How to spot xenons

[AndyGrey]

Sorry if this sounds like a really dumb question

What's the easiest way to tell if a Leon has xenon's. apart from asking someone! Can you tell from just looking at the headlights, do you need to turn them on?

Never had a car with them before so I don't know what I should be looking out for.

Any help is really appreciated, Thanks

 

[TDI PEP]

You should have headlight washers and also look for a type of projector lens for the dipped beam light.

 

[ZBOYD]

As TDI PEP says, headlight washers set into the bumper.

However here's a visual reference for you.

With Xenons

Without Xenons

 

[AndyGrey]

wow, that was fast. thanks very much. the pictures help loads.

PS. zboyd, inferi black cupra, Nice Car!!!

 

[Gary@Cookies]

Don't undersell what you have, the Leon has Bi-Xenons not just cheapo Xenons as fitted to loads of so called prestige brands!

Normal Xenons require an auxillary lamp for main beam as they only provide a dipped beam pattern, Bi-Xenons have a metal shield that covers part of the lens for dipped and then opens to give main beam, and of course they've got AFS.

 

[Syphon]

Xenons are the daddy. Never want a car without them again. They look bl00dy smart too.

Scott

 

[phil3012]

I'm not impressed with mine to be honest. But then again most of the night driving that I do is along fairly well lit roads. They may be useful if I used country roads more at night, but living near the city never get the chance.

The next time I buy a car if it has Xenons I'll see it as a bonus but wouldn't spec them, the extra cost doesn't justify the benefit given.

 

[P0LKR]

I like them a lot but wouldn't pay £900 extra for them. Would rather order sunroof etc.

 

[phil3012]

They do look good and I can appreciate the technology that goes into them and the associated features (e.g. headlamp washers)

At least the Leon Xenons aren't annoying to other drivers like the ones on 4x4's etc. I've been driving a car with my Cupra directly behind at night and they aren't blinding at all.

 

[Donnyboy]

Normal Xenons require an auxillary lamp for main beam as they only provide a dipped beam pattern, Bi-Xenons have a metal shield that covers part of the lens for dipped and then opens to give main beam, and of course they've got AFS.

I've wondered what Bi-Xenon meant and now I know. I thought it was something to do with the light output.

Would rather order sunroof etc.

I'm not using the sunroof much these days. I'll prob use it more than the lights in the summer though.

 

[Monumental]

You can tell if a Leon has xenons because it will cause your eyeballs to explode if you meet one coming the other way at night. Or at least it will if they have been 'adjusted' by my local dealer

When they aren't pointing at the sky though they are fantastic and I love the little self-test rountine that they do on start up

 

[skywalker10_1]

I love the little self-test rountine that they do on start up

This may be a stupid question but what is the self test

 

[Monumental]

During the self-test the beams move through their range of motion up and down and side to side. Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is cool!

 

[chrisboyle999]

You can tell if a Leon has xenons because it will cause your eyeballs to explode if you meet one coming the other way at night. Or at least it will if they have been 'adjusted' by my local dealer

When they aren't pointing at the sky though they are fantastic and I love the little self-test rountine that they do on start up

how does your dealer adjust the self levelling headlights then?

 

[skywalker10_1]

During the self-test the beams move through their range of motion up and down and side to side. Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is cool!

Thanks for that and no You are not the only one who thinks that is cool

 

[Donnyboy]

During the self-test the beams move through their range of motion up and down and side to side. Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is cool!

I think its pretty cool too. Although it was my bro that noticed it after me having the car for a couple of days.

Now I always watch it.

 

[Monumental]

how does your dealer adjust the self levelling headlights then?

Well, that's a very good question. Long story short(ish):

-From new, the dipped beams were adjusting themselves too low. i.e. they only illuminated the road a few metres ahead
-I asked them to look at this at the first service. Apparently the 'rear level sensor' needed to be replaced
-Took it back in and they replaced the sensor
-On my first night drive about 1/5 of oncoming cars were flashing me because the dipped beams were set too high
-Complained to the dealer, took it in and they had it fixed in about 5 mins Don't know what they adjusted, but I guess they have to set some sort of reference point for the levelling system to work from.

 

[Cupra R]

I think they can be altered via Vagcom Chris. I'm sure I have stumbled upon the option whilst browsing

 

[JonoUK]

I love my xenons, and I also think the self test is awesome. I got driven around by my girlfriend the other night and although she only drives a clio with it's somewhat council headlights I can't believe how much I missed seeing the light swing round side to side when going round corners.

AFS is mighty... and if I can afford it/find it, my next car will have this feature. The lights always look clean too, man I love headlight washer jets!

Booking myself in for therapy later today