New Xenon Headlight? Please help.

S

Snails

Member
Last week my halo bulb failed. I replaced it.
The rear cover went back on fine, but little did I known it is best to replace the cover due to age as the seal does not fully seal.

Anyway, long story short a lot of condensation built up in the light with the cold weather within 2 days

I took it to the garage and they have removed the headlight, they said the amount of water that came out could fill a glass.

They have suggested a whole new headlight. It is a xenon unit for an E86. A new unit is about £700 from Bmw. I asked if they had tried drying the unit fully and trying a new ballast and/or igniter. They said if a ballast or igniter didn't work they would still have to charge for the parts and suggested looking at an used eBay unit.

So, any suggestions? An eBay headlight is a complete unknown so I am skeptical. Could it be anything other than the ballast or igniter? I'd rather avoid a new unit. I'm already having new brake lines fitted!

Thanks all
 
Is it dryed out and still not working?

Why not try the parts off the good working xenon to see what’s not working
 
its usually the ballast, but swapping each from other side will identify this, cant remember exact costs but when i did mine it was £80 for a used tested one or £130 for a new one

Dont use ebay, there are many fakes

you shouldnt need a new head light, the only other thing is the highbeam plate could stick, but doubt it.

I just rinsed inside of mine with RO/DI water to get rid of water spots

Yeah the rubber seals kind of get a grove and wear, I use silicon grease on them
 
Thanks both. I will ask that they switch the ballasts first. I'd found another couple of posts since suggesting it is ofter just the ballasts.

The bumper is already off and the damp headlight is out should not take them too long.
 
Hi, I hope you can get it sorted without needing a new light unit. :thumbsup:

Great to see you still have your car, but sorry to read of your problem. :(
 
mine happened a week after getting the car, oh and the back cover... what bloody back cover didnt have one :|

the ballast was drenched as per pics
 

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As said try swapping over from good headlight. If it works get a used one from Ebay and a new rear cover from bmw.
 
biojo said:
mine happened a week after getting the car, oh and the back cover... what bloody back cover didnt have one :|

the ballast was drenched as per pics
Click to expand...

Same thing on mine just before christmas; seems there was a defect on the original ballast - a tiny pin hole that allowed the water into the unit. The replacement unit was completely sealed. Was a faff working out what was wrong with the light but same as the OP, when I got mine off about a pint of water poured out the light unit. Got everything dried up, new ballast, new bulbs (for good measure, the old ones were actually ok) and new rear headlight cover to keep the condensation out and the job was done. New ballast and rear cover were very cheap.
 
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