Xenon on 77TSI?

[Diesel_vert]

In addition to the existing categories of D[1-4]S projector and D[1-4]R reflector gas-discharge bulbs, three new categories of gas-discharge bulbs have been approved by the UNECE: D5S, D6S and D8S. These new bulbs will have a rated voltage of 25W and a luminous flux of 2000 lm (lumen).

The new bulbs obviously negate the requirement for vehicle manufacturers to fit headlamp washing and automatic levelling systems for dipped (low) beam light sources exceeding 2000 lm.

The luminous flux is comparatively lower than both D[1-4]S 35W (3200 lm) or D[1-4]R 35W (2800 lm) gas-discharge bulbs, but it's still higher than a H7 55W halogen bulb (1500 lm).

The H9 65W halogen bulb (2100 lm) is mostly used as a main (high) beam light source, due to the same 2000 lm limit.

However, you still have the advantages of a longer service life, reduced power (hence, fuel) consumption, higher colour temperature, and superior (IMO) projector optics.

[nomadx38]

Ok having a look at quite a few photos I do agree there appears to be no headlight washer!

That doesn't mean that it doesn't have auto levelling though, or is anything different from a standard xenon setup.

I'm pretty sure (but I'm sure Gavs can correct me) that OEM Xenons in a REFLECTOR setup (Subaru XV has this set up from the factory) doesn't have headlight washers so maybe it is not a 100% requirement.

I could be very wrong but my guess is that becuase the indicator is separated from the headlight, the headlight doesn't require cleaning...just a thought.

Could also be that when you try to clean the headlights during -0 temperatures the jet of water freezes up so maybe its not a ECE requirement any more? Don't know.

I'm happy to be proven wrong about this but still don't believe they have changed the bulb / ballast wattages though...just seems like too much effort for 1 car.

^just saw above post and am now satisfied XD

[gavs]

Well well, thank you diesel-vert you just saved me from trawling through ADR but now I'm going to have to get an update

Interesting factoid though regarding washers, in sub-zero climates the headlight washers can be optioned/come standard with heated water jets

2000lm, like I said, may as well just stick with a good halogen bulb because while there are still benefits for a low powered xenon bulb (lower ongoing power consumption, high initial start up though and increased service life, a good pair of halogens will put out more light and cost ~$100 for a pair. A VW 35W xenon bulb (which is used across most xenon models) will cost $350 each or (for the mathematically challenged) $700 a pair. Xenon bulbs dont have a 7 times longer lifetime and at 25W, 7 times better light output.

[gavs]

Regarding washers, this has been a source of conjecture but as with anything, a company can be granted an exemption if it still complies with the tests.

[nomadx38]

This is true. Xenon bulbs are quite costly to service and really unless you get the 35 watt ones with 3200 lumens not worth the price for near halogen light output.

The main reason I got the Xenons because I wanted superior high beam for country driving. My Xenons offer 6400 lumens of light as opposed to 3000 with my old stock halogen setup. This new system would only offer 4000 which is still quite poor compared to what I have now.

[Diesel_vert]

I'm pretty sure (but I'm sure Gavs can correct me) that OEM Xenons in a REFLECTOR setup (Subaru XV has this set up from the factory) doesn't have headlight washers so maybe it is not a 100% requirement.

Models destined for Japanese, European and Australian markets will be fitted with headlamp washers (Australian models do indeed have them). The American regulations aren't as strict as the European regulations, which is what the Australian regulations are largely based on.

The 2000 lumen output limit does not discriminate against reflector or projector housings.

2000lm, like I said, may as well just stick with a good halogen bulb because while there are still benefits for a low powered xenon bulb (lower ongoing power consumption, high initial start up though and increased service life, a good pair of halogens will put out more light and cost ~$100 for a pair.

On balance, I think a D8S 25W gas-discharge bulb (2000 lm) in a projector headlamp housing will provide superior output and optical characteristics compared to a H7 55W halogen bulb (1500 lm) in a reflector headlamp housing.

You can of course fit a H7 65W halogen bulb (2100 lm) for your dipped beam, although that would render the vehicle unroadworthy unless you have washers and auto-levellers (even if the authorities would be none the wiser).

Rather than the light output per se, I think the combination of a gas-discharge bulb and projector headlamp housing will make all the difference in the quality and control of the light output (beam, range, glare, etc).

Therefore (in case anyone is thinking about this), retrofitting a D8S bulb into a reflector housing designed for halogen bulbs may well increase the light output, but won't do much for beam quality, range control or glare control.

A VW 35W xenon bulb (which is used across most xenon models) will cost $350 each or (for the mathematically challenged) $700 a pair. Xenon bulbs dont have a 7 times longer lifetime and at 25W, 7 times better light output.

Not quite seven times the lifespan, more like five.

A typical H7 55W halogen bulb has a typical lifespan of 330 hours (B3) or 550 hours (Tc).
A typical D[1-2]S or D[1-2]R gas-discharge bulb has a typical lifespan of 2000 hours (B3) or 3000 hours (Tc).
A typical D[3-4]S or D[3-4]R gas-discharge bulb has a typical lifespan of 1800 hours (B3) or 3000 hours (Tc).

A D8S bulb has a lifespan of 2000/3000 hours as well.

Lifespan is reduced across the range for blue-tinted bulbs (must work harder for the same amount of light output).

Retail is for suckers and if one had any nous, one wouldn't buy a 'VW branded' bulb from a dealer, especially since the bulbs are made by Osram or Philips anyway.

Though typically, gas-discharge headlamps are hard to justify purely on financial terms.

[Bassik]

I was just about to say... this may no apply to AU standards and will need to be modified.

[Diesel_vert]

I was just about to say... this may no apply to AU standards and will need to be modified.

Due to the harmonisation (for the most part) of ADR with UNECE regulations, we pretty much follow European technical regulations (with a few exceptions here and there and areas of administration regarding EU bureaucracy which don't apply to us).

[d_train]

Just to throw cats among the pigeons, how do the new fandangle LED headlights get classified? These will be the next thing after the bi-xenons. Gone could be the concepts of high and low beams. Further rules and regs need to be updated?

[gavs]

They already apply with several new cars already fitted with them. In fact, toyota are in the process of creating a permanent high-beam led headlight that uses reflected to reduce glare to oncoming traffic and vehicles in front of the car yet still maintain a full high beam. LED tech however has a long way to go still to match HID in everyday vehicles, not just high end applications, ala Audi R8.