HID Light Failed

[roadbiker_2]

My son lost a headlight, hopefully just the bulb and not the ballast assembly. I went to look at RealOem and it shows two different bulbs depending on whether you have a ZKW brand light assembly or a Bosch AL brand assembly. The part number for the ZKW appears to be 07119904790 and the part that is for the Bosch appears to be 63217160806.

How do you tell what light assembly you have and where do you look? Also, this is for the 330ci, if that makes a difference on where you look. I am seeing that the ZKW is the one that also exhibits the burnt bowls so is this also something that is quite noticeable ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

I don't think the 330ci has the burnt bowls issue. It's only the sedans with ZKW headlights.

[PdZHP]

Coupes should have AL Installed. Switch the bulbs and the igniters to tell what need replacing. Ballasts should also be checked if the first two don't determine the problem.

[roadbiker_2]

Thanks guys, he is 4.5 hours away, this will save me some serious troubleshooting time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

First, make sure that the car has Xenons, as some Ci models had halogen lights which indeed do use a different bulb. If it does, then it doesn't matter which Xenon bulb you put in as long as it's D2S.

I assume you plugged in the VIN to find the correct bulb? If so, then it's the "Bosch" part number. Keep in mind that the dealer chargers an arm and a leg for a SINGLE bulb while some of the top-of-the-line bulbs come as a pair for the same price, so it's a total waste of money buying from there.

[roadbiker_2]

I had noticed that they are very proud of those bulbs. I see that NAPA has the bulbs and will probably get the bulb there. If the igniter happens to be out, can these also be sourced at an auto parts store or are they strictly a dealer part?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

I had noticed that they are very proud of those bulbs. I see that NAPA has the bulbs and will probably get the bulb there. If the igniter happens to be out, can these also be sourced at an auto parts store or are they strictly a dealer part?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not sure of the brand that the parts store carries. A lot of the stuff they sell don't seem to be quality parts for foreign cars like BMW. I can't speak for the ignitors as I haven't bought one from them.

You're in Illinois - if you need parts, buying them from ECS Tuning should yield you fast ship times as I believe they're in Ohio. If ship times don't matter, then you can shop around to see who has the best prices. You definitely don't have to buy anything from a dealer if you don't want to as pretty much any part is available from online BMW parts retailers.

[roadbiker_2]

Could the bulb be tested with a meter to see if it has failed? That seems like it would be a lot easier than pulling both lights.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

On a coupe, should be able to gain access to the back of each headlight without removing them. Then swap bulbs/igniters side to side to see if the problem follows.

[danewilson77]

On a coupe, should be able to gain access to the back of each headlight without removing them. Then swap bulbs/igniters side to side to see if the problem follows.
https://goo.gl/photos/S6vZ13KHAQ6srvuv9

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[roadbiker_2]

Dane, not quite sure what the linked photo was, it showed your hand. I take it that you are agreeing that the Coupe doesn't need the light removed, which is good. I assume that I will possibly need to remove the Airbox and perhaps move the washer reservoir?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

IIRC, there's enough room on the back of each light to remove the access panel without removing the air box or washer fluid reservoir. Takes patience and I think small hands on one side, but you can get it done.

[roadbiker_2]

Thanks for chiming in, I will bring some small hands with me just in case, my daughter. I will also bring a bag full of tools just in case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

IIRC, there's enough room on the back of each light to remove the access panel without removing the air box or washer fluid reservoir. Takes patience and I think small hands on one side, but you can get it done.

Not the case for the turn signal bulbs though, unless you're a wizard and have baby hands.

[sillieidiot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqkFytdg98

made this like years ago lol

[sillieidiot]

Not the case for the turn signal bulbs though, unless you're a wizard and have baby hands.

you don't need small hands for that. what you need are long fingers and a lot of finger strength lol

[SWO Daddy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqkFytdg98

made this like years ago lol

I just used your DIYs on e46f to fix my headlight. Replaced bulb, igniter and ballast (I convinced the dealer I bought the car from to spring for all the parts and I would take care of labor). Also soldered a broken wire going into the igniter. Nice work and thx for posting them.

[Hornung418]

For anyone's assistance with the passenger side, the washer bottle can be moved out of the way for more room, by undoing the single 10 mm bolt on the strut tower.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[roadbiker_2]

So my question now is what is going on here? Did this get jacked up, or did someone change the headlights on this car? I could have sworn it said it had Xenon on it. Do they make new wires, do I need to just tape them up, I have no soldering iron with me. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170220/ce560ff832c673fb63b30504f9e7191d.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[roadbiker_2]

Well they make a butane soldering iron, so all is good. I am guessing someone had wired it wrong and the wires had heated up and melted the insulation. All good, net investment in tools $70 between the new strippers, butane soldering iron, electrical tape. I figured I came out about $25 ahead when you factor in the cost of the D2S bulb!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sillieidiot]

It's the common facelift coupe problem where those wires often break (including the insulation falling off) due to heat and the adaptive function moving the wires around.

[roadbiker_2]

That may explain a few things but that mouse from Florida did the repair. M . . I . . C . . K . . E . . Y


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk