Sorry to be a bit prehistoric here, but I'm considering Xenon headlamps and don't really understand them! When I asked for Xenon headlamps, the dealer said "We can put blue bulbs in the standard lamps". Interesting approach I thought.

Gas discharge bulbs for the Octavia are

Jeez! Oh my, what big numbers you quote! Should I assume that the bulb and igniters last forever, unless they are damaged? Or is there a predicted life for the bulb and igniter?

I know they are good, but

They will last longer than a normal bulb, but describing them as "everlasting" would be misleading at best.

Am I correct in assuming that ONLY Dipped Beam is Xenon, and that Main Beam illumination is via a standard halogen filament bulb?

Yep, spot on

Unless you have bi-xenon, which if I am correct we don't have in the Skoda range yet.

A mate has them on his Passat and the dip and main beam work in the same way an H4 bulb would. Hate to guess how much they cost to replace. :eek:

I know what I'm sticking to then .............Christ I could buy a set of wheels and tyres for that much

Mmmmm, all of a sudden I feel that maybe they are a "high risk" investment. I'm sure they are great, but the expense goes on beyond their initial purchase price. I want everlasting bulbs for that price :eek:

I'm just thinking of the dealer sucking through his teeth when you eventually turn up with a knackered headlamp.

Vehicle warranties usually don't include bulbs, as they are termed consumables, I wonder whether Xenon bulbs are included in the Skoda 3-year/60,000 warranty?

I know what I'm sticking to then .............Christ I could buy a set of wheels and tyres for that much

:rubchin:

You can buy a hell of a lot of "normal" bulbs for the cost of a set of Xenons.

Another point to ponder is whether they add any value at re-sale time. Given the possible repair costs, i'd go for a car without them every time if buying used...

Given the possible repair costs, i'd go for a car without them every time if buying used...

To recycle a rarely used phrase, I :agree: with Geoff on this one.

Yes I agree with you. In the motor trade it's generally known that optional extras add no extra value to second hand vehicles, BUT they make them easer to sell on. I now feel reluctant to have Xenons, purely because of the possibility of all that extra cost in the event of damage or complete failure. I'm sure they are absolutely fantastic for those that have them, but what I ain't had I can't miss.

Being a best pal of Scrooge, I notice that

Personally, I think that Xenons are worth every penny.

On all Skoda models, apart from the Superb Elegance, the Xenons are only available for dipped beam. On the Superb, they are bi-xenon, and very good indeed.

Bagpuss.

And on those Xenon equipped models with Halogen main beams, wait until your main beam lamp blows.

IIRC our very own TaviaRS quoted something like 30 minutes per lamp to change... :eek:

Xenons work completely different to halogen bulbs, other than they produce light.

Each lamp has it's own quick starter & electronic ballast, & the light produced is from a gas discharge or arc rather than passing an electric current thro' a wire coil. The light is almost a pure white, closer to daylight.

The wattage is only about 20W each but the light emitted is 3 times better than halogen or "xenon" filled bulbs.

They need auto-levelling & headlamp washers cos, even if you have dirt on the headlamps, the light deflected will dazzle other drivers.

Out of interest, would Xenons consume less amps? And if so then that might increase fuel economy (when driving with them switched on as opposed to 'normal' bulbs)?

yes they can improve fuel economy and put less strain on the electrical system