Dealer just charged me $400 to change a bulb, what are my options...

[TwinsPoppa]

OK, let's not make this a criticize/bash dealerships thread.

We've probably all been in a similar position but the important thing is that we learn from the experience. We also need to be accountable as much as the dealerships.

The dealerships play an important role, provide services and have a business to run. Not all dealerships are bad or good.

Without dealerships there would be less resources for the consumer. We would not have our beloved X without dealerships. We would not have people like weasel helping us learn, save money and make this forum enjoyable too. We wouldn't have as many jobs available. Blah, blah, blah.

Sorry, stepping down off my box now. I'm just saying let's not get too carried away.

[rmani]

thanks guys. ive been dealing with some personal stuff right now and my head just wasn't right. i feel so stupid and just lost nearly $400 but what can i do now. Learn and move on. I'm gonna pm someone on here and see if they can help. I just want the freaking lights to match.

[haigha]

Originally Posted by rmani

thanks guys. ive been dealing with some personal stuff right now and my head just wasn't right. i feel so stupid and just lost nearly $400...

Something to consider is that it could have been even more expensive if you:

- had an accident because of the missing light.

- got a ticket.

Also since, it was $360ish with the discount, it must have been around $335 plus tax, right? That sounds more reasonable if their hourly rate is $120 or $140.

And your tale of woe will probably help others here avoid the shock of a large bill for a seemingly minor repair by at getting an estimate first

[rmani]

Originally Posted by haigha

Something to consider is that it could have been even more expensive if you:

- had an accident because of the missing light.

- got a ticket.

Also since, it was $360ish with the discount, it must have been around $335 plus tax, right? That sounds more reasonable if their hourly rate is $120 or $140.

And your tale of woe will probably help others here avoid the shock of a large bill for a seemingly minor repair by at getting an estimate first

This is a very good point and it makes me feel better. I hope my tale of woe can help save someone else from it. BTW I went to morristown BMW which has always given me great service but I am definitely annoyed about this bulb issue. They also kept me waiting for 2 hrs!

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by rmani

I just want the freaking lights to match.

Phillips 85122 bulbs start life at 4.3K but "burn in" over time to 4.8-5K.

This might be what you're seeing.

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

Phillips Osram 85122+ bulbs start life at 4.3K but "burn in" over time to 5K.

This might be what you're seeing.

Not quite. Let me set the record straight on the bulbs.

1. Phillips and Osram are two different companies. Phillips bulbs last longer and do not color shift nearly as much as Osrams over time (look at an older Acura TL with 1 purple headlight if you want to see Osrams in action.

2. Phillips code for the D2S bulb is 85122 and 85122+. The 85122 is a normal 4300k HID bulb, while the 85122+ is brighter by a couple hundred lumens, and is closer to 4100k in color. If you compare the two, the 85122+ has a yellower light, but it is brighter, and at the end of its life cycle will only dim and not color shift.

3. The lights will shift in color after burning in (around 100 hours of usage), but not very much. 85122s settle in around around 4800-5000k, while the 85122+ was specifically designed NOT to colorshift.

4. Option 3, if you are matching another bulb, get the Phillips 85122CM. This Bulb is a 4800k bulb and is designed to match older 85122s.

If you got any other HID-related question, LMK.

[NJ04e53]

wow - that is one expensive bulb.. I had replaced mine last week before my trip down NC..I called up and pick up OSRAM D2s bulb from pepboys for $100 and it matched my other xenon perfectly.. Which dealer did you go to? There's a member selling their d2s here - http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...6000k-d2s.html

[rmani]

Originally Posted by NJ04e53

wow - that is one expensive bulb.. I had replaced mine last week before my trip down NC..I called up and pick up OSRAM D2s bulb from pepboys for $100 and it matched my other xenon perfectly.. Which dealer did you go to? There's a member selling their d2s here - http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...6000k-d2s.html

thanks man. i had 6000ks in my old m3 they looked great but i really like the bright white stock look of the 4500ks. i pmed a few people on here i'm just gonna cut my losses and buy two new bulbs, and while i'm at it get LED rear tails so everything will work and match. I just need someone on here who's willing to help me install everything I hate working on stuff like this. I'll pay someone on here if they're willing to come to my house and do the install for me. I'll even throw in some beer or vodka.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rmani

thanks man. i had 6000ks in my old m3 they looked great but i really like the bright white stock look of the 4500ks. i pmed a few people on here i'm just gonna cut my losses and buy two new bulbs, and while i'm at it get LED rear tails so everything will work and match. I just need someone on here who's willing to help me install everything I hate working on stuff like this. I'll pay someone on here if they're willing to come to my house and do the install for me. I'll even throw in some beer or vodka.

Come out to the Connecticut meet this weekend and I'll do it for free!

[rmani]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Come out to the Connecticut meet this weekend and I'll do it for free!

that's really nice of you to offer tanks man, but unfortunately I don't have the new bulbs yet (plan on buying the ebay set someone recommended) and I have an engagement party in NYC on saturday so I doubt I can make it. I'll gladly pay someone here in NJ if they can help me out. I live in 07920 so if anyone is near by please let me know.