problem with my left xenon: Update-fixed!

[PeteG]

Lately my left (driver's) xenon headlight tends to not turn on right away, resulting in a headlight out error. It tends to happen more when it's colder out. After I turn on the headlamps for a few minutes, the headlight will kick on, and subsequently the dash error disappears.

Questions:

1) Do you think it's a bulb or the ballast itself?

2) If I am to replace that ballast, what is the best/easiest way to disconnect the power/battery so that I don't fry myself, as well as messing up settings and indicators on the car?

3) Could it possibly be something else?

FYI, it's an '01 3.0 with a xenon retrofit. Have had no trouble up until now. The computer/lamp control module obviously detects the xenons.

Thanks in advance!

[Zulu95]

Start by hitting Ebay and buying a couple of new bulbs. They run around $25 the pair. Change out the bulb and see if the fault remains. If so then hit Ebay again for a ballast.
PM me if you need removal instructions.

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by Zulu95

Start by hitting Ebay and buying a couple of new bulbs. They run around $25 the pair. Change out the bulb and see if the fault remains. If so then hit Ebay again for a ballast.
PM me if you need removal instructions.

Thanks. I have an extra oem D2S bulb I'll try. I can remove the assembly and ballast, as I did so for my retrofit a few years ago. I just don't remember the best way to disconnect power. (ie, negative terminal only in trunk, perhaps?) I don't want to get electrocuted or do damage to the car.

[Zulu95]

No need to do that. Lights off = power off. Nothing going to bite except the sharp plastic. 3 Torx screws and remove the plastic clip on the rubber seal (if you have the OEM ballast)to pop off the round cover and then a quick twist on the bulb retainer.

[JV]

I'd give my left Xenon to see Jessica Alba naked.

JV

[asawadude]

What's up with everyone changing their avatars? Are we getting PC here?

[JV]

Originally Posted by asawadude

What's up with everyone changing their avatars? Are we getting PC here?

My bad. I haven't had a controversial avatar yet. Sig pic, yes, but not avatar. As long as PNG still has some female ass jigglin' somewhere, I'd say we're still ok.

JV

[benathon]

Originally Posted by JV

I'd give my left Xenon to see Jessica Alba naked.

JV

I'll give my car to be able to take her Oscar dress off...

[PeteG]

Does it have to be an X5 specific Hella ballast, or can it be an e39 hella ballast that fits d2s bulb?

[rayxi]

I had a similar problem on my E46. Could be just a mechanical contact problem. This is consistent with the temperature correlation of the symptom. As the engine heat warms up the metal it expands to give better contact. I unplugged, cleaned and replugged the connector and the problem hasn't returned.