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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Ballast or Bulb issue?



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      02-02-2012, 07:34 AM   #1
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Ballast or Bulb issue?

I recently had one of my ballasts replaced and am using 6000k d1s bulbs. The problem I'm encountering is that the light will intermittently turn on for a few seconds, and then shut off for the rest of the drive. Is this an issue with the ballast, bulb, or something else?
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      02-02-2012, 10:54 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nj335i View Post
I recently had one of my ballasts replaced and am using 6000k d1s bulbs. The problem I'm encountering is that the light will intermittently turn on for a few seconds, and then shut off for the rest of the drive. Is this an issue with the ballast, bulb, or something else?
Honestly, it could be either. But if you're using the oem ballast (which are bulletproof), then it's likely your bulb.
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      02-04-2012, 11:20 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nj335i View Post
I recently had one of my ballasts replaced and am using 6000k d1s bulbs. The problem I'm encountering is that the light will intermittently turn on for a few seconds, and then shut off for the rest of the drive. Is this an issue with the ballast, bulb, or something else?
I too have the similar problem (also using 6000K bulbs). except mine is the opposite of your problem. Intermittently the right light doesn't come on at start up or turning on front lights. It is a 50/50 whether it comes on or not.

Changing the D1S bulbs on a E92 is more a PIA because the wheel/tire need to come off and removal of half of the wheel liner needs to be removed in order to get to the light bucket light cover. Geez!
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      02-04-2012, 02:18 PM   #4
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Usually if the light goes on but turns off or flickers off its the bulb.

If the ballast is on it way out usually it has trouble turning on.

Of course it can sway eitherway but this is the general rule of thumb I use.
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      02-04-2012, 07:36 PM   #5
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Thanks, going to try changing the bulb tonight! Will let you guys know how it goes.
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      02-05-2012, 01:04 PM   #6
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Couldn't you just troubleshoot it by switching the left and right bulbs?

If trouble stays on the same side, it's the ballast. If the trouble switched sides, it's the bulb.
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      02-09-2012, 10:09 PM   #7
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I had the same issue once i decided to switch to 6000k / the bulb worked for a few minutes and then it goes off and damage your ballast. this means that the bulb is not compatible with the OEM ballast. there was tread in the past talking about this issue.
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      02-10-2012, 12:55 PM   #8
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in most cases its usually the D1S bulb, quality D1S bulbs will not fry your OEM ballast
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      02-10-2012, 05:33 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turbocomppro View Post
Couldn't you just troubleshoot it by switching the left and right bulbs?

If trouble stays on the same side, it's the ballast. If the trouble switched sides, it's the bulb.
Yes. It's worth mentioning that you must replace with OEM osram or sylvania bulbs as knock off bulbs will LIKELY blow your factory ballast.
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