Bi-xenon troubleshooting

B

Babw

Member
I had what could be called a minor flood in my OS front bi-xenon headlight. Bumper off, headlight out, dismantled and dried in the airing cupboard. I think the rear seal had perished which was allowing water ingress.

After assembling and installing the headlight fires up however there is an initial orange colouring which from the main beam which fades into the usual white to match the other headlight.

Is this a sign a component maybe failing? I've ordered some new bulbs as I was planning an upgrade anyway but I'd rather replace the ignitor/ballast while the bumper is off if they need doing.

Appreciate any input.
 
Normally when xenon bulbs start to get old the kelvin goes up so essentially they start becoming more blue/purple.

Orange sounds like a ballast to me but I've never had that issue, maybe someone has who can confirm though?

Maybe swap left to right and see if the problem follows?
 
If there's been water in the headlight, then it's more than possible that that you'll find a little pond in the ballasts - as they sit directly below the headlight and act as a water butt.

Mine were full to the brim when I opened them up. I don't know why BMW thought it would be the idead place to put electronics.

At least you can buy new ones fairly cheaply online, as it seems to be the same Hella ballast (5DV 008 290-00) used by multiple manufacturers.
 
Thanks for the input fellas.

I’ve ordered some new bulbs, ballasts, igniters and rear seals to renew everything. Should hopefully get my by for another 13 years.
 
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