Bi-Xenon Bulbs

[DKC]

In the standard Bi-Xenon headlight, I have not been able to find a figure showing what bulb is for what.

I can see the main lens which is clearly the Xenon. This is switched on for low beam, and remains on for high beam.

Below the Xenon there is a H7 bulb which comes on for high beam only. The light pattern from the Xenon did not seem to move between low and high beam.

So is the high beam light produced by the H7 or by the Xenon. If it's by the H7 then what's "Bi" about the Bi-Xenon? Why I'm confused is that according to this page, we have Xenon D3S low beam, and H7 High Beam. If that is the case then how do we have "Bi"-Xenon?

http://www.lightbulbs4cars.com/porsche%20bulb%20guide

And if we already have Bi-Xenon, why are there companies selling a 991 H7 to HID conversion kit? So we end up with Tri-Xenon?

http://www.carxenonhidkits.com/911-991/High-Beam-H7-Xenon-Hid-Conversion-Kit-with-Slim-Ballast-For-Porsche-911-991-2012

Thanks!

[pete.g]

A bi-xenon lamp is lit for both main/dipped beam, but when on dipped the pattern should be altered by a small shutter, hence the 'bi' prefix as it does two jobs.

The H7 is only lit for main beam and is the one that the conversion kit is for.

I've just spent a lot of time sorting out the HID lamps on my Subaru - be wary of aftermarket ballasts.

[cay]

That's correct, there is a shutter on the HID lamp.

For full-beam the shutter moves meaning the beam goes higher. In addition to this the H7 bulb provides extra full-beam.

I guess the conversion kit is to change the H7 to an HID lamp so you would have two HID lamps on full-beam.

I thought it was quite unusual to have the H7 bulb at all, my previous Audi just had one HID lamp with the shutter ( Bi-Xenon ).

[Diesel130]

DKC said:

... If it's by the H7 then what's "Bi" about the Bi-Xenon? ...

Thanks!

"Bi" Xenon... one on the left and one on the right

[RiccardoG]

While on the topic of Xenon lighting, I wonder if anyone can help me with a doubt I have.

On our family BMW 3er (E91) with bi-Xenons, when the lights are switched on you can see that they self level going up/down and eventually settling at the right angle.

How come my 997 (also with bi-Xenons - Litronics for the pedants) doesn't do this? My S2000 with Single Xenons didn't either, fwiw.

[purpleperil]

RiccardoG said:

While on the topic of Xenon lighting, I wonder if anyone can help me with a doubt I have.

On our family BMW 3er (E91) with bi-Xenons, when the lights are switched on you can see that they self level going up/down and eventually settling at the right angle.

How come my 997 (also with bi-Xenons - Litronics for the pedants) doesn't do this? My S2000 with Single Xenons didn't either, fwiw.

My 997.1 fitted with Litronics does it.

[f1ashgordon]

Mine does it, but only if I start it somewhere different from my normal parking spot.

[Simon.b]

My 987 does it, as well as going cross eyed, think that’s the dynamic cornering thing though.

[RiccardoG]

Strange... I will keep a closer eye on mine, but I am sure it doesn't level, you just notice the intensity of the lights taking a few seconds to get up to operating temperature.

[Martian O]

I don't think my gen1 Turbo does the self check either, will make a point to check it next time.

[Martian O]

Made a point to check my lights tonight, no self check/levelling they just get up to normal brightness in about 2 seconds.