replacing complete HID to aftermarket questions?

vuthy335 · 05-14-2015, 02:37 PM

Has anyone completely replaced their stock HIDs with after market? bulb, ballast and all? If so does it give an error code? Is there any complications. One of my stock ballast and bulb is out. I thinking of replacing it with complete aftermarket versus to just one set of stock bulb and ballast. thanks

VTECaddict · 05-14-2015, 03:11 PM

The stock ballast is specifically designed to weather seal with the headlight housing, and you would have to figure out how to wire up the aftermarket ballast because every ballast has their own type of connector.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 05-14-2015, 07:24 PM

I'd personally stick with OEM, it will cost a little more but there won't be any complications, potential errors or even worse reliability issues.

Historically, those who use cheap aftermarket and/or knock off Philips/OSRAM bulbs blow their factory ballast. Just some food for thought.

Fundguy1 · 05-14-2015, 08:12 PM

Ballast is integrated into the control module of the adaptive headlights. I'd just replace bulbs. I don't see an advantage to using an aftermarket ballast.

streetdreamz335i · 05-15-2015, 12:52 AM

I've replaced both ballast on my headlight with aftermarket ones! Removed old ones and opened them up to remove OEM plug for powering it up just had to buy 2 d1s bulbs new d1s ballasts! Cut off power supply and solder on new tab! Pretty simple cut some small fiberglass and sealed OEM ballast location no issues for over a year

05-14-2015, 02:37 PM	#1
vuthy335 Lieutenant 103 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 2008 335i montego blue - 2011 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: kansas city, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 bmw 335i e92 [0.00] 2011 bmw 535xi [0.00]	replacing complete HID to aftermarket questions? Has anyone completely replaced their stock HIDs with after market? bulb, ballast and all? If so does it give an error code? Is there any complications. One of my stock ballast and bulb is out. I thinking of replacing it with complete aftermarket versus to just one set of stock bulb and ballast. thanks
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05-14-2015, 03:11 PM	#2
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	The stock ballast is specifically designed to weather seal with the headlight housing, and you would have to figure out how to wire up the aftermarket ballast because every ballast has their own type of connector. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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05-14-2015, 07:24 PM	#3
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	I'd personally stick with OEM, it will cost a little more but there won't be any complications, potential errors or even worse reliability issues. Historically, those who use cheap aftermarket and/or knock off Philips/OSRAM bulbs blow their factory ballast. Just some food for thought.
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05-14-2015, 08:12 PM	#4
Fundguy1 Major General 2033 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Ballast is integrated into the control module of the adaptive headlights. I'd just replace bulbs. I don't see an advantage to using an aftermarket ballast.
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05-15-2015, 12:52 AM	#5
streetdreamz335i Private First Class 16 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 08 bmw 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Azusa,Ca iTrader: (0)	I've replaced both ballast on my headlight with aftermarket ones! Removed old ones and opened them up to remove OEM plug for powering it up just had to buy 2 d1s bulbs new d1s ballasts! Cut off power supply and solder on new tab! Pretty simple cut some small fiberglass and sealed OEM ballast location no issues for over a year __________________ Shake & bake!!
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