2006 3.0 Si - dummy headlight?

[scarlet-jester]

Hi all.

I posted this in an old thread and but did not get any replies. I am running a 2006 3.0Si and am a little mystified with my headlights.



The picture shows the front off-side cluster. The RHS light in the picture is a xenon and functions as dip and full beam. The inside light has the early days angle-eye, but does nothing more. On auto, manual, full beam and flash, the inside light does nothing. I presumed I was running 'bi-xenons' but am a little perplexed around what this light does, or doesn't do.

This may be useful (or not), and indicates the inside light is a 'dummy', either that or I am the dummy .....
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2965458&postcount=27

Any ideas?

 

[parabolica]

It'll be a dummy; the headlights on my 2012 640i were exactly the same. Best way to check would be to view the back of the unit to see if there is a bulb connector or anything in that location (taking into account any smallish connectors for the angel eyes).

 

[Jembo]

The pre facelifts used it for main beam with a halogen, the post facelifts as above was just a dummy lense to keep the quad light look

 

[scarlet-jester]

Well there you go, how bloody useless is that! No wonder it felt like I was driving by candle light with the full beam on – the standard light on my 2001 Camray are significantly better that these.

Are there any mods for this set-up to make use of the unused light slots?

 

[philbo909]

Well there you go, how bloody useless is that! No wonder it felt like I was driving by candle light with the full beam on – the standard light on my 2001 Camray are significantly better that these.

Are there any mods for this set-up to make use of the unused light slots?

There's something wrong if your full beam xenon is that dim

 

[KevinC]

It's a dummy light. Pretty sure the owner's manual calls it out.

Also, you do have "bi-xenon" despite the dummy light - bi-xenon uses a single projector housing with a shutter to control high/low beam. That's what our cars have.

 

[scarlet-jester]

Thanks guys. That gives me a wee project for next winter - get a full bean light in there!

OK, so it is not quite a candle, but it is certainly dimmer that the dual halogens on the Camray. I will give them a good clean when I have them off - hopefully that will make an improvement.