Flickering headlights - xenons

[E36cab]

Hi guys, the headlights on my M recently started flickering. I happens about twice in 30min and sometimes doesn't happen at all.
Does anyone know what could be causing this?

 

[Prev]

I also noticed this on my car but just on the LHS. It flickers once or twice for a second when the headlights are switched on and then stops. :argh: Hope it's nothing to be concerned about!

 

[whattingh]

Not sure why but I get feeling it has something todo with the light error checking. that send pulse to check the lights. maybe a bad connection or signs of something failing.

 

[Prev]

I will re-check all wiring contacts again this afternoon ..... just to be safe.

 

[muqs]

i have the exact same issue. would like to know what the cause of this is..

 

[Legacy]

Your bulb is on the way out, I had a set of xenon bulbs that were flickering and then died a couple of months later. Either that or your control unit is going, lets hope its just the bulb.

 

[E36cab]

Thx Legacy!
Whats the best way to test them?

 

[msm]

Check if both bulbs are flickering or one only. If one side only, then swap the bulbs around (i.e. left to right).

If the problem follows the bulb, then it's the bulb. If the problem remains on the same side, then it's the control unit (or wiring).

 

[BMW M]

Dont shock yourself!! These control units carry huge loads in capasitors. 25000V if memory serves right... BE CAREFUL when checking wires and control units.

 

[Legacy]

Dont shock yourself!! These control units carry huge loads in capasitors. 25000V if memory serves right... BE CAREFUL when checking wires and control units.

+1

Never ever swop anything or touch anything with the xenons turned on, there is a reason BMW puts the sticker of the guy getting electricuted on the xenon headlight covers.

Like MSN said if its both lights there is a wiring problem, if its just one side swop the bulbs and see if it swoppes the problem.

 

[E36cab]

Hey guys, I think i found the problem
Last night after driving for about 20min the lights started flicking again mostly after taking off at an intersection.
When i stopped the car and checked the headlights the left one was not working. If i turn the lights off and then on again it comes back on.(note, don't turn off engine and lights)
I think it might be the bulb, any suggestions?

 

[Onyx]

Hey guys, I think i found the problem
Last night after driving for about 20min the lights started flicking again mostly after taking off at an intersection.
When i stopped the car and checked the headlights the left one was not working. If i turn the lights off and then on again it comes back on.(note, don't turn off engine and lights)
I think it might be the bulb, any suggestions?

Legacy said it... Your bulb/globe is most probably on the way out

 

[msm]

Check if both bulbs are flickering or one only. If one side only, then swap the bulbs around (i.e. left to right).

If the problem follows the bulb, then it's the bulb. If the problem remains on the same side, then it's the control unit (or wiring).

As above

 

[E36cab]

Thx guys, anyone know where i can get replacment bulbs?
Stealers price is believed to be insane.

 

[Legacy]

D2s bulbs right? If yes I have plenty.

 

[E36cab]

D2s bulbs right? If yes I have plenty.

How much are they?

 

[Onyx]

Have a look here at sparxx.co.za

 

[E36cab]

Thx Onyx, called them R1100 each and R95 for delivery.
Now i just need to swop the bulbs from left to right to figure out if it really is the bulb.

 

[Onyx]

Thx Onyx, called them R1100 each and R95 for delivery.
Now i just need to swop the bulbs from left to right to figure out if it really is the bulb.

Ouch... pricey (well guess not if you compare it to dealership quote)

Did you find out the price from BMW?