Help-bad ballast??

[PeteG]

So, I've been having chronic problems w/ my driver's side low-beam (xenon) not turning on (often when cold and/or very wet out). Now, the low beam won't go on at all. I had a spare matching xenon bulb and just installed it. Low beam will still not go on-don't think it's the bulb now.

I'm thinking it could be the ballast-any ideas or insights? If so, is it ok to purchase just one ballast or do I need to do in pairs for some reason. If so, does anyone know what the OEM ballast is (is it Phillips)? Should I ebay it or is there another suggestion?

I have an E53 2001 x5 3.0i, original owner.

As always, thanks in advance!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by PeteG

So, I've been having chronic problems w/ my driver's side low-beam (xenon) not turning on (often when cold and/or very wet out). Now, the low beam won't go on at all. I had a spare matching xenon bulb and just installed it. Low beam will still not go on-don't think it's the bulb now.

I'm thinking it could be the ballast-any ideas or insights? If so, is it ok to purchase just one ballast or do I need to do in pairs for some reason. If so, does anyone know what the OEM ballast is (is it Phillips)? Should I ebay it or is there another suggestion?

I have an E53 2001 x5 3.0i, original owner.

As always, thanks in advance!

I would try and replace the driver-side ballast with the passenger-side and see if that fixes it. I don't believe they are L/R exclusive and I don't think you have to code/program anything.

Also, not sure if yours is similar to my 04 but you could try exchanging the igniters too.

[msammy]

Excellent advice Pops, they are not L/R exclusive parts. I just did this a couple of weeks ago and they are identical parts. Just a PITA to rip both headlight assemblies out then the ballasts, but that's the only way to figure out if the ballast is bad without buying a new one. After a few times, I'm able to remove the headlight assembly completely out of the car in less than 5 minutes!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by msammy

Excellent advice Pops, they are not L/R exclusive parts. I just did this a couple of weeks ago and they are identical parts. Just a PITA to rip both headlight assemblies out then the ballasts, but that's the only way to figure out if the ballast is bad without buying a new one. After a few times, I'm able to remove the headlight assembly completely out of the car in less than 5 minutes!

Ha! No 5 minutes for me. I wish us 04+ owners didn't have to remove the front bumper to get to the damn ballasts!

[Zulu95]

I bought OEM ballast from fleabay 5 years ago so you can get a bargain sometimes from an auction. You could try contacting some of the "Digital Ballast" guys who sell on fleabay and ask if they can supply one of their new units with OEM fittings. Does not cost to ask.

[PeteG]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll swap both headlight assemblies (obviously, not fitted into the car) and fire them up. A slight bit easier than disconnecting/reconnecting ballasts.

If I do need to replace one ballast, do I need an OEM ballast or can I get another? If so, what specs do I need to know?

Thanks, you guys rock!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by PeteG

... If I do need to replace one ballast, do I need an OEM ballast or can I get another? If so, what specs do I need to know?

Thanks, you guys rock!

Not sure on this. However, fleabay usually have the used OE ones.

I'd check online to see what new OEM replacements cost first to compare prices. Good luck!

[msammy]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Not sure on this. However, fleabay usually have the used OE ones.

I'd check online to see what new OEM replacements cost first to compare prices. Good luck!

I checked the other day, there a a bunch of used OEM's on eBay for about $85. Just check to make sure they have a good return policy if you get a dud! Brand new replacement from your BMW dealer is roughly $400.