Unterschied zwischen LED- und Xenon-Scheinwerfern

GermanKiwi · 28. Februar 2019

Hallo Leute,

Ich hoffe es ist okay wenn ich schreibe auf Englisch...

Can someone tell me if there is a big difference in brightness, between LED-Scheinwerfer and Xenon-Scheinwerfer on the BMW F10? Particularly with the low-beam headlights, not the high-beam headlights.

I'm referring to the factory LED headlights which are available from 2014 models after the facelift, compared to the factory Xenon headlights (ie. not aftermarket solutions).

I understand that LED headlights are supposed to be brighter, but I'd like to know how much brighter? Like 10%, or 50%, or 100% (twice) as bright, for example?

I'm searching to buy a used F10. I have seen a 2014 model with Adaptive LED-Scheinwerfer, and also a 2013 model with Adaptive Xenon-Scheinwerfer, which is a little cheaper. So I want to know how much of a difference the LED headlights will make for driving at nighttime. How much more of the road will they illuminate with the low-beams?

Thanks!

**AltinB1306** · 28. Februar 2019

Hi!

The only benefit of the LED-headlights, compared to the Xenon-headlights ist, the adaptive curvelight. (and the look of them).

In brightness you actually have no real benefit. Get a good Xenon-bulb and you'll have the same output.

Only with laser-headlights you have a better brightness. But that's not possible to retrofit in our cars...

GermanKiwi · 28. Februar 2019

Thanks! But Xenon headlights are also available with Kurvenlicht, right? So in that sense, there is no real difference? If I bought a car with Adaptives Xenon Kurvenlicht, it would be the same (in terms of brightness) as Adaptives LED Kurvenlicht?

FlorianGee · 28. Februar 2019

Zitat von GermanKiwi

I understand that LED headlights are supposed to be brighter, but I'd like to know how much brighter? Like 10%, or 50%, or 100% (twice) as bright, for example?

They are supposed to be brighter - truth is, they are not. As Altin already stated: get a good xenon bulb and you will easily achieve more output from the headlights compared to the LEDs.

The adaptive curvelight is also included in the advanced xenon headlights. So it basically boils down the the different look. The LED headlights also feature LED turn signals as opposed to the halogen turn signals on the xenon headlights with the LCI. Pre-LCI models have LED turn signals with the xenon headlights.

GermanKiwi · 28. Februar 2019

Thanks, that's very helpful!

Both of you have stated that if I "get a good Xenon bulb" then it will be just as bright as the LED lights. Do you mean that the factory Xenon bulbs are not as bright as some aftermarket bulbs? So if I bought a car with Xenon lights, you would recommend that I replace them with aftermarket Xenon bulbs (eg. Osram or Philips?) to get some extra brightness from them?

FlorianGee · 28. Februar 2019

No - we stated that the xenons will be a brighter than the LEDs with good xenon bulbs, not equally bright. As a matter of fact the xenons are brighter from the factory than the LEDs.

The main reason to replace the bulbs is the fact that they degrade over time. Since all F10/F11s are somewhat used cars nowadays, the bulbs will be less bright than they were from the factory. It's adviseable to replace them anyway. Since it's a bit of a pain in the ass to replace them on the LCI model I will sync the replacement with changing from winter to summer tires.

Get xenon headlights for brightness and good light at night, get LED headlights for the looks. Thats basically to what it boils down.

**AltinB1306** · 28. Februar 2019

As you want to buy a used car, the bulbs are used too. After some time they'll loose brightness.

Edit: Florian was quicker

GermanKiwi · 28. Februar 2019

Okay, so (with new bulbs) Xenons will be brighter - that's really good to know! Brightness at night is my main concern, so I think I'll go for a car with Xenons, and buy new bulbs for it, as you advised.

I guess a brand like Philips or Osram would be suitable? Or ss there any particular brand or type of bulb that is usually recommended to use for replacement?

**AltinB1306** · 28. Februar 2019

I bought Philips bulbs with +150% (or smth like that). You'll never have the feeling of "If I had more brightness..." at night

Florian · 28. Februar 2019

The currently probably brightest xenon lamp in the market is the Osram Nightbreaker Laser D1S.

Marketing says 200% more light output compared to standard xenon. Absolutely no way, but a lot brighter with a nice color temperature (around 4.500 kelvin).

When there is no need for certification then the best choice will be the Osram Cool Blue Boost. Extremely bright with around real 6.000 kelvin color temperature.