Notices
718 GTS 4.0/GT4/GT4RS/Spyder/25th Anniversary Discussions about the 718 version of the GT4RS, GTS 4.0, GT4, Spyder and 25th Anniversary Boxster
Sponsored By:
Sponsored By: Cobb

Headlight Discussion LED vs Bi-xenon

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-23-2020, 12:15 PM
  #31  
Ledfoot
Track Day
 
Ledfoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Atlanta Ga
Posts: 22
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

If every other box is checked, I wouldn't walk away from the car just because of the headlights. It's a great car and you probably wont be thinking about different headlights when you are driving. Good luck
There is a youtube on Nick Murray's channel where he compares the different headlights
The following users liked this post:
pkalhan (01-17-2022)
Old 12-23-2020, 12:16 PM
  #32  
mjw930
Rennlist Member
 
mjw930's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: East Central Florida
Posts: 944
Received 378 Likes on 209 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by beemerb0y
Xenons are excellent, plus you dont get washer nipples on your bumper..much cleaner look
Correct, the standard Bi-Xenons don't have washers but the upgraded PLDS Bi-Xenons do. And my bad earlier calling the standard headlights garbage, they aren't but the lack the blacked out look (should be standard on both Spyder and GT4 because the chrome version is at odds with all the other blacked out lights), dynamic cornering and speed sensitive height adjustment. They may also not be auto leveling but that's unclear in the literature.
Old 12-23-2020, 12:32 PM
  #33  
Westcoast
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Westcoast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 9,237
Received 4,739 Likes on 2,756 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Pokerhobo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqv9GdiFQUg

TL;DR; The LEDs are 50% brighter than the Xenons for low-beams. High beams they are the same due to regulations.

Functionally, the Xenons are pretty good. I prefer the LEDs myself and I do drive at night.
Regarding the bolded, too long didn't read, what the 6 posts above yours were too much for you?

Thanks for sharing the video!
The following users liked this post:
Pokerhobo (12-23-2020)
Old 12-23-2020, 12:33 PM
  #34  
pettelli
Rennlist Member
 
pettelli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
Posts: 203
Received 134 Likes on 76 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Archimedes
With the PDLS version you do.

OP, it’s all personal preference. For me, the PDLS+ xenons were the best choice. The chrome housing in the base lights didn’t appeal to me, and the vertical design of the light fixtures on the LEDs looks out of place on a curvy car. The middle choice looks just right IMO, and the light performance is terrific.
I also ticked the box for the PDLS xenons. I have xenons on my 987.1 and have always been very happy with them. I didn’t try the LED’s and have been second guessing my choice. You indicated you have PDLS+ xenons. Does that include the automatic dimming for the high beams? I’ve been very happy with the light output and look of the PDLS vs stock. Just curious if I missed the additional + option.
Old 12-23-2020, 12:35 PM
  #35  
Larry Cable
Rennlist Member
 
Larry Cable's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: S.F Bay Area
Posts: 25,828
Received 3,633 Likes on 2,359 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mjw930
I selected and deselected PLDS+ probably 10 times during the process of landing on a config. If I lived in a different place I’d probably have chosen the LEDs but the Bi-Xenons are pretty phenomenal in their own right. Side by side against the LEDs on our Tesla and my 2019 Goldwing (uses the Acura lights, literally the same part number) they held their own and arguably have a better light temperature. You can’t go wrong with either but the stock lights are garbage, both in looks and performance.
+1
Old 12-23-2020, 12:43 PM
  #36  
Westcoast
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Westcoast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 9,237
Received 4,739 Likes on 2,756 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mjw930
The difference between the PLDS Bi-Xenon and PLDS+ LED is far less than between the stock lights and PLDS. Prior to the LED option the Bi-Xenon lights were one of the best in the business, we had them on the last 2 P cars and loved them. IMHO PLDS is the price and performance sweet spot unless you live in rural areas and drive a lot at night, we do neither.
Sorry but I disagree, LED PDLS+ IMHO are well worth the difference, I came from a Boxster with Bi-Xenon PDLS+ to LED PDLS+ and the the difference is... shall we say night and day, superior in every situation, and they flat out look cool!.

I really enjoy driving at night, these lights provide an exceptional experience, the low beam provides a quality light patch that allows you to see without blinding on coming drivers when you need it most, passing in opposite directions, for me there was absolutely no hesitation when it came to check that option.
The following 4 users liked this post by Westcoast:
n4v4nod (12-25-2020), phefner (12-24-2020), tigerhonaker (12-23-2020), wizee (01-08-2021)
Old 12-23-2020, 12:43 PM
  #37  
beemerb0y
Instructor
 
beemerb0y's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 175
Received 57 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Archimedes
With the PDLS version you do.

OP, it’s all personal preference. For me, the PDLS+ xenons were the best choice. The chrome housing in the base lights didn’t appeal to me, and the vertical design of the light fixtures on the LEDs looks out of place on a curvy car. The middle choice looks just right IMO, and the light performance is terrific.
i actually feel some of the other headlight choices are too dark (housing) makes it looks aftermarket/smoked

if the chrome bothers someone, I am sure they can take the housing apart to paint the chrome portion.
Old 12-23-2020, 12:52 PM
  #38  
Westcoast
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Westcoast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 9,237
Received 4,739 Likes on 2,756 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by beemerb0y
i actually feel some of the other headlight choices are too dark (housing) makes it looks aftermarket/smoked

if the chrome bothers someone, I am sure they can take the housing apart to paint the chrome portion.
Doubtful, but if somebody tries I would love to see the DIY write up!
The following 2 users liked this post by Westcoast:
minn19 (12-25-2020), pkalhan (01-17-2022)
Old 12-23-2020, 12:55 PM
  #39  
TXshaggy
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
TXshaggy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 5,959
Received 3,866 Likes on 2,183 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Westcoast
Doubtful, but if somebody tries I would love to see the DIY write up!
Be careful for what you wish for....never thought we'd see the GPF "broom-stick" mod either; lol. I do like to watch for the same reason I watch NASCAR!
Old 12-23-2020, 01:11 PM
  #40  
KelvinC
Burning Brakes
 
KelvinC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 923
Received 1,070 Likes on 432 Posts
Default

I really like the look of both PDLS and PDLS+ headlights, but chose to go poverty-spec because I dislike the headlight washers more than I needed the upgrade.

I've always done just fine with the standard Bi-Xenon headlights. Even in dimly lit areas, I've never experienced any visibility issues.

For those with the standard Bi-Xenon lights that want the higher output of the upgraded lights, but without the need for the swivel around corner feature, there's a pretty straightforward process to upgrading the ballast and bulbs without needing surgery, or removal of bumper or coding:

https://www.718forum.com/threads/for...-to-35w.17204/


Last edited by KelvinC; 12-23-2020 at 01:12 PM.
Old 12-23-2020, 01:18 PM
  #41  
Regul8415
Instructor
 
Regul8415's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Bay Area, Ca
Posts: 101
Received 60 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Road Racin
I think I want LED but the car I Found has the no-xenon. Will I be sorry?
Was in the same situation here and it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I had Bi-Xenon on my last car as well. Live in the city and not much night driving. If you're able to talk them down a bit on the inventory car it may be worth your while. I wouldn't lose sleep over the two.
Old 12-23-2020, 01:30 PM
  #42  
Westcoast
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Westcoast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 9,237
Received 4,739 Likes on 2,756 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by TXshaggy
Be careful for what you wish for....never thought we'd see the GPF "broom-stick" mod either; lol. I do like to watch for the same reason I watch NASCAR!
I was a little evil there, more like throwing out a veiled challenge...
The following users liked this post:
minn19 (12-24-2020)
Old 12-23-2020, 02:30 PM
  #43  
ForeverCar
Burning Brakes
 
ForeverCar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 838
Received 454 Likes on 199 Posts
Default

LED low beams are brighter. It depends on what’s important to you and how you handle not having it. LED option is heavier IIRC. And there’ll be the next generation of technology that’s even “better”.
Old 12-23-2020, 02:35 PM
  #44  
Westcoast
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Westcoast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 9,237
Received 4,739 Likes on 2,756 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ForeverCar
LED low beams are brighter. It depends on what’s important to you and how you handle not having it. LED option is heavier IIRC. And there’ll be the next generation of technology that’s even “better”.
Heavier, perhaps but by how much? As for new and better technology, that is always going to be the case, heck the 911 has the Matrix LED PDLS+, you can wait for ever or opt for the 'best available' now...
Old 12-24-2020, 09:34 PM
  #45  
Porsche444
Rennlist Member
 
Porsche444's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 890
Received 554 Likes on 272 Posts
Default

I had a very nicely spec'd blue gt4 I was going to buy, but it was missing one thing I wanted, but wasn't quit sure if I should go with LED or not. After a week on going back and forth, I finally purchased a chalk with LED and I am so glad I did, the lights are just so superior, makes driving night so much more fun, but especially much safer.

I felt that if I settled, it would nag me forever, so glad I didn't settle.
The following 7 users liked this post by Porsche444:
DFW01TT (12-25-2020), JohnC4S (12-25-2020), n4v4nod (12-25-2020), phefner (12-24-2020), tigerhonaker (12-28-2020), UncleDude (12-24-2020), Westcoast (12-25-2020) and 2 others liked this post. (Show less...)


Quick Reply: Headlight Discussion LED vs Bi-xenon



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 03:43 PM.