Home/Volvo/S80/Volvo S80 I (1998-2003)/Repair manual/Headlights/Lighting (Bi-Xenon) - Design and Function: Overview
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Headlights All sections

Lighting (Bi-Xenon) - Design and Function: Overview Volvo S80 I

Headlights 1 illustration ~148 words

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Headlamp system, Bi-Xenon
1.Ballast5.Internal headlamp surround
2.Motor, headlamp range adjustment6.Motor, high and low beam
3.Bulb connector, high tension7.Moving reflector
4.Bulb

Bi-Xenon uses gas discharge technology and is a headlamp system with moving reflectors. The system combines high and low beams in the same bulb.

It is a statutory requirement (for low beam) for vehicles with this type of bulb to be equipped with headlamps with automatic level control.

Xenon versus Halogen

Xenon

  1. has higher color temperature which gives a whiter light
  2. reflects from road signs and markings better
  3. has lower power consumption. (approximately 2/3).

Worth knowing

  1. Daylight has a color temperature of approximately 5000°K. The nearer to natural light, the easier the light is on the eye. Normal H4 bulb: approximately 3200 °K. Volvos gas discharge lamp (GDL): approximately 4200 °K
  2. The Bi-Xenon system also has the advantage of the high and low beam having the same color light. The human eye finds it easier to react between changes.