Xenon Headlamps no longer very bright

[jrapt1]

I have an 02 X5 3.0i with the projection Xenon headlamps and they seem to be getting weaker and weaker. I have trouble seeing at night at high speeds becuase they aren't strong enough. The bright lights work great however. Is this a common problem? Can i buy new bulbs for these headlamps or do the whole headlamps need to be replaced?

Thanks,
J

[GiRARDsays]

when you look at your lights, do the Xenons look a bit pink when they're on? If so, your bulbs at the end of their life cycle and should be changed right away. Stock Xenon bulbs have a color temp of roughly 4300k. Buy the new bulbs, use some plastic polish on the lights, and your lights will shine like new again.

[klnteg]

How much are new bulbs? Just curious? Do you have to buy them at BMW?

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by GiRARDsays

when you look at your lights, do the Xenons look a bit pink when they're on? If so, your bulbs at the end of their life cycle and should be changed right away. Stock Xenon bulbs have a color temp of roughly 4300k. Buy the new bulbs, use some plastic polish on the lights, and your lights will shine like new again.

Plastic polish on the lights? Or do you mean the plastic lens covers?

[GiRARDsays]

Originally Posted by asawadude

Plastic polish on the lights? Or do you mean the plastic lens covers?

lights as in the headlights. i guess you can say plastic lens cover if you wanna get technical. :p

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by asawadude

Plastic polish on the lights? Or do you mean the plastic lens covers?

My headlights' cover lenses are getting a bit tinted, is there any way to polish them to make them sparkling again?

[Zulu95]

Usually around $60 for OEM on eBay.

[jrapt1]

Does changing the Xenon bulbs require removing the entire headlight as described in the the thread on the homepage or can they be changed without removing the whole thing?

[fs_wheel]

Sometimes dim lights indicate that the battery needs replacement. Do you still have the original? I would have it checked if the answer is yes as my 0.02 worth of advice.

[Zulu95]

3 screws on the big round cover and a twist off bulb retainer will change out your bulbs.