[MMVI]

What is behind the absolutely enormous cost of the xenon option.
In the UK they are nearly a thousand pounds, ridiculous, and how can jaguar make them standard fit.

I have a new car and I have gone from a 325 with to an f10 without, a very backward step but at that price it was an option far too far.

[raleedy]

People want them. Econ 101.

[Breach]

Well, just a guess but the actual Xenon bulbs are the number 1 contributor to the price partially due to the fact that Xenon is a rare element. Not sure what BMW's profit margin is, but I don't think you'll find a single Xenon bulb costing less that 200 GBP out there.

As to Jaguar - no free lunch - just like 'free shipping' it's factored in.

[The Mewster]

I'm sure they make good margin on the options that most people will go for.

But, in their defence there is a lot more to a xenon set-up, especially if you include the adaptive lights bit. Even for the basic xenon setup there's the higher voltage requirement, self levelling, extra cooling (not including the washers, as I think they are standard?). You also get the LED halo rings, which I would expect are more expensive than the standard bulb ones...

[mkossler]

I must say that I really like having them, though. The angel eyes have a great aesthetic effect as well - very aggressive!

[Mr. Grumpy]

Originally Posted by mkossler

I must say that I really like having them, though. The angel eyes have a great aesthetic effect as well - very aggressive!

+1 I love the angel lights.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by MMVI

What is behind the absolutely enormous cost of the xenon option.
In the UK they are nearly a thousand pounds, ridiculous, and how can jaguar make them standard fit.

I have a new car and I have gone from a 325 with to an f10 without, a very backward step but at that price it was an option far too far.

Granted, they're not cheap, but I think you get a lot for the money. Apart from the flat and completely even swath of bright illumination, they turn with the steering wheel, thereby showing you what's around the corner before you get there. If there's a downside to be found, it's that it now costs me more in diesel as I frequently take the car out for night-time blasts around the many miles of twisty unlit Scottish country roads just for the hell of it.
In terms of priority I rank this option 3rd after the dual turbo/sport auto drivetrain and adaptive drive suspension.

[mkossler]

Ah Jon D., there you go bringing the practical considerations into the conversation!

Your description says it all - it really takes a very short time, driving the twisties in the dark, to see where the xenon package really shines.

Pun intended.

[inny]

I paid 1500euros for the Xenon, the whole package included adapting headlights and headlight washing system. I don't think its that expensive if you know the complete details to Xenon system as Jon described. Plus their color...

On a side note if you go through the "Find from pictures" and go to the headlight option in the user manual it says something like "Xenon headlights are high unlikely to need replacing".

[Rochdale Pioneers]

Some of us couldn't afford the cash, and the OEM bulbs are crap. About to push the button on Philips X-Treme Vision 100% bulbs, which going off the 80% brighter set I had on my E91 will be a big improvement.

[inny]

Originally Posted by Rochdale Pioneers

Some of us couldn't afford the cash, and the OEM bulbs are crap. About to push the button on Philips X-Treme Vision 100% bulbs, which going off the 80% brighter set I had on my E91 will be a big improvement.

I mentioned that they are not expensive comparing to the whole amount of a brand new F10.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Rochdale Pioneers

...About to push the button on Philips X-Treme Vision 100% bulbs...

Are they really that good?
I recently drove my partner's Focus from Inverness to western Skye in the dark and found the halogen lights appalling by comparison to my xenons.
I'm tempted to convert her car, but at £60+ for 4 bulbs (dip and main) it's not exactly cheap.

[remmib]

It seems like Brits order less car with xenon than we do here, and I still don't get it.

[islandnipper]

A lot of BMWs in UK rural areas seem to be equipped with xenons, which makes sense when considering the lack of road lighting in these regions. (I'm in an area that is very dark at night!)

I guess it also make sense (apart from asthetic reasons) that cars spending their time in predominantly urban areas don't really need them - and many intercity roads are well lit too.

[MMVI]

I am resigned to having to pay for this option next time. I should have manned up and forked out for this car. I regret not doing so. I can only hope that they are standard in three years time or cheaper.

I too would place them as the third most important option after 19" wheels, and sport auto.

[martin mustang]

One possible reason is down to EU regulations, for Xenon light, light washers have to be fitted, it is illegal to have Xenon with no washers fitted. Not sure if this also applies outside the EU.
Down to if worth having them, I am on the country side with a lot of B roads, I went for the full package with corner lights and all, it was also down to my frustration with the weakness of my ex E60 standard lights, in other words a big difference if you drive in the country side.

[Rallo]

Washers are not standard outside the EU. I have xenons with adaptive but now washers. I think they're worth it even though they are not standard with these cars.

[Rochdale Pioneers]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Are they really that good?
I recently drove my partner's Focus from Inverness to western Skye in the dark and found the halogen lights appalling by comparison to my xenons.
I'm tempted to convert her car, but at £60+ for 4 bulbs (dip and main) it's not exactly cheap.

Stock Halogens aren't particularly bright, and don't throw that much light as far forward as I'd like on the fully up setting on the levelling dial. I've used the previous 80% brighter version on my E91 and a Mondeo before that and they do make a difference both in light emitted and reach.

Personally I don't bother changing main beam as I don't use it enough - where you live I take your point as to why its needed. And main beam on this car is the worst I have seen in a long long time.....

You could swap dip first, see fi you think its worth the money and if so do main beam later.....?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Rochdale Pioneers

You could swap dip first, see fi you think its worth the money and if so do main beam later.....?

Good suggestion - thanks.

[stealth.pilot]

It's a ripoff. Wholesale prices that OEMs pay Xenons are maybe $100.

Forget about Jag, in the US KIA fits them as standard on their mid-size saloon cars.

It's a joke that BMW charges for this. It's standard on the 550i but if it wasn't I would refuse to buy the car.

[martin mustang]

Not a surprise, the biggest of all is the extra cost for 60/40 folding backrest and at some 500 Euro, taking the option list to new level.

[Rochdale Pioneers]

Out of interest the OEM bulbs are Osram Longlife. Philips Xtreme Vision now installed (and one of the bulbs just didn't want to come off its holder....) - will post again tomorrow after taking them out in the dark.