Bi-Xenon Headlight System
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2009 Volvo S60, 2008 Volvo S60, 2007 Volvo S60, 2006 Volvo S60, and 2005 Volvo S60. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| 1. | Ballast | 5. | Internal headlight edge |
| 2. | Motor, headlight levelling | 6. | Motor, high and low beam |
| 3. | Lamp contact, high voltage | 7. | Movable reflector |
| 4. | Lamp |
Bi-Xenon, a headlight system with moveable reflector, is based on gas discharge technology. The system combines high and low beam into the same lamp.
Due to legal requirements (regarding low beam) for this type of lamp, the vehicle must be equipped with automatic headlight levelling.
Xenon vs. Halogen
Xenon:
- higher color temperature, which produces a whiter light
- better reflection of road signs and road markings
- has lower power consumption (about 2/3).
Good to know:
- Daylight has a color temperature of about 5000 °K. The closer to natural light, the less strain on the eyes. Standard H4 bulb: 3200 °K. Volvo's gas discharge bulb: about 4200 °K.
- With the Bi-Xenon system, high and low beam generates the same light color. The human eye thus has an easier time adjusting to switches between high and low beam.