Re: Very bright headlights

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

Hi Igor,

>I was coming back from work late Friday evening when I saw a pair of
>extremely bright headlights (but not blinding, though), that stood out
>in the oncoming train of headlights. They were nothing like I've seen
>before. Unlike good high power Halogens, which are absolutely white
>(like mine euro- H4s) those were at least two times brighter and had a
>very distinct bluish hue to them. The car that wore them was a brand
>sparkling new 500sel.
>What was that? Some kind of an exotic gas discharge lamp (perhaps Xe,
>Ra, Cr or Hg vapour filled)?

Yep, Xenon for sure. BMW, Mercedes and Audi all use them here. Slightly
irritating for other road users, but *very* good for visibility.
Available as standard on the S6 and A8/S8, optional on the A6.
Mercedes pioneered them in the new E-class with the quar round lights. Also
pioneered plastic headlight lenses in that car BTW.

Tom
1988 80 1.8S (cr*ppy H4s)


 _______________________________________________________________________
   Tom W. Nas, graphic design                        tnas@dtpdirect.nl
   DTP Direct bv                              Voice +31 (55) 5 790 799
   Apeldoorn, the Netherlands                   Fax +31 (55) 5 790 125

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