Light lingo

[Jay 535i]

Ellipsoid, 9005, 9006...what do these things mean, and what do they mean to an E34 driver?

'Scuse my ignorance, but they all just look like light bulbs to me. What are the pros/cons, and which are available to me and my '90 car?

[Zeuk in Oz]

Ellipsoid, 9005, 9006...what do these things mean, and what do they mean to an E34 driver?

'Scuse my ignorance, but they all just look like light bulbs to me. What are the pros/cons, and which are available to me and my '90 car?

Good question.
Not wanting to hijack the thread but to expand a little - I believe that all Aussie cars have euro ellipsoids - is this right, and if so, why are they called euro ? What are the advantages or disadvantages ?

[Dan in NZ]

"Euro" just means non-american. I think in the usa they had to have some gammy dim lights to meet the legislation, everywhere else they have euro ellipsoids.

[Jay 535i]

"Euro" just means non-american. I think in the usa they had to have some gammy dim lights to meet the legislation, everywhere else they have euro ellipsoids.

How 'bout Canada?

Anyone know the story with US regs?

I remember how they ruined the XJ-S


Global model:



US model:

[uscharalph]

Ellipsoid, 9005, 9006...what do these things mean, and what do they mean to an E34 driver?

'Scuse my ignorance, but they all just look like light bulbs to me. What are the pros/cons, and which are available to me and my '90 car?

I believe ellipsoid refers to the ball of light inside of the headlight lens. I seem to remember that my headlight too the model 9006 bulb (?)