think of better things to spend that money on- car will still look great with xenons.

I was exactly where you guys are. I also thought that $2k is not worth it for lights. Until I saw them at the Montreal Auto show that is. The M3/M4 look amazing with them, much more aggressive and menacing. My wife also agreed and she's not into spending money in frivolous stuff. It was enough for me to tick the LED option on my ordering sheet.

[sharkfighter]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I was exactly where you guys are. I also thought that $2k is not worth it for lights. Until I saw them at the Montreal Auto show that is. The M3/M4 look amazing with them, much more aggressive and menacing. My wife also agreed and she's not into spending money in frivolous stuff. It was enough for me to tick the LED option on my ordering sheet.

Can you expand on this, do the Angel Eyes themselves look any different or is it the bright/whiteness of the LED headlight?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by sharkfighter

Can you expand on this, do the Angel Eyes themselves look any different or is it the bright/whiteness of the LED headlight?

On the LED headlights, the angel eyes are three dimensional and uniformally back lit whereas on the HID they are a single ring illuminated from the bottom

When on "low beams", only the top halves of all four headlights are illuminated, giving it a sort of furrowed look. On high beams, the bottom halves also light up. Further, on the xenon, the inner lights are duds and not functional.

The blinkers and side markers are two separate units and are LED lit on the LED cluster while they are combined and incadescent on the HID cluster.

[Bimmer4John]

I think its more than just that actual headlight that is different with the LED pack. The brow and corona have a different aesthetic as well.

Here is an example of it on the 4 series:
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=864924

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by johns

I think its more than just that actual headlight that is different with the LED pack. The brow and corona have a different aesthetic as well.

Here is an example of it on the 4 series:
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=864924

Perhaps it was the case with the 6 series. Have a look at the picture in my previous post, they seem very similar on the 4 series.

[stefan]

Does anyone know the lifespan and expected replacement cost of LED lights? Is it just an LED bulb insert?

All I know is VVME sells Xenon on the cheap.. and that makes it pretty attractive for replacement still.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by stefan

Does anyone know the lifespan and expected replacement cost of LED lights? Is it just an LED bulb insert?

All I know is VVME sells Xenon on the cheap.. and that makes it pretty attractive for replacement still.

At least in architectural applications, LEDs are good for at least 40- 50,000 hours. So even if it's on 25,000 in a car, they'd essentially be lifetime. As with normal bulbs, output decreases gradually over time, though electronically they can pump the level back up is so designed. If the units are well designed, you should be able to replace just the circuit board/chips if there is a failure.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

When on "low beams", only the top halves of all four headlights are illuminated, giving it a sort of furrowed look. On high beams, the bottom halves also light up.

The blinkers and side markers also seem to look different with the LED cluster. I am wondering if the blinkers/markers are also LED as opposed to the xenon option. Maybe someone can confirm.

nice post, and good pic for comparison

I just don't like the halogen-esque housings for the LED bulbs. I prefer the xenons, but understand the interest in the tech.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by jondoc72

still dont know if the tail ligths are LED in both options

The LED lighting option only affects the headlights. The parking lamps/DLR light-tubes in the rear are LED, but the blinkers are incandescent.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by aajami

The LED lighting option only affects the headlights. The parking lamps/DLR light-tubes in the rear are LED, but the blinkers are incandescent.

Cool good info. Lighting pack, adaptive suspension, and 19s are the only things I cannot decide on right now. There is a 100% chance I will want to do coils and wheels but do I want to drive around on 18s until I get some?

Also how are some of you already putting in your optioned orders? All I have been able to do at this point is put down my deposit.

[Sedan_Clan]

We have a full thread on this with pictures in the F30 forum (..and another thread in this very forum). It would save you time to just look there.

[Gonven]

To complete the info above this video explain the technology