Troubleshooting '03 E53 Xenon

[labatt]

So... passenger side low beam is out. High beam works, turn signal works, but the low beam is out. I'm ASSUMING this means the bulb is blown? Could it be the ballast or something else? If it could be something else, how do I best troubleshoot?

If it's pretty definite that it's the bulb, do I follow these instructions to remove the unit?

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...placement.html

These instructions to access the bulb:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...non-bulbs.html

And then buy something like this?

Philips D2S HID Xenon Bulb BMW E46 E39 M3 M5 x5 New | eBay

Or any better suggestions on the process and bulb?

[Ricky Bobby]

Don't buy Philips bulbs on eBay. Too many fakes out there.

D2S is available genuine pair from hidbulbzrus.com for 74 shipped.

But to be certain its the bulb id swap it side to side to be sure the ballast is good on that side.

And I think it goes without saying to replace the pair if is is the bulbs

[labatt]

Yeah... it's freezing out and I don't have an indoor spot to work on the car.. and to get to the bulbs includes pulling out a number of items that block the lights so I was hoping to figure it out without having to replace both sides at this point (wait til the Spring when it's warmer - but I have an inspection coming up so I have to get the one side working now). Also, do I have to pull out the entire light assembly to get to the bulbs?

[ArmyX5]

No you don't have to pull out the entire light assembly. It is not that difficult. Here is a great video of how to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNWkSi0-9ZU

[tmv]

You don't have to, but I would remove the entire assemblies. There are 4 bolts to hold each side (you have pre-facelift, facelift is a different story). Then you can bring them inside to replace whatever you need to. No need to stand out in the cold for the entire time it'd take.