Mo,

If its not the connections (per Tom), then I would tend to agree with:

My HID fogs were having startup problems (only blinked) and when I got those error cancelling harness it solved my startup probs. Seems like MOST X5s need those dang things.

If I remember correctly, you already have them? One of my fogs sopped working and I thought it was the ballast. I sent them back and they tested fine. Turns out I got water in the harness and connectors. I let them dry out a few days and all good now! Remember we left your fogs laying around instead of tying them up. I tied mine after the water incident and no problems since.

Listen to TOM and make sure all connectiosn are tight and good. After that make sure no moisture and then check the error-cancelling suckers.

Good Luck and keep us up to date. :thumbup:

thanks Jose,

i guess the biggest thing im surprised about is how the fogs work with no prob and the headlights dont when they are both the same ballasts just different bulb types. the connection mrbmwx5 pointed out makes sense, but the old ballasts fit well, and the same issue occured. i am going out in a bit to play around with them a bit and try what tom said and see if that cuts it. if not is there anyway to 'change' the current error cancelling device to a new one? or is it possible its the bulbs? the biggest thing im surprised about is how temperature has an effect.. what could temperature mean?

Moh,

What do you mean by different bulb type? Do you mean they are not D2S bulbs and they are H7? I would not think the bulb type would make a difference. I'd check any adapters if you are using them.

I think it has to do with the voltage/wattage. Those error cancelling things also, I think, "regulate" the current. If your HLs were non-xenon before, I believe they would be 55W and the HID is normally 35W. At least, this is my understanding.

The temp thing I don't know. X5Dawg still has issues with his HID (won't start up right away or have to push the power on/off before firing up.) even after installing the error cancelling harness.

Maybe try to swap out the error cancelling from the fogs? I think most connectors might be universal in those kits.

i had xenons before on the factory lights.

but heres an update:

i went out right now and the drivers side powered on and the passengers did not (its very hot outside). so i took to doing what tom said and ensuring the connector is completly fastened because it was not locking. even when locked, it does not power on. i did hear a small-spark sound for a few seconds (maybe the ballast trying to start up?)

so whats the next step. i went through two sets of ballasts with the exact same problem. i wana ask custom angel eyes for a new set of bulbs to try that, but seeing as how i am still waiting for a replacement headlight after 7 months, i dont have 7 months to wait for a new bulb, so i might end up buying another set if that should be the next step.

so if it is the error cancelling devices, which part is that and where do i get replacements? or can i just plug in capacitors to see if that does it? (really not good at wiring so if any of this doesn't make sense call me out lol)

anybody got a set of ANY h7 hid bulbs lying around i can use to test out to see if its the bulbs?

Moh, why you want to have another H7 for testing? You think its problem is the bulb?
If i were you i try to check all connections, switching ballast between fogs and headlights to see what's going on.
Do some researches and this may helps you alot. Not only this issue but things that related our trucks.

i think there is a possibility it is the bulb. when the ballasts were switched, the same issues occured, nothing different. so if the same exact issues are occuring it has to be something else there. also, temperature is having an effect on it too. nobody seems to have commented on what temperature could mean.

so i'm just assuming its the bulb.. and want to try it to see if thats the issue. i don't feel like buying new bulbs only to find out its not it.

i'm still open to suggestions.

ok so today i took out the headlight assembly and started to seriously examine the setup. everything is plugged in fine. so i powered on the xenons for a test, and only the drivers side came one. i went to examine the passengers side, and i heard a buzz sound, silence, buzz sound, silence (i assumed it was the xenons TRYING to power on??) i then examined the ballast, and noticed a black, hardened, yet somewhat sticky substance on it that wasn't there prior to installation (last week). i would describe the look of it like asphalt.. and it was inbetween the ballast and the metal piece holding the ballast down. what could it be?

and then after i put everything back together, i powered on the headlight again for another test, and guess what. the passenger side worked but the driver side did not!! WTF??

at this point i'm about to give up. i might be trying one more thing (capacitor) to see if that does anything at all.

so nobody else has any ideas?? anybody know someone who specializes in HID that i can go to for assistance?

If that black tar like stuff was coming from inside of the ballast, it may be a failing ballast...

Hmmm..... I just remembered I still have the aftermarket xenon setup from the aftermarket headlights from my old and sold E36 sitting in a box on my toolbox at work, and I think they are H7.......

I leave tomorrow morning for ATL for training, but will double check next Monday. And if so can make you a killer deal on a whole setup that was/is properly working with no problems. (as long as they are H7)

weasel thats very generous and i might take you up on that offer. but heres the thing, i just changed the ballasts and am having the same issue. i don't believe that black tar like stuff is from the ballast because it was also on one of the old ballasts (and there was no hole in the ballast, but i will inspect it again). these new ballasts are the ones being used for my HID fogs, and they have no issues in the fogs.

i am having many issues i can't answer:
1. why warmer temperature causes them to power on easier
2. why it alternates between sides, and sometimes neither powers on
3. what is the buzzing sound that occurs a few time when xenons are first powered up
4. why is the SAME EXACT issue occuring with DIFFERENT ballasts
5. WHY CAN'T THEY JUST WORK lol
6. oh, and why is Dave at customangeleyes/angelibright being of no help?? (yes, i finally had to call him out)

:throw:

Moh, you must be kidding me, you draw a confusion regarding your headlights system here LOL - this must be involved to the entire wire plugin system not just for H7 wire that connected to your HID bulbs. (you stated that driver side headlight off when you fixed the passenger side] this is weird and how couldn't effect your fog lights and others high beam and AE lights? Frankly, i don't get you at this point at all.
When Tom installed this for you all of us were there and systems worked perfectly.
I don't think BMW lights sytem that junk nor new ballast pair that you replace.

By the way i am heading to DC this week for business trip, i will bring my HID system with me (bought it for fog lights mod but I haven't got any chance to put them in yet) if i have time afer work and if you don't mind, see me somewhere in Fairfax then try to put this HID kit on, see what happens LOL