'02 X5 xenon light issue

[Aleko]

The passenger side headlight (xenon) started acting up on my '02 X5 about a month ago. First, it turned purple/pink instead of the usual blueish white. Then, a couple of weeks after that, it developed a 2-3 second delay before lighting up. It has also failed to light up at all a couple of times and I'd get the "check your low beam" message on the dashboard. Both times it "fixed" itself by turning the lights off and back on again. Looking at the diagram, I see that there are 4 things that could potentially be a problem - the light bulb, igniter, ballast or the control module. I doubt it's the light bulb issue, so it's probably one of the other 3. Based on the behavior I've seen, it almost seems like the igniter could be the issue, but I guess it could also be the ballast dying and not supplying enough voltage to the igniter/light bulb.

Has anyone had this problem before or seen similar symptoms? Since all of the components are fairly expensive and most likely non-returnable (at least at my local dealership they have a sign posted that all electrical components are non-refundable), I'd hate to waste the money on the wrong part. Thanks in advance.

[darstar301]

I had this same issue with my X5. Turned out ot be a bad bulb. I changed out both bulbs since I upgraded to 5000K bulbs.

[Aleko]

Originally Posted by darstar301

I had this same issue with my X5. Turned out ot be a bad bulb. I changed out both bulbs since I upgraded to 5000K bulbs.

Really? I figured that if the light bulb were dead, it would just stop working, period. But if it's really the case, it's good news because the light bulb would probably be the least expensive part to replace.

What the difference between the 5000K bulb and the stock bulb? Was it OEM or aftermarket bulb? How much was it and what's the best place to buy one, if you don't mind me asking?

[sethro]

Originally Posted by Aleko

Really? I figured that if the light bulb were dead, it would just stop working, period. But if it's really the case, it's good news because the light bulb would probably be the least expensive part to replace.

What the difference between the 5000K bulb and the stock bulb? Was it OEM or aftermarket bulb? How much was it and what's the best place to buy one, if you don't mind me asking?

OEM bulbs output 4,300K and they output the most white light illumination. BMW, Audi, Benz and other manufacturers run this temp. 5,000K is slightly blueish. See the diagram

[Aleko]

Originally Posted by sethro

OEM bulbs output 4,300K and they output the most white light illumination. BMW, Audi, Benz and other manufacturers run this temp. 5,000K is slightly blueish. See the diagram

Thanks for the chart. Based on it, wouldn't it be better to stay with stock bulbs? I had always thought staying closer to the clear white spectrum is the best option for best visibility/illumination, even though the blue headlights are in style? Or am I wrong on this one? Also, if I wanted to stay with stock (or similar to) bulbs, are there any good aftermarket xenon bulbs available, or is it best to stick with true OEM bulbs?

[sethro]

Originally Posted by Aleko

Thanks for the chart. Based on it, wouldn't it be better to stay with stock bulbs? I had always thought staying closer to the clear white spectrum is the best option for best visibility/illumination, even though the blue headlights are in style? Or am I wrong on this one? Also, if I wanted to stay with stock (or similar to) bulbs, are there any good aftermarket xenon bulbs available, or is it best to stick with true OEM bulbs?

Its a personal preference, some people like the blueish color, I personally would personally stick with the OEM temp. You will get the best light output of them, plus it puts less glare/strain in the eyes of oncoming traffic.

Before you go shopping for a new bulb you should swap the bulb that is working into the other headlight to see if the bulb is really burnt out. It could be the ballast is bad or even the igniter.

[Aleko]

Originally Posted by sethro

Its a personal preference, some people like the blueish color, I personally would personally stick with the OEM temp. You will get the best light output of them, plus it puts less glare/strain in the eyes of oncoming traffic.

Before you go shopping for a new bulb you should swap the bulb that is working into the other headlight to see if the bulb is really burnt out. It could be the ballast is bad or even the igniter.

Good point, thanks.

[msammy]

If you end up needing a new bulb, you should replace in pairs in order to keep the same "color" . I just purchased a pair on Ebay, OEM DS2 Philips bulbs for $86, free shipping. They work great! Here's a link to one of the sellers items. Good luck and let us know how things work out!

PHILIPS D2S Xenon HID Bulbs BMW 325i 325Ci 325Xi M3 X5 : eBay Motors (item 280443183901 end time Jan-25-10 00:45:28 PST)

[darstar301]

Originally Posted by Aleko

Really? I figured that if the light bulb were dead, it would just stop working, period. But if it's really the case, it's good news because the light bulb would probably be the least expensive part to replace.

What the difference between the 5000K bulb and the stock bulb? Was it OEM or aftermarket bulb? How much was it and what's the best place to buy one, if you don't mind me asking?

The bulb did the same thing( first pink, then had to flip the on/off to get them to fire). I did a test by swaping the bulbs around since the other parts are alot of $$. You may want to try this first.

[Aleko]

Originally Posted by msammy

If you end up needing a new bulb, you should replace in pairs in order to keep the same "color" . I just purchased a pair on Ebay, OEM DS2 Philips bulbs for $86, free shipping. They work great! Here's a link to one of the sellers items. Good luck and let us know how things work out!

PHILIPS D2S Xenon HID Bulbs BMW 325i 325Ci 325Xi M3 X5 : eBay Motors (item 280443183901 end time Jan-25-10 00:45:28 PST)

Thanks for the link. I'm waiting for a quote from a dealer, too, so we'll see how much they want for the bulb(s).