At my Focus' last service I had Osram Silverstar (xenon-filled) headlight bulbs fitted. I get the impression that they're a significant improvement (on both dipped and main) over the original halogen-filled bulbs, and I don't begrudge the cost ~ £40 inc. fitting. You can get xenon headlights fitted to the Focus as a factory-fitted option for £500. For £500 I would expect little short of WW11 searchlights. Are they? What's the difference between xenon-filled headlight bulbs ~ as per Osram Silverstar ~ and xenon headlights as per the factory fitted option?
--
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
|
|
I also have the Osram Silverstars (only paid 20pounds, but had to self fit)and they are nowhere near as bright as proper factory or retro fit xenon headlights. To be totally honest, I don't recall them being much brighter than the regular bulbs I had in before, just a more "whiter" light emitted. This is also the first I have heard of the Osrams as being xenon filled, as xenon bulbs usually require specific ballasts to power them.
|
This is also the first I have heard of the Osrams as being xenon filled, as xenon bulbs usually require specific ballasts to power them.
They are 60/55W (same as the original) and it says on the box "Up to 50% More Light - with Xenon Gas". I assume that "with Xenon Gas" means they are filled with xenon gas. Mind you, it also says "Silver Cap - Stylish High Performance Upgrade". Not noticed the stylish bit because they are hidden behind some chrome octagonal shaped disc thingies in the Focus.
--
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
|
Silverstars are a conventional filament bulb, they are not a discharge-type bulb.
I have driven cars with Xenon HID headlamps and I think they are a bit of a mixed blessing. They are certainly bright, the snag is that a lot of the self-leveling systems aren't too great.
I drove a Vauxhall fitted with HID lamps about three months ago. On a bumpy rural road they were all over the place and obviously causing annoyance to oncoming vehicles. This is something that needs to be addressed.
|
Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) are arc lights, like streetlamps discharge floodlights at a sports ground, or a camera flash.
Xenon-filled quartz halogen lamps are ordinary incandescent filament bulbs where the filament can glow hotter, due to the Xenon gas with a bit of bromide which protects it. I recall Xenon is the rarest element on the planet, so it more costly than the Argon normally used.
I have found the Osram Silverstart a worthy upgrade. especially on H4 lamps, less so on H1, and not much different on H7, as I think they already have Xenon as standard?
|
|
|
