PLYRS 3

i've heard the phrase a few times recently and was curious as to how it may (or may not) be different from Xenon.

i specifically noticed it went from Xenons to Bi-Xenons on the options list for mercedes vehicles from '02 to '03.

any information would be appreciated.

thanks all.

CoralDoc

My guess is that both high and low beams are H.I.D. lights in the Mercedes. I prefer the term H.I.D. (High Intensity Discharge) to differentiate the high voltage - high output systems, such as the ones we have for low beams in the S2000, from the low-voltage (12v) Xenon-filled filament type bulbs that are sold as H.I.D. mimics.

As an alternative, Bi-Xenons may be people from the city of Xenos that live an alternative lifestyle ... .

PLYRS 3

now THAT would be blinding

reagrdless, i hadn't heard of any manufacturers making high beams that were HID - our '03 C32 supposedly has bi-xenons - we'll see in august when it arrives.....

thanks doc.

Tifosi Red

This is a good question. I know the M3 cabrio I've been eyeing up lists BiXenon lights too. I had read on an earlier thread that HIDs were typically not used for high beam headlamps as they take a little while to light up causing problems for 'flashing' the lights... I guess this is now resolved. For sure it must be an impressive amount of light with HID high beams

Tif

S2kRob

Bi-Xenon uses HID lights for both the high and low beam. The way it works is that there is a motorised reflector that changes the beam pattern from a low beam to a high beam when you hit the switch. So, it is just one HID light with two patterns.

Tifosi Red

Thanks for clearing that up

PLYRS 3

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2kRob
[B]Bi-Xenon uses HID lights for both the high and low beam.

derryck

Yep... I have Bi-Xenons on my new BMW, high and low beam are Xenon.

xviper

OK, how about this then? Bi-Xenon is sorta like Bi-Polar. They're up, they're down, they're up, they're down, they're..................................... Don't get 'em. They'll need therapy on a regular basis.

PLYRS 3

so, if i understand correctly, they are 2 (two) distinct and seperate lighting mechanisms with lighting coming from 2 (two) different areas in front of the car ??

i.e low beams are furthest outboard on the car and low-beams are more inboard on the car - both of which are xenon/HID.