E90Post
 


TNT Racewerks
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Headlight not Working



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-03-2012, 02:11 AM   #1
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Headlight not Working

The other night I was in dead stopped traffic for about 30 minutes. Since I wasn't moving and the radio was saying that there was a horrible accident up ahead I decided to turn off my headlights. My stock Xenon's were reflecting off the chrome bumper of the truck in front. Of course, the minute I turn off my lights, we all start moving again. I turn my headlight back on and noticed that the driver side headlight went out.

I assumed that the stock D1S bulb burned out. So I bought the D1S bulb from Sonic Tuning and installed it tonight. Passenger side works, as expected. The driver side did not work. I plugged in the working D1S bulb from the passenger side to the driver side, still nothing.

As of right now, I installed all the new parts (D1S 6000K, MTEC AE, Luminics Krypton 2500k fogs) and checked the fuse box. I wasn't sure which one to check. I looked at the diagram and made my best guess to check. Two of the fuses are 40 and one is 5. All three fuses look fine.

I am really afraid it's the ballast. Most people that have ballast problems have aftermarket parts. But my issue happened when I had all stock parts. Any ideas?

And if you guys really think it's the ballast, anyone know where I can get a good price for one? 07 328i E90.
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2012, 09:41 AM   #2
nj335i
Modaholic
nj335i's Avatar
United_States
88
Rep
1,705
Posts

Drives: with 3 pedals
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: East Coast

iTrader: (7)

My stock ballasts (with stock everything else) went bad after <50k miles - I think it's a pretty known issue.
__________________
Euro Delivery - April 2007

Appreciate 0
      02-03-2012, 10:13 AM   #3
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Ugh...I ran 70k before this happened so I guess I got "lucky". I searched online and saw that it was about $390. Anyone know where I can get it for less?
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2012, 11:11 PM   #4
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Anyone?
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-04-2012, 11:34 AM   #5
rollinstone157
Brotographer
rollinstone157's Avatar
United_States
88
Rep
1,741
Posts

Drives: F30 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdot
Ugh...I ran 70k before this happened so I guess I got &quot;lucky&quot;. I searched online and saw that it was about $390. Anyone know where I can get it for less?
http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmw3seseeoem.html while they are out of stock right now, this is a very fair price for one ballast.
Appreciate 0
      02-04-2012, 02:10 PM   #6
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Thank you! I just sent them an email asking when it becomes available. It's been such a nightmare driving around without one headlight. Does the DIY involve taking the front bumper off? Not really sure if it's a DIY. There's a shop that wants 300 to install. Ripping me off or fair price?
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-05-2012, 11:55 AM   #7
rollinstone157
Brotographer
rollinstone157's Avatar
United_States
88
Rep
1,741
Posts

Drives: F30 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdot View Post
Thank you! I just sent them an email asking when it becomes available. It's been such a nightmare driving around without one headlight. Does the DIY involve taking the front bumper off? Not really sure if it's a DIY. There's a shop that wants 300 to install. Ripping me off or fair price?
I don't think you'll have to take off the bumper. You will almost certainly have to remove the fender liner (and it would probably make it a ton easier to remove the wheel too), but I don't believe that involves removing the bumper. I personally would say $300 is a little much, especially if you are providing the part.
Appreciate 0
      02-05-2012, 01:30 PM   #8
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Only thing I found online was a e46 DIY. Does anyone have a e90 DIY?
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2012, 10:25 PM   #9
jdot
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: 07 328i E90
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

In case anyone else has this issue in the future...I gave up. Sucked it up. Went to dealer. It was the headlight module. They spent 2 hours. Took care of it and I paid hoping to never look back again.
__________________
07 E90 328i | MB | ZSP | ZCW | ZPP | De-badged | Black Matte Grill | BMW Performance Exhaust | 18" Miro 942 | Interior LED kit | Akebono Brake Pads | BMS PBX |
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2012, 11:46 PM   #10
yakev724
Brigadier General
yakev724's Avatar
229
Rep
3,561
Posts

Drives: 15 S3
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NYC

iTrader: (49)

Well the standard diagnosis procedure is to swap bulbs, then ballasts, then modules, testing along the way to isolate the culprit.

Taking it to a dealer risks other damage. Dad's X5 was taken in to have the xenon bulb replaced (under warranty). They didn't seal it correctly, water got inside, fried the control module and shorted the LKM (equivalent to FRM on our cars). Now the adaptive doesn't work and isn't trivial to fix.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2012, 10:56 AM   #11
MakkkD
Second Lieutenant
United_States
28
Rep
268
Posts

Drives: 09 e92 335xi
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Westchester, NY

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rollinstone157 View Post
http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmw3seseeoem.html while they are out of stock right now, this is a very fair price for one ballast.
This ballast is for the 2008 sedan model...are they the same for an 09 coupe?
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2012, 09:49 AM   #12
rollinstone157
Brotographer
rollinstone157's Avatar
United_States
88
Rep
1,741
Posts

Drives: F30 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MakkkD View Post
This ballast is for the 2008 sedan model...are they the same for an 09 coupe?
Hmm...I believe they are--both use a D1S Mitsubishi Ballast--but let me try and do some digging for you, just because I don't want to lead you down the wrong path!
Appreciate 0
      03-08-2012, 11:45 PM   #13
jose_sonictuning
jose_sonictuning's Avatar
United_States
310
Rep
3,572
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

iTrader: (16)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MakkkD View Post
This ballast is for the 2008 sedan model...are they the same for an 09 coupe?
All of the Pre LCI E90 uses Mitsubishi ballast.

E92 uses Al Xenon.

PM me if you have any other questions.
Appreciate 0
      11-29-2013, 12:32 AM   #14
dbltakegs3
Private First Class
3
Rep
143
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i sedan a22
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Chi, IL

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Ballast

I think I may have ran into the same issue. Is there more options out there than buying oem or from ecs for that price?
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2023, 02:24 AM   #15
cooltechguide
New Member
3
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: suzuki alto 2002
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Based on the information you provided, it seems likely that the issue with your headlight lies with the ballast. Even though most ballast problems are commonly associated with aftermarket parts, it doesn't rule out the possibility of a faulty stock ballast.

To confirm if the ballast is indeed the problem, you can try swapping the ballasts between the working passenger side and the non-working driver side headlights. If the problem persists on the driver side, then it is likely the ballast that needs to be replaced.

As for finding a good price for a replacement ballast, you can try checking online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, or specialized automotive websites. It's also worth contacting local auto parts stores to see if they have the specific ballast you need and if they can offer a competitive price.

Remember to consult your vehicle's manual or check out BMW Mini Headlight Problems if you are unsure about the replacement process or need further assistance.

Last edited by cooltechguide; 12-14-2023 at 11:32 PM.. Reason: Improvement
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2024, 12:08 PM   #16
3seriescupid
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: bmw 325i 2006
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

If anyone could help me. Im having a issue with the driver side headlight. The first time i experienced this issue of when my headlight was out and i could only turn on my highbeam by pulling the high beam lever towards me but it wouldn’t stay on. But the low beams and turning indicators didn’t work. I replaced the headlight assembly it worked for a couple of months now its back out with the same issues. Im not sure what the problem is.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:18 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST