Xenon bulbs, or HID (High-Intensity Discharge) bulbs, have been responsible for changing the face of car fronts as an alternative to traditional halogen headlight bulbs. You might think that Xenon bulbs are a relatively new development, but they’ve been around since 1951, although it wasn’t until forty years later, in 1991, that the technology made it possible for BMW to use these bulbs in its 7 Series for the first time. Initially, they were the preserve of high-end luxury models and noted for their brighter and whiter light, which is closer to natural daylight, greatly improving visibility at night, but as the technology improves and becomes less cost-prohibitive, Xenon headlights are becoming more and more popular. These bulbs will last longer, use less energy and give better illumination as the development of the car headlight continues.
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. There is a myth that Xenon bulbs last forever; this is not the case. They are very unlikely to fail completely, but the brightness emitted degrades gradually with age, so much so that the average owner tends not to notice that the headlights are weakening, and despite dimming with age, they will still emit enough light to pass the MOT test. So it is recommended that you replace them after five years of use.
If you are considering fitting Xenon bulbs as an aftermarket upgrade, the legal implications are also worth considering. According to the GOV.UK website: “In the Department for Transport’s view, it is not legal to sell or use after-market HID lighting kits for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If you want to convert your vehicle to Xenon HID, you must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps.” New vehicles aren’t affected as they already comply with European-type approval regulations. With all that said, let’s take a look at some of the best Xenon bulbs you can buy. To give a fair comparison, we’ve decided to look at different versions of the D2S bulb as, at the time of writing, it is the most popular Xenon bulb in the UK.
The best Xenon bulbs at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Osram Xenarc Original – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for blue tint: Osram Xenarc Cool Blue Intense – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for value: Wattstar OEM Quality D2S 8000K – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best Xenon Bulbs
Pros
- Great choice of bulbs
- Easy to select the correct bulbs for your car
Cons
- Amazon Prime is needed for free delivery
Editor's choice
Osram has introduced a product authentication system called the Osram Trust Programme, which allows you to verify the authenticity of the bulbs you purchase, ensuring you get a top-quality product along with a four-year guarantee.
Pros
- Good value
- OEM standard
Cons
- Output is not quite as white as hoped
The best Xenon bulb for durability
Pros
- Crisp white look
- Quartz glass for improved reliability
Cons
- No blue tint
The best Xenon bulb for performance
Pros
- Good value
- Long lifespan
Cons
- More yellow than blue
The best Xenon bulb for night-time driving
Rrp: $118.70
Rrp: $118.70
Pros
- Extended night-time vision
- Long beam
Cons
- Shorter guarantee than the Osram Xenarc Original
The best blue look bulb
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Less night-time driving fatigue
Cons
- Colour temperature can take some time to stabilise
The best Xenon bulb for value
Pros
- Great value
- Choice of colour temperatures
Cons
- Slightly lower performance
The best Xenon bulb set
Pros
- Ideal set for replacing both bulbs
- Good value
Cons
- Warm rather than blue lights
Xenon headlight bulb FAQs
What is the difference between Xenon and Halogen bulbs?
Xenon bulbs produce light by creating an electrical arc between two electrodes in a gas-filled chamber, typically using xenon gas, whereas halogen bulbs use a filament. These bulbs tend to be brighter and have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs.
What are the main types of Xenon bulbs?
The first to be launched were the D1 bulbs in the early 90s. These have igniters that are built into the bulb base. Next came the D2 series. These do not have igniters integrated into the base, so they are much smaller. Later, the D3 and D4 bulbs that have been in use since 2009 do not contain any mercury and are more environmentally friendly. The series D bulb type is followed by either an R or an S suffix, with the R meaning the bulb comes with an opaque shield that covers parts of the bulb and is designed to work in Complex Surface Reflector headlamp units. Bulbs with the suffix S don’t have this cover and are designed to work in Projector headlamps.
Are xenon bulbs legal?
If they are fitted as standard to a new car, yes, they are. It is illegal to retrofit them to conventional Halogen headlights (for example, if you modernise your car) without replacing the entire headlamp. This only applies to road cars; a track-only car, for example, can be upgraded.
How long do Xenon bulbs last?
Anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use compared to 500 to 1,000 for a halogen bulb. It’s worth remembering, though, that the brightness of a bulb gradually reduces over time, and it is recommended that it be replaced every three to five years.
Is it worth upgrading to Xenon bulbs?
There is quite an initial cost involved in upgrading, but some of the benefits include whiter, more natural light, brighter headlights, a wider beam, longer-lasting bulbs, energy efficiency and lower heat output. But remember to make sure you can upgrade legally.
How do Xenon bulbs work?
Xenon bulbs pass an electric current through xenon gas, creating an arc of light that produces an intense and bright beam. Xenon is a noble gas found in trace amounts in Earth’s atmosphere. It is odourless, colourless, and chemically inert.
What are the benefits of Xenon bulbs?
Xenon bulbs provide improved visibility, durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for car lighting.
Do Xenon headlights need washers?
In the UK, vehicles equipped with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) or Xenon headlights do not necessarily require headlight washers. However, if a car is fitted with HID or Xenon headlights and equipped with headlight cleaning systems, those systems must function correctly as part of the MOT test.
When should you change Xenon bulbs?
Xenon bulbs typically have a longer lifespan than traditional halogen bulbs, often lasting around 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use. However, several factors can affect their longevity, including driving conditions, voltage fluctuations, and manufacturing quality. Another thing to remember is that the performance of Xenon bulbs degrades over time, so although they may still be working, they may not be providing as much illumination as they did when they were new.
How do you replace Xenon bulbs?
Replacing xenon bulbs can vary in complexity depending on the specific vehicle model and headlight assembly design. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about replacing xenon bulbs yourself, it’s best to have a qualified technician or mechanic do it to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
Why do Xenon bulbs flicker?
Xenon bulbs can flicker due to several reasons:
Faulty Ballast: The ballast is responsible for regulating the electrical current to the xenon bulb. If the ballast is malfunctioning or failing, it may not provide a consistent power supply to the bulb, resulting in flickering.
Loose Wiring Connections: Poor or loose connections between the bulb, ballast, and vehicle’s electrical system can cause intermittent power delivery, leading to flickering.
Bulb Wear or Damage: Over time, bulbs can degrade or become damaged, leading to flickering or inconsistent operation.
Moisture or Contaminants: Moisture or contaminants inside the headlight housing can interfere with the proper operation of the bulb, causing flickering or other issues.
Voltage Fluctuations: Fluctuations in the vehicle’s electrical system voltage, such as those caused by a failing alternator or battery, can affect the performance of xenon bulbs and cause flickering.
Temperature Changes: Extreme temperature changes, especially in colder environments, can affect the operation of xenon bulbs and may cause flickering until the bulb reaches its optimal operating temperature.
If you experience flickering, you should have the issue diagnosed and addressed quickly to prevent further damage to the bulbs or associated components and make sure your lights remain safe and legal.
How we choose the best Xenon headlight bulbs
All of these Xenon headlight bulbs have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching Xenon headlight bulbs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in. Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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