2007 E70 bi xenon headlight issues

[hbrezzi70]

Hello guys.

I just got this car a few weeks ago and now my passenger headlight does not flash the highbeam. I thought it was just the bulb but found out that the problem is way more complicated...

My local dealer says it will cost me $1600 to get a new headlight since the whole lamp needs to be replaced.... really?? Any thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks!

[Bimmer360]

Originally Posted by hbrezzi70

Hello guys.

I just got this car a few weeks ago and now my passenger headlight does not flash the highbeam. I thought it was just the bulb but found out that the problem is way more complicated...

My local dealer says it will cost me $1600 to get a new headlight since the whole lamp needs to be replaced.... really?? Any thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks!

Was it working when you first got it? Low-beam works?

[hbrezzi70]

Yes, everything worked when I got it and now only low beam workes. I am told that the intensity of the light stays the same (when going from low to high beams) and that it is the lamp that projects the light higher and lower.

[740iS]

It's a bi-xenon headlamp. What that means is instead of a 2nd bulb or filament, it uses a shutter to block part of the light on low beam. Then the shutter is moved out of the way (electric plunger inside the assembly) and you have full light for highbeam.

Unless you feel comfortable with cutting off the outer lens and replacing the lens with a new one after figuring out how to repair or replace the plunger. Then the dealer is correct and you would have to replace the assembly. Maybe you can find someone nearer to you than the US that is parting out an X5 and you can pay far less for the headlight and replace it yourself.

[hbrezzi70]

Thanks for the detailed answer! So the plunger could be repaired? Would you attempt to do it or your advise would be to buy another headlight? I haven’t found any info online on how to go about fixing it... Thanks!

[740iS]

If you can find a replacement plunger or maybe a broken wire inside you can replace or repair. Not sure if the plunger is "dead" if it can be repaired or not.

Would I attempt it? Yes, with the plan to completely replace if needed. I know you can find replacement lens online (ebay and other places) and if I remember correctly there is a few how to write ups here where people have replaced the lens, added new angel eye rings and other work on the headlights. You'll need to search for those however.

Hope this helps

[kaput]

Its not as much a plunger as a solenoid controlled shutter, like that of a camera. When you apply 12v to the solenoid, the shutter flips out of the way, to allow the light produced from the bulb, and reflected from the bowl to enter both the top and bottom of the Plano Convex lens. By allowing the light to go through the bottom on the back, the light then comes out of the top of the outer part of the lens, giving you identical output in a different spot.

I highly doubt the Solenoid is damaged, as these are literally indestructible under most circumstances. My guess, is a wiring issue. I'm sure they are listed in the diagram as having a certain polarity, but it really shouldn't matter. I would look for breaks in the harness, or if there is a more of a main harness that attaches to the light, look for bad/bent pins, corrosion and other problems.

[hbrezzi70]

Thank you guys so much! I appreciate all your help. I will definitely check all wires and connections before anything els else and I will post results.

[02gryx5]

Hi guys, I’m having a similar problem but I don’t have a headlight at all. I have day time running, halos and indicators but I got no headlight. The ballast (new one on order) is bad and could this blow a fuse as the ballast gets hot and draws more current? If so where is the fuse for the headlights located?
Thx, I don’t mean to hijack your thread.


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