Xenon problem

gadget · 02-05-2008, 03:18 PM

I did a

but didnt find what i was looking for. Sorry if

anyways, a couple of times the light bulb warning light has come up on my dash. The passenger side headlight stops working (I've xenons) the strange this is that all i have to do to fix the problem is restart the car and it come back on?

Has anyone else had this issue. What can it be?

BlackSapphireZ · 02-05-2008, 03:38 PM

hmm could be the ballast

BimmerZealot · 02-05-2008, 03:40 PM

Your bulb/ballast may be hanging on by a thread, you might need to replace them soon. If you want to figure out if it is the bulb or the ballast now, you can swap the bulbs on each side and see if the problem follows, if not then it is probably the ballast.

nonsns3 · 02-05-2008, 04:15 PM

I had the same problem. Dealer replaced the bulb and has been flawless since. With an Si, looks like you're still under warranty.

You don't need to restart the car, just turning the light switch to off then back on should also do the trick.

gadget · 02-06-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerZealot

Your bulb/ballast may be hanging on by a thread, you might need to replace them soon. If you want to figure out if it is the bulb or the ballast now, you can swap the bulbs on each side and see if the problem follows, if not then it is probably the ballast.

Excuse my ignorace but what is the ballast?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonsns3

I had the same problem. Dealer replaced the bulb and has been flawless since. With an Si, looks like you're still under warranty.

You don't need to restart the car, just turning the light switch to off then back on should also do the trick.

I tried the light switch and that did not work.

nonsns3 · 02-06-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

Excuse my ignorace but what is the ballast?

I tried the light switch and that did not work.

ballast is like a starter for the Xenons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-in...discharge_lamp

Switch on/off couple times maybe? But yeah, dealer

F87LUV · 02-06-2008, 11:40 AM

I had the same problem... it was pretty random but [knock on wood] hasnt happened in a few months. Never took it to the dealer. Its an '07.

Reach · 02-06-2008, 11:43 AM

All of these components are quite expensive. I'd recommend a dealer visit, you don't want to have to pay for these out of hand if the dealer detects you've been messing with them while you're otherwise under warranty.

Bob D · 02-06-2008, 11:46 AM

Had the same problem on our Z4 06 ride side it was the ballest they replace it then got mourre in the lens and had to replace the whole unit.

RedDotRacer · 05-15-2012, 10:58 PM

Bumping this old thread because I have the same issue.

I have an 07 and the passenger headlight goes out periodically. When you restart the car it solves it, but not always. Sometimes just turning the lights on and off works but it seems the problem is getting worse. I'm out of warranty and don't want to pay the dealership prices. I'm happy to take it to an indy shop, but before I do, thought Id ask here first. Seems to be a common issue. Could be a bulb? Ballast? Some type of controller?? Any guidance is much appreciated.

Finnegan · 05-16-2012, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDotRacer

Bumping this old thread because I have the same issue.

I have an 07 and the passenger headlight goes out periodically. When you restart the car it solves it, but not always. Sometimes just turning the lights on and off works but it seems the problem is getting worse. I'm out of warranty and don't want to pay the dealership prices. I'm happy to take it to an indy shop, but before I do, thought Id ask here first. Seems to be a common issue. Could be a bulb? Ballast? Some type of controller?? Any guidance is much appreciated.

It could be the bulb, but more likely the ballast or controller. Mine was doing the same thing and it was a controller IIRC. You can always swap bulbs. If that fixes it on the faulty side, it's the bulb. If not, then swap the ballasts. If that doesn't fix it it's the controller. Kind of a PITA, but that's the way the dealer diagnosed mine and fixed it.

dubsesd · 05-16-2012, 08:37 AM

Mine used to do this. Swapped a new igniter and changed both bulbs at the same time and no more issues

davesz4mc · 05-16-2012, 01:29 PM

Mine does it if they are on for a minute then turned off they have to be off for at least two minutes before it will come back on on the drivers side. As long as you give it that little bit (thermal related I think) it never has any other issues. Also if you drive around with the one headlight it still counts the waiting period and off/on it comes back.

sbtwister · 05-16-2012, 02:34 PM

I've got the exact same problem - passenger side, intermittent. I found that if I gently bump the headlight housing or the front right fender just above the lamp, it will usually come on. I brought this to the dealer for them to check out - they said that they could not duplicate the problem (thanks for that). They suggested replacing the bulb (@$240 each) to see if that fixed the problem. But given that the problem is not consistent, and I can usually get the bulb ignited with a bump, I'm holding off till I determine something more definitive.

VitaminT · 05-16-2012, 10:31 PM

I had this issue. When the lights were cold they would work pretty much 100%, but if I would stop to get gas or a pizza the passenger side one wouldn't fire. Sometimes just turning the car off and back on would do the trick.

I took it to the dealer and had them diagnose and replaced the bulb. I haven't had the issue since. I also noticed how much brighter and whiter the new bulb was.

elerner61 · 05-16-2012, 10:36 PM

...and this is why I don't use the Auto setting on headlamps.

RedDotRacer · 05-16-2012, 10:48 PM

Ok so I'm going to try the bulb replacement/ swap first. I'm assuming changing the bulb isn't too difficult? I haven't had a chance to look at the unit. How much should I expect to pay for the bulbs? $240 per bulb sounds crazy like the other member mentioned.

chickdr · 05-16-2012, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDotRacer

Ok so I'm going to try the bulb replacement/ swap first. I'm assuming changing the bulb isn't too difficult? I haven't had a chance to look at the unit. How much should I expect to pay for the bulbs? $240 per bulb sounds crazy like the other member mentioned.

$175/each at North Haven/Tischer so you could ask your dealer to match(MSRP is ~$218/each).

RedDotRacer · 05-16-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

$175/each at North Haven/Tischer so you could ask your dealer to match(MSRP is ~$218/each).

Wow! So you guys all buy your bulbs from the dealer? How about the ballast?

dubsesd · 05-17-2012, 05:47 AM

eBay. You should replace both bulbs, since one already has a lot of hours on it and won't be the same color. I just replaced my oem GE bulbs with Philips 85122's and the are much brighter and whiter. I paid 180 shipped

I also changed the igniter and got that new for 60 bucks. A ballast goes for around 120

RedDotRacer · 05-17-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubsesd

eBay. You should replace both bulbs, since one already has a lot of hours on it and won't be the same color. I just replaced my oem GE bulbs with Philips 85122's and the are much brighter and whiter. I paid 180 shipped

I also changed the igniter and got that new for 60 bucks. A ballast goes for around 120

Are these the same ones you got? Looks a little cheaper than 180. I don't want to buy he wrong bulb or a cheaper counterfeit

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230448953200...#ht_2020wt_689

Newff · 07-30-2012, 05:47 PM

Seems like I'm having the same problem but looks like some of you guys have other ways to get them working again. My passenger side headlight works about 60% of the time but seems totally random.

Sometimes if I switch my headlights back and forth from on and off it will cut it but I haven't tried giving them a bump or restarting the car. I will try those things tonight. Anyone else recently with these problems?

02-05-2008, 03:18 PM	#1
gadget Major 108 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 09 e92///M SSII DCT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Xenon problem I did a but didnt find what i was looking for. Sorry if anyways, a couple of times the light bulb warning light has come up on my dash. The passenger side headlight stops working (I've xenons) the strange this is that all i have to do to fix the problem is restart the car and it come back on? Has anyone else had this issue. What can it be?
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02-05-2008, 03:38 PM	#2
BlackSapphireZ Major 99 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	hmm could be the ballast __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe
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02-05-2008, 03:40 PM	#3
BimmerZealot Major 61 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (2)	Your bulb/ballast may be hanging on by a thread, you might need to replace them soon. If you want to figure out if it is the bulb or the ballast now, you can swap the bulbs on each side and see if the problem follows, if not then it is probably the ballast.
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02-05-2008, 04:15 PM	#4
nonsns3 Private First Class 8 Rep 108 Posts Drives: F-Type R, Wrangler Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA iTrader: (0)	I had the same problem. Dealer replaced the bulb and has been flawless since. With an Si, looks like you're still under warranty. You don't need to restart the car, just turning the light switch to off then back on should also do the trick.
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02-06-2008, 11:40 AM	#7
F87LUV Lieutenant General 3689 Rep 15,081 Posts Drives: '16 M2, '23 GT4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 Porsche GT4 [5.00] 2016 BMW M2 [8.66]	I had the same problem... it was pretty random but [knock on wood] hasnt happened in a few months. Never took it to the dealer. Its an '07. __________________ IG: Trackinheels
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02-06-2008, 11:43 AM	#8
Reach gone baby gone 382 Rep 1,052 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Location, Location. iTrader: (0)	All of these components are quite expensive. I'd recommend a dealer visit, you don't want to have to pay for these out of hand if the dealer detects you've been messing with them while you're otherwise under warranty.
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02-06-2008, 11:46 AM	#9
Bob D Private 1 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 2006 Z 4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbia SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4 roadster 3.0i [7.00] 2006 325I [0.00]	Had the same problem on our Z4 06 ride side it was the ballest they replace it then got mourre in the lens and had to replace the whole unit. __________________
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05-15-2012, 10:58 PM	#10
RedDotRacer Private First Class 16 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 07 Z4mc Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Bumping this old thread because I have the same issue. I have an 07 and the passenger headlight goes out periodically. When you restart the car it solves it, but not always. Sometimes just turning the lights on and off works but it seems the problem is getting worse. I'm out of warranty and don't want to pay the dealership prices. I'm happy to take it to an indy shop, but before I do, thought Id ask here first. Seems to be a common issue. Could be a bulb? Ballast? Some type of controller?? Any guidance is much appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2012, 08:37 AM	#12
dubsesd #dubspec 6337 Rep 5,201 Posts Drives: G05 X5/ 2016 F80 M3 INDVL Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (2)	Mine used to do this. Swapped a new igniter and changed both bulbs at the same time and no more issues __________________ LCI ///F80 M3 Individual Atlantis Metallic / Black Full / Carbon Cermics / 6MT MPE / M Performance & Carbon package / KW v3 / 20" HRE R101LW / 20" HRE 527s / Michelin PSS / 20% tint / 3d Design / Streckenn splitters / OEM GTS hood / EAS Carbon seatbacks / Carbon RKP sideskirt / Bootmod3 / M Performance Tri color alcantara / AWE S Flow instagram: @ dubsesd
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05-16-2012, 01:29 PM	#13
davesz4mc Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 296 Posts Drives: 2007 z4mc Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Mine does it if they are on for a minute then turned off they have to be off for at least two minutes before it will come back on on the drivers side. As long as you give it that little bit (thermal related I think) it never has any other issues. Also if you drive around with the one headlight it still counts the waiting period and off/on it comes back.
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05-16-2012, 02:34 PM	#14
sbtwister Private 0 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2005 3.0i Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	I've got the exact same problem - passenger side, intermittent. I found that if I gently bump the headlight housing or the front right fender just above the lamp, it will usually come on. I brought this to the dealer for them to check out - they said that they could not duplicate the problem (thanks for that). They suggested replacing the bulb (@$240 each) to see if that fixed the problem. But given that the problem is not consistent, and I can usually get the bulb ignited with a bump, I'm holding off till I determine something more definitive. __________________ Alpine white Z4 3.0i, Dream red leather, M-sport seats, Sport package, Xenons, Heated seats, Premium sound, XM Radio, Aux in, Strut brace, Black grill, CF Roundels, Stubby, Half foam.
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05-16-2012, 10:31 PM	#15
VitaminT First Lieutenant 11 Rep 304 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	I had this issue. When the lights were cold they would work pretty much 100%, but if I would stop to get gas or a pizza the passenger side one wouldn't fire. Sometimes just turning the car off and back on would do the trick. I took it to the dealer and had them diagnose and replaced the bulb. I haven't had the issue since. I also noticed how much brighter and whiter the new bulb was.
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05-16-2012, 10:36 PM	#16
elerner61 Major 157 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: '07 Z4M Roadster Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Kisco, NY iTrader: (0)	...and this is why I don't use the Auto setting on headlamps.
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05-16-2012, 10:48 PM	#17
RedDotRacer Private First Class 16 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 07 Z4mc Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Ok so I'm going to try the bulb replacement/ swap first. I'm assuming changing the bulb isn't too difficult? I haven't had a chance to look at the unit. How much should I expect to pay for the bulbs? $240 per bulb sounds crazy like the other member mentioned.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-17-2012, 05:47 AM	#20
dubsesd #dubspec 6337 Rep 5,201 Posts Drives: G05 X5/ 2016 F80 M3 INDVL Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (2)	eBay. You should replace both bulbs, since one already has a lot of hours on it and won't be the same color. I just replaced my oem GE bulbs with Philips 85122's and the are much brighter and whiter. I paid 180 shipped I also changed the igniter and got that new for 60 bucks. A ballast goes for around 120 __________________ LCI ///F80 M3 Individual Atlantis Metallic / Black Full / Carbon Cermics / 6MT MPE / M Performance & Carbon package / KW v3 / 20" HRE R101LW / 20" HRE 527s / Michelin PSS / 20% tint / 3d Design / Streckenn splitters / OEM GTS hood / EAS Carbon seatbacks / Carbon RKP sideskirt / Bootmod3 / M Performance Tri color alcantara / AWE S Flow instagram: @ dubsesd
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07-30-2012, 05:47 PM	#22
Newff Private First Class 20 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fort Mcmurray, Alberta/ Hare Bay, Newfoundland iTrader: (0)	Seems like I'm having the same problem but looks like some of you guys have other ways to get them working again. My passenger side headlight works about 60% of the time but seems totally random. Sometimes if I switch my headlights back and forth from on and off it will cut it but I haven't tried giving them a bump or restarting the car. I will try those things tonight. Anyone else recently with these problems?
	Appreciate 0 Quote