Xenon died....

G

GerryM

Member
 West London
Hi All,

Whiles pulling into a parking space in the garage today I noticed the driver's side xenon flickering (from the car park wall). then a moment later the xenon light just went out completely on the driver's side only.

so whats likely cause? new bulb?

:cry:
 
No - more likely the ballast has died.

Given both bits are expensive I would pull the bulb out of one side and test it in the other. If it works then it's a new ballast. to replace bumper off, light out and fix it to the underside of the light with 3 torx screws

Be careful and lights off before touching - 25,000V
 
Thanks Jeeper... so is the ballast bit is it "03|Ignition element Xenon-light |2 |63126907489|$104.10|" from realoem?

(http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=63_0766&hg=63&fg=05)
 
No it's "02 CONTROL UNIT XENON LIGHT" about £70 from ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/XENON-BALLAST-CONTROL-UNIT-FOR-XENON-HEADLIGHT-NEW_W0QQitemZ140362161537QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item20ae3c9d81
 
thanks guys, will attempt the DIY first...if you dont hear from me again then you know what happened! (LIGHTS OFF DOH!) :poke:
 
GerryM said:
thanks guys, will attempt the DIY first...if you dont hear from me again then you know what happened! (LIGHTS OFF DOH!) :poke:
Click to expand...

Worth the try first rather than spending.
Sorry for the basics on lights off but you'd be amazed how many people forget about things like that and with such a risk I feel duty bound tomake mention of it. Halogens do what you like ....lol

BTW - worth also checking that the connector lead is properly seated on the bulb housing. They don't clipon very securely.
 
Not at all jeeper, I was going to ask if i needed to disconnect the battery! (My automotive mechanical experience is rather limited) :oops:

I assume taking the bumper off is a fairly easy task?
 
I found it most helpful to have a second person there to help with the bumper, some have had issues getting the bumper off at the corners at the wheel arch.
 
No need to disconnect the battery.

As PVR has stated it can be easier to have 2 to remove the bumper. I suggest read Mr Rogers bumper change thread as it contains the basics. It'll take 30 minutes first time to remove and about an hour to refit it after you mess up the light adjustment position. 2nd time is about 10 minutes off and 15 back on

If you get to that stage ask a few more questions before you start....
 
cj10jeeper said:
BTW - worth also checking that the connector lead is properly seated on the bulb housing. They don't clipon very securely.
Click to expand...

I think you may be right here...On the way home just now I notice the 'dead' xenon came on and off as I go over bumps on the road. I assume this is good news? (loose connector some where?). It stayed on when i parked my car but i assume as and when i the connection loosens again it'll go back out?
 
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