Thanks, guys, for the quick reply on the low-beam replacements. I appreciate all the information and again the timely reply. Gos to show what a value this board is.

I'll be interested to know how the aftermarket (auto store) replacement bulb works. I'm currently going round and round with my dealership. I had one lowbeam blow and I replaced both (as you should always replace both bulbs at the same time to ensure they burn the same brightness. Anyway, my headlights started to blow randomly since the replacement. Its my opinion there is an electrical issue, but after my last visit to the dealership, they insist its the non-BMW bulbs.

They replaced with BMW bulbs and then asked me to pay 240.00 for parts and labor. I refused and told them to take their bulbs out because I don't believe its the fact I used non-BMW bulbs. In fact, the bulbs I used were Sylvania blubs (made by the same manufacture as the BMW bulbs in Germany). I'm convinced that an electrical surge is causing the bulbs to blow. We'll know in the next couple weeks as I wait for the BMW bulbs to blow like the rest have been doing. They've been last 6-12 weeks before blowing and usually blow just as I start the car (further demonstrating a potential surge to the bulb).

I'll keep you all posted as things develop, but would love to hear if any others have had this problem.

My Low-Beam Burn-Out or (Something Rotten In Denmark??)
 

RJRD...........
O.K., here is the "skinny" on my vehicle. Had it about a month (four weeks appx.) and on a trip to Laughlin, Nv., stopped 4 a smoke (don't smoke in the car) and a pee. Upon firing her up, sign in the mid said to check my lights. Well, saw nothing wrong until I thought of turn signals..tried them and left front one was out. Went on to Laughlin..turn sig. remained out 4 nxt four days. On the fourth day, and upon arrival home, got a low-beam light out same side on the front. Changed it along with the turn sig. replacement and I used genuine BMW bulbs...cost me a pretty penny 4 the bulbs and did work myself. SSSoooo, fellow BM'ers..........here I sit. Now....wanna know what is nagging me and please...no flaming or cat-calls from the "peanut gallary" . I already feel paranoid enough. The KICKER??
Well, look at the car beside the old retired guy. Looks "cherry" right? Well, I understand it is an over used phrase but believe me when I tell you...this car is/was? CHERRY!! a 2003 X5 with 41,000 miles. Gave me FULL high retail trade on my 2003 Dodge Dakota with 43,000miles plus knocked 4,600 off asking price. Now....youse cannot varify this except by my word but believe me this car is the cleanist used vehicle I've ever bought and I most likely been around longer than most of you. READY? IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!! I mean the engine is spotless, the interior is spotless.....it smells like it's been off the showroom floor a fortnight. Course there was no use of the ashtrays.
O.k, O.K., my wife says I am a smart guy (I married her) but something smells rotten in Denmark. I mean...bad times or not (and thus I thought the "give-a-way" price and especially here in California was legit because this state is huring as you all have heard) this scenerio has me thinking (and praying cause with all due respect to Christians, Jews, and Muslims...I don't go to church) but I am PRAYING and crossing everything crossable.
I promise to keep you guys/gals informed as much as it may hurt my pride if I've been "schweened" and as embarrasing it may be if I have not and this is just the neddlesome worries of an old man who was finally able to "realize his dream". Wish me well and would the religious guys please say a prayer in whatever language and prayer book?

Disneygrad

:rofl: You know what? Don't worry ... be happy!:D

Enjoy the X, maintain her, give her a checkup every now and then for preventive maintenance. That's all you can do.

You only live once so I say don't live the rest of your life worrying yourself to the grave - even faster! Relax ... it's NOT always nightmares ... it'll all work out! ;) :thumbup:

Big Thank Ya to Twins!!!
Yeah, these days, guess there's plenty to worry about. Plus fate must have intervened cause I did something I never do.......I bought the extended warranty from GMC. In fact, the wife was shocked because we never purchase "extended" warranties on ANYTHING! Generally, they are a waste of money...but, but something just told me to do it because they ain't cheap as they say.


Later..........

Disney

Well, I believe some aftermarket light bulbs are higher wattage (80-90W) than the ones on your car (55W usually)... and the higher wattage lights put on more load on the wiring/relays than engineers designed them for. It is not far fetched that some problems in the system may be caused by the higher wattage aftermarket bulbs.

Also, some of the aftermarket bulbs (usually the same higher wattage ones) are not as durable, and burn out easier... making people go back to 'regular' bulbs later.

An aftermarket H7 bulb (or whatever type it is that is used in the car) with the correct power rating should NOT be the cause of problem in other parts of the wiring/etc., and dealer's suggestion that you should ONLY go with OEM lights is just a money making suggestion.

Yeppers.......
The line variance theory has the ring of being sound. I know in electronics, a miniscule variance can make something work or...NOT WORK, as the case may be.

And again, I am using genuine BMW parts, if for no other reason than to save "arguments" from the powers that reacte to my complaints. True...the cost is extra but unless really horrendous...it saves hassle in begining the process. And you know "they" grabe on anything they can so often instead of applying a solution to the problem. They want to make it "YOU'RE PROBLEM"! nUFF