One headlight won't work on Auto - xenons

D

dan yeates

Active member
 New Forest, Hampshire
Hi all,

I have a strange problem with my Z4 M.

I have automatic bi-xenon headlights and I’ve noticed a bulb warning light is sometimes illuminated on the dash. I stopped to have a look at the front of the car and only one light was lit up when the lights were on auto. (angel eye sidelight was on, but not the dipped beam). If I switch the lights to “on” rather than auto, then both headlights work ok and the bulb warning light goes out.

Any ideas what’s going on?!

Dan
 
Ps far easier with wheel off or on full lock
They simply twist off end of bulb
 
My X5 did exactly this. 1 light would go out after an hour or so. My Indy had a look, couldn't sort it so I stopped using auto lights. Never a problem after that and only a minor inconvenience.
 
Well, I update this thread, the car failed it's MOT last week as one headlight wouldn't work on both "auto" and "on" although it would work on one or the other!

Had a play around tonight, swapping the controller, driver and then the bulbs from side to side. I finally managed to move the problem when I swapped bulbs. So I've got a new set of bulbs on order which I hope will sort the issue.
 
dan yeates said:
Well, I update this thread, the car failed it's MOT last week as one headlight wouldn't work on both "auto" and "on" although it would work on one or the other!

Had a play around tonight, swapping the controller, driver and then the bulbs from side to side. I finally managed to move the problem when I swapped bulbs. So I've got a new set of bulbs on order which I hope will sort the issue.
Click to expand...

Osram night breakers ds2;)
 
Ps dear God man 6 months to get round to swapping bulbs over
Id have sorted the same day haha
 
D4dawg said:
Ps dear God man 6 months to get round to swapping bulbs over
Id have sorted the same day haha
Click to expand...

Haha! Well, they do both work when first switched on. But if I went from "Auto" to "Off" and then to "On" then only one would work. And vice versa. Seeing as I always left them on "on" then it wasn't really an issue. Both always worked! It was only when it went in for an MOT that he switched them into each position that it failed as one light went out.

I'm getting some D2S Osram Nightbreakers on order now :thumbsup:

I've also ordered some BMW sidelights (at £66 for a pair!) as the previous owner had fitted LEDs and the MOT man said they were too blue. I prefer the look of the original halogen angeleye lights anyway.
 
Haha good boy
Expect pics
And you'll love the osram
As v long and bright light
 
Nightbreakers worth an upgrade over the standard xenon bulbs?

I have no reason to believe mine have ever been changed, and they aren't exactly impressing me with the light output. Just considering if it's actually worth changing the bulbs before dropping £80 on them!
 
mjennings23 said:
Nightbreakers worth an upgrade over the standard xenon bulbs?

I have no reason to believe mine have ever been changed, and they aren't exactly impressing me with the light output. Just considering if it's actually worth changing the bulbs before dropping £80 on them!
Click to expand...

I bought mine on Amazon, they were £71, but have just gone up by a fiver.

I’ve got a bit of a drive to do tonight, so will probably take the Z4M. I’ll report back with how good the headlights are. Although I haven’t used the Z4M in the dark for so long, I’ve no idea what the original headlights were like!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FQ8AVHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
mjennings23 said:
Nightbreakers worth an upgrade over the standard xenon bulbs?

I have no reason to believe mine have ever been changed, and they aren't exactly impressing me with the light output. Just considering if it's actually worth changing the bulbs before dropping £80 on them!
Click to expand...

Trust me buddy
Wider and far longer light spread and far brighter by far!
Plus hid bulbs ave life is 10 yrs so most going pop now
 
Ended up taking my TVR out instead. Will report back over the weekend if I manage to take the Z out in the dark!
 
D4dawg said:
mjennings23 said:
Nightbreakers worth an upgrade over the standard xenon bulbs?

I have no reason to believe mine have ever been changed, and they aren't exactly impressing me with the light output. Just considering if it's actually worth changing the bulbs before dropping £80 on them!
Click to expand...

Trust me buddy
Wider and far longer light spread and far brighter by far!
Plus hid bulbs ave life is 10 yrs so most going pop now
Click to expand...

I'll likely get a set ordered in the run up to winter. Don't tend to drive at night so much so no need right now with daylight until so late. Unless mine have been changed they're 13 years old now so I expect the bulbs are well worn down, along with better technology available today.

Are they reasonably easy to do through the wheel arch? Cannot be bothered with taking the bumper off!
 
mjennings23 said:
D4dawg said:
mjennings23 said:
Nightbreakers worth an upgrade over the standard xenon bulbs?

I have no reason to believe mine have ever been changed, and they aren't exactly impressing me with the light output. Just considering if it's actually worth changing the bulbs before dropping £80 on them!
Click to expand...

Trust me buddy
Wider and far longer light spread and far brighter by far!
Plus hid bulbs ave life is 10 yrs so most going pop now
Click to expand...

I'll likely get a set ordered in the run up to winter. Don't tend to drive at night so much so no need right now with daylight until so late. Unless mine have been changed they're 13 years old now so I expect the bulbs are well worn down, along with better technology available today.

Are they reasonably easy to do through the wheel arch? Cannot be bothered with taking the bumper off!
Click to expand...

I should think it’s doable through the hole in the wheel arch, yes.

I took my bumper off as I wasn’t sure exactly what the problem was, and wanted to swap my headlights over to try to eliminate things. In hindsight, I probably should have just tried the bulbs first.
 
Yes buddy far easier with wheel off I won't lie
But can lift and full lock wheel outwards if not

Unclip the square that covers the rear
Then the spring clip on the protective box
And tadaa small starter on back of bulb twists off
And then unclip the bulb

Getting that damned covering box on in correct position I find the worst part
 
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