Another Xenon light question!

[Rob5]

Hi folks,

I've read numerous posts on Xenon lights but I still have questions I wonder if someone can answer for me. I have just bought this vehicle and there is some serious issues with the headlights.

Firstly the plastic covers are scratched and cloudy and look pretty old, maybe these only can be replaced?
Secondly and most importantly, when the sidelights are turned on, one central o/s headlight comes on with
one n/s indicator? With the headlights on I get both the xenon (I think) lights with the same central o/s headlight and n/s indicator. This has apparently just passed its MOT which I find hard to believe with this fault.





Can anyone confirm that these are OEM Xenons. There is no height adjustment in cab and they do self level on startup.

Also, I would like to replace the whole unit with something more modern, with smd halos. Can anyone recommend a unit that would work with this. I was looking at this but it states "NOT suitable for cars with original/factory-fitted HID/Xenon lighting"

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370820097820?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Many thanks in advance!

[Steamyrotter]

Bit strange
Bulb rear looks like a halogen, Sticker points towards Xenon

Can you get the bulb out and take a picture of that??

Does it come straight on at full brightness, or flicker and "warm" up to it???

indicator coming on at same time points towards a side light fault.
These will get indicators to glow to replace a faulty sidelamp bulb so that you know its gone and you still have side protection....

[Imy]

This happened to me a while ago, where the indicator light would come on. IIRC it was just a loose connection that needed tightening up, but I replaced the bulb on the side light to be safe.

[Rob5]

Thanks for your replies guys,

in the second picture the left light is a flickery blue which I presume is Xenon and only comes on when the headlights are on and the ignition in the second position. The light on the right is a standard I think and a dull yellow colour.

Seems strange to have 2 different kinds on light in the same headlamp or is this how BMW produced it?

Would it be possible to change all lights to Xenon? I'm looking for a more modern look as its looking a bit dated up front.

I'll post a pic of the lights on when it gets a bit darker tonight!

[X5Sport]

Your outboard light (dipped) will be a Xenon HID and the inboard (main) is a conventional Halogen spot light.  BMW have fitted these for a long time in cars with HIDs because the lamp takes a while to warm up and HID bulbs do not like being rapidly cycled on/off which they would be on main beam applications.

BMW also fit 'Bi-Xenon' units which use one lamp with a mechanical shutter that moves out if the way when Main Beam is selected.  You may find this is what you have on you E53, and it is what is fitted to the E70/71 as the inner projector is a fake just to maintain the BMW design cue.

Richard