Xenon worth it?

Hello, first time poster here.

Just ordered a 2013 382i xDrive with standard headllamps, but have a couple of days to change that and add the lighting package, if I wish. So would appreciate opinions as to the value of the xenon active headlamps in the lighting package.

Have only had one car with xenon active headlamps, in fact, it's the Lexus we traded in. Good head lights and the lights turning into the curves was entertaining, but can't say there was a particularly noticeable benefit over the standard headlamps on my '09 VW Jetta TDI. But that, of course, is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison.

So, in the current 3 series how much of an improvement do the xenon active headlamps offer? How would you rate the standard headlamps?

Thank in advance for the feedback.

xeons give a great advantage in our 2013 x3- we had in our 2007 x3 and I would hate to do without now.


george allan

xeons give a great advantage in our 2013 x3- we had in our 2007 x3 and I would hate to do without now.


george allan

Definitely worth it. If I can only afford to have one option, this is the option I would get. And from talking to a shop owner who sell 3rd party HID xenon kit, none of the aftermarket HID xenon kit come close to BMW stock xenon light in term of quality, price and warranty.

they werent worth it when you had to pay for the premieum to get them. but i would probably get them as the standalone option. rather have a few other things over xenons tho, like HK.

Won't buy a car without them. Period.

If you drive at night, ever, the xenon headlights are worth it. In the dim setting, the light below the cutoff line is as bright or brighter as the brights in non-xenon cars. That helps in normal driving.

And even after 8 years in my car, when I turn into my neighborhood and flick on the brights, I still think "let there be light" as I can so much better than normal brights.

The turning lights in nice in the sharp turns around the neighborhood, especially in the summer when more people are out in the evening.

In my car car (an '04), I'd say I like options in the following order: Sport package, Xenons, heated seats, 18" wheels, premium package (with the HK stereo and sunroof), and navigation.

Originally Posted by MotoWPK

Hello, first time poster here.

Just ordered a 2013 382i xDrive with standard headllamps, but have a couple of days to change that and add the lighting package, if I wish. So would appreciate opinions as to the value of the xenon active headlamps in the lighting package.

Have only had one car with xenon active headlamps, in fact, it's the Lexus we traded in. Good head lights and the lights turning into the curves was entertaining, but can't say there was a particularly noticeable benefit over the standard headlamps on my '09 VW Jetta TDI. But that, of course, is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison.

So, in the current 3 series how much of an improvement do the xenon active headlamps offer? How would you rate the standard headlamps?

Thank in advance for the feedback.

Are you going to drive at night? I am not kidding here either. if you do, they are not just worth it they are a MUST.

Wow - that's pretty unambiguous feedback!

Thanks, very much appreciate the advise.

Originally Posted by MotoWPK

Wow - that's pretty unambiguous feedback!

Thanks, very much appreciate the advise.

I recommend also. Apart from all the other things listed here, the car looks much better with them. You can tell even when they're off.

Originally Posted by MotoWPK

Wow - that's pretty unambiguous feedback!

Thanks, very much appreciate the advise.

It's just not a BMW without them. Yes, they light the road better. Yes, they are safer. The truth of the matter is they look cool as hell and you just can't skip them. You'll kick yourself for 36 months if you pass on them.

Call your dealer today, get it done.

Also, what many people don't realize is that the 'angel eyes' or the circular corona rings which are a BMW hallmark are only available as daytime running lights if you choose the xenon lighting option. So if ever you've seen a set of glistening angels coming at you at 3 in the afternoon, you don't get that if you skip this must-have option.

BJ

that's the symbol of BMW! Halo Xenon light! U gotta have it!

The xenons also come with the corona "angel eyes" LED daylight driving lights that give the car a totally different look, IMO. There is a picture of a black F30 on the other forum taken at the BMWCCA LA autocross that gives the car the look of a black panther at night with those LED lights.

So glad I added adaptive lighting on my reorder, pretty much thanks to the wise folks on this forum. And now that's one of the key things I'm looking forward to when I take delivery next week

I waited 2 months for them. They had the car I wanted but no xenon. No thanks. I waited. Will have mine Monday. Wait is worth it. my previous car had them and I would not go without from now on.

Wholeheartedly yes. One of the reasons I got the 335i, for the standard xenons. It looks wrong without it.

I just got my first BMW back in August, and without going into the long story, originally ordered it without xenons, since I figured 'Hey, I've had cars with regular headlights for years, how much can I possibly miss it?'

Then, when I had a chance to reconfigure the car, I asked here, and almost universally, everyone recommended the xenons. So I got them. They are fantastic. It makes a huge difference in visibility at night. They were worth every bit of the $900 lighting option. So add me to the list of people who will never go back to the 'regular headlights' again.

Yes.

I've had Xenons on my last two BMWs and my Mini. They make a big difference.

Like so many, I debated, too. I pulled the plug and got 'em. I'm glad I did.

Also, when asked 9 out of ten Doctors recommend them. (tiny writing.... when asked if they had a preference.... some drs. may have been compensated for there participation in this survey)

Originally Posted by Mykatie

Also, when ask 9 out of ten Doctors recommend them. (tiny writing.... when asked if they had a preference.... some drs. may have been compensated for there participation in this survey)

Where do I send in for my compensation?

I would not have a car without them.

I'm convinced. Finalized the build sheet yesterday with the addition of the xenons (lighting package). Should go into production this week.

Thanks again for the input.

I drive through a Canyon for my work commute and this is one option I will not skimp on.

I have to give credit to BMW here for offering the cornering type lights as standard. On the A4, it wasn't available until a year or two ago, and now it is only offered on the most expensive Prestige option. The other trims get merely self-leveling with no cornering.

I don't understand why any BMW would not at least have halogen projectors. I had them in a rental car, and although they're not as good as HID projectors, they're so much better than plain halogens.

Even the cheapest of toyotas, most of the scions have at least halogen projectors.

Not to hate on anyone who has halogens on their brand new 3, just seems like a silly place to cut corners on a premium car.