xenon replacement?

[morne W]

Afternoon folks

I've checked a few threads, but just no success.

The Xenon bulb on the RHS switches on when I the switch lights on but then goes out. So my questions are as follow:

1. Is it the bulb on its way out or something else? I've checked the fuses and all seems fine.
2. Where in CT can I get a replacement D1S bulb?
3. What is the difference between xenon and bi-xenon?

Please please please help, car is standing on tressels as we speak .

Thanks

 

[Hugo_za]

Bi-Xenon means both high and low beams are created by a single bulb, the output of which is controlled by a mechanical shutter inside the headlight assembly.

 

[morne W]

aaah thanks Hugo. So we learn!

 

[Sankekur]

1. Is it the bulb on its way out or something else? I've checked the fuses and all seems fine.

Not to clued up about the systems using the D1S bulbs, but you could try swapping bulbs left to right, also if possible you should swap the ballasts and igniters left to right, if the first test was inconclusive.
Think on D1S bulbs the igniter is on the bulb itself so not sure if it can be separated.

3. What is the difference between xenon and bi-xenon?

Most commonly it is just applies to the projector, where bi-xenons have projectors that allow it to be used as both a low and a high beam. In this case it is referred to a bi-xenon projectors.

You also get bi-xenon bulbs, but I am not aware of any BMW factory fitted with something of this sort.

 

[morne W]

urh.... which is the ballast? first time I'm doing this

 

[Sankekur]

Should be a metal box on back of the headlight assembly

(It should be noted I have never worked with or on this system so I am just speculating)

Edit: This might be of help:

 

[Hugo_za]

The ballast is attached to the headlight housing and the igniter is attached to the bulb. If the light comes on and dies it is probably a voltage issue which would lead me to suspect the igniter on the bulb. They are relatively inexpensive to replace (relative to the ballasts) so getting a replacement is a surefire way to see if it's the ballast or the igniter


Sent from Tapatalk, iPhone 6 Plus.

 

[morne W]

ok guys so as per your advise, I have changed the bulbs around. If the igniter is the silver little attachment to the bulb, then I'm afraid its not either one of them. Bulb works perfectly on the left.

So, ballast it seems to be. Where can I have it tested or something of sort?

 

[DieselFan]

Swap ballasts around if it follows its the ballast...

 

[Hugo_za]

Just be careful when handling the ballasts as they carry massive voltage.

 

[morne W]

Thanks alot guys!

Will swap ballasts around when I get home. But what if it isn't that either? The only code I got was CC-ID 121 Dipped beam right failure

 

[Sankekur]

Thanks alot guys!

Will swap ballasts around when I get home. But what if it isn't that either? The only code I got was CC-ID 121 Dipped beam right failure

The symptom you described does make it sound like a ballast issue.......swap them first before starting to worry about second order issues.

 

[morne W]

So it was the ballast indeed. Thank you guys for the advice!! Got another one and all is working again....:coolShake:

 

[ShirazA]

Hi Morne

Where did you get the ballast from and how much?

 

[morne W]

Bruces BMW in Maitland, R1500 excl VAT.

Expensive part this is, but way cheaper than the stealers!

 

[ShirazA]

Bruces BMW in Maitland, R1500 excl VAT.

Expensive part this is, but way cheaper than the stealers!

I know. Have been looking for 1 myself... stealers want R6300.. have been trying to source a second hand 1 this side (jhb) but no luck.

Don't want to, but will have to probably end up with a non OEM if I don't find anything in the next month....

 

[morne W]

Bruces BMW in Maitland, R1500 excl VAT.

Expensive part this is, but way cheaper than the stealers!

I know. Have been looking for 1 myself... stealers want R6300.. have been trying to source a second hand 1 this side (jhb) but no luck.

Don't want to, but will have to probably end up with a non OEM if I don't find anything in the next month....

Where does one find non OEM? I actually took a whole afternoon to try find, but couldn't find. Hence I took the 2nd hand one. Let me know if you need help from down here and I can courier it to you.

 

[ShirazA]

Bruces BMW in Maitland, R1500 excl VAT.

Expensive part this is, but way cheaper than the stealers!

I know. Have been looking for 1 myself... stealers want R6300.. have been trying to source a second hand 1 this side (jhb) but no luck.

Don't want to, but will have to probably end up with a non OEM if I don't find anything in the next month....

Where does one find non OEM? I actually took a whole afternoon to try find, but couldn't find. Hence I took the 2nd hand one. Let me know if you need help from down here and I can courier it to you.

the non OEM is not a straight fit from what i gather... it means cutting into the existing wiring and is not a route i am looking forward to taking.... that is why i have rather driven with 1 light for the last 2 months (dont do much night driving).. but will need to sort out before tha annual holiday in December.

let me see if i dont come right this will right this side.... will give you a shout otherwise.

Ironic thing would be that i have it couriered from CPT so that i can drive down to CPT in December LOL.

Is it a big job to replace? can you access without having to take the whole front apart

 

[morne W]

Yeah, kinda is ironic haha.

Bad news, the bumper needs to come off and the lights out. It has 3 screws, 2 can be accessed through the wheel arch when the lining is removed.... the last 1 not lol. It was a moer of a mission and lots of effort:thumbdo: