What can be wrong with one of my headlights -SOLVED

Cyclops · 03-18-2018, 09:16 PM

Ok so I'm puzzled and looking for some input here. My passenger side headlight is not working and I've try the following with no luck;

replaced HID bulb
swapped the ballast from working drivers side
checked fuses
halos work
adaptive motor has power and initializes when lights are turned on
tried to clean contacts with contact cleaner - (I did see some blue corrosion inside the plug)

Open to suggestions on what I should try next. I was going to see if the light is getting power tomorrow but have to find the wiring diagram for the light first.

Thanks

Punisher3.0si · 03-18-2018, 10:10 PM

Definitely check battery power and ground at the ballast. You are probably missing one.

pungo · 03-18-2018, 10:12 PM

I assume you swapped the igniter as well, even though you didn't mention it. Yes, you're right, the next step is to use a schematic and make sure power is getting to the ballast.

Cyclops · 03-18-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punisher3.0si

Definitely check battery power and ground at the ballast. You are probably missing one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pungo

I assume you swapped the igniter as well, even though you didn't mention it. Yes, you're right, the next step is to use a schematic and make sure power is getting to the ballast.

Never heard of the term igniter, so after checking realoem, the igniter #3 is actually what I swapped from the driver-side. I'm assuming that the term Ballast refers to the control unit in this case. After looking at the diagram I'm wondering if the control unit is toast?

01 Bulb Xenon light D2-S 35W
02 CONTROL UNIT XENON LIGHT
03 Ignition element Xenon-light
04 STICK-ON LABEL XENON-LIGHT
05 Fixing clamp, Xenon cable

Roadroach · 03-19-2018, 03:12 PM

If you've already changed out the bulb and swapped the ballast (#3 in the figure), it's probably the control unit.

You'll need to remove the headlight assembly (it bolts to the bottom of the assembly) which requires removal of the bumper cover.

pungo · 03-19-2018, 07:16 PM

I've done many dual angel eye retrofits for people and several said they had intermittent problems with their Xenon turning on and sometimes not turn on at all before sending me their headlights. What I have found is that the seal between the ballast (control unit) connector and headlight connector had failed and let water in. The pins were corroded. I cleaned the pins and sockets, used some contact cleaner and reassembled with RTV to get a good seal and the headlight worked consistently. I few people had purchased a new control unit and sent it with the headlight, but I never had to replace one since it was always the connector at fault. I'm not saying your control unit is has not failed, but check the connector where it plugs onto the headlight. Since the connector sits horizontal, water can rest in there if the seal is compromised.

Cyclops · 03-19-2018, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pungo

I've done many dual angel eye retrofits for people and several said they had intermittent problems with their Xenon turning on and sometimes not turn on at all before sending me their headlights. What I have found is that the seal between the ballast (control unit) connector and headlight connector had failed and let water in. The pins were corroded. I cleaned the pins and sockets, used some contact cleaner and reassembled with RTV to get a good seal and the headlight worked consistently. I few people had purchased a new control unit and sent it with the headlight, but I never had to replace one since it was always the connector at fault. I'm not saying your control unit is has not failed, but check the connector where it plugs onto the headlight. Since the connector sits horizontal, water can rest in there if the seal is compromised.

Removed the control unit today and definitely some water damage. I cleaned it all up but still no go. With the light out I can really hear a loud buzzing sound coming from the control unit so I'll just order one up as I'm pretty sure it's toast.

Name: Z4_Light_ControlUnit.jpg
Views: 561
Size: 502.1 KB

Name: Z4_Light_ControlUnit.jpg
Views: 561
Size: 502.1 KB

The HACK · 03-20-2018, 12:18 PM

I feel bad in referencing your user name...Cyclops.

StickMon · 03-20-2018, 02:40 PM

^ I was going to, but it was just too easy.

3798j · 03-20-2018, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

^... but it was just too easy.

Indeed.

Cyclops · 03-20-2018, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

I feel bad in referencing your user name...Cyclops.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

^ I was going to, but it was just too easy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3798j

Indeed.

Well boys don't feel bad any longer, got both eyes back today. Picked up a new control unit and it fired up on first flick of the switch, now I just got make it all look pretty and to put it back together.

Just as an FYI if you do experience the same issue, this particular control unit was used across many different car brands like Mercedes, Audi, Jag, Land Rover, Saab and even on a Chrysler and a Ford so if you're in a pinch you could always cross shop.

I was able to find one local but it was purchase from here on ebay It's not an OEM unit, but for $50 we'll see how long it last.

JAS1169 · 03-20-2018, 07:40 PM

The water is leaking into the light housing thru the black plastic rear cover. The cover itself is ok, it's the rubber gasket which is shot. If you drive in the rain or, actually simply wash the car and later notice the light housing fogging from the inside....well, the gasket is gone and your getting water seeping into the housing....which sort of explains what happen with your car.
BMW only sells the Gasket with the rear housing as a combo for somewhere near $38.00---$40.00. You could try a non-curing silicon gel of some sort.

I've read other postings about your problem on other forums. I know this because it's happening to my car as well and getting two new rear covers is on my list of things to do this spring.

Cyclops · 03-21-2018, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAS1169

The water is leaking into the light housing thru the black plastic rear cover. The cover itself is ok, it's the rubber gasket which is shot. If you drive in the rain or, actually simply wash the car and later notice the light housing fogging from the inside....well, the gasket is gone and your getting water seeping into the housing....which sort of explains what happen with your car.
BMW only sells the Gasket with the rear housing as a combo for somewhere near $38.00---$40.00. You could try a non-curing silicon gel of some sort.

I've read other postings about your problem on other forums. I know this because it's happening to my car as well and getting two new rear covers is on my list of things to do this spring.

Thanks for the tip.... I think though this whole issue was self inflicted when I change bulbs last year.

Huz-Z · 03-21-2018, 02:12 PM

I think you jinxed yourself when you chose your username for this forum.

Glad to hear that you've got if figured out though!

kav · 04-29-2018, 08:56 AM

I've got this issue too but now it's time to tackle other the info posted here. Any advice or tips on removing the headlight housing?

03-18-2018, 09:16 PM	#1
Cyclops Major 1473 Rep 1,483 Posts Drives: 09 E91 328i & 07 E86 M Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Milton iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 E91 328xi M Tech [10.00] 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe [8.67]	What can be wrong with one of my headlights -SOLVED Ok so I'm puzzled and looking for some input here. My passenger side headlight is not working and I've try the following with no luck; replaced HID bulb swapped the ballast from working drivers side checked fuses halos work adaptive motor has power and initializes when lights are turned on tried to clean contacts with contact cleaner - (I did see some blue corrosion inside the plug) Open to suggestions on what I should try next. I was going to see if the light is getting power tomorrow but have to find the wiring diagram for the light first. Thanks __________________ 2007 #1432 ///M Coupe Silver Gray - KW V3 Coilovers - AFE Intake - Strong-Strut Brace - Status Grupee Headers - Super Sprint Race Exhaust & Xpipe - 19" Avant Garde M359 - Stoptech 380 6 pot BBK - EPIC Motorsports Tuning ////////////2009 328xi M-Tech E91 manual 6spd - Instagram ->@e91kiter Last edited by Cyclops; 03-20-2018 at 04:12 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-18-2018, 10:10 PM	#2
Punisher3.0si Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 2007 E86 manual Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Definitely check battery power and ground at the ballast. You are probably missing one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-19-2018, 03:12 PM	#5
Roadroach First Lieutenant 165 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si coupe w/stick Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	If you've already changed out the bulb and swapped the ballast (#3 in the figure), it's probably the control unit. You'll need to remove the headlight assembly (it bolts to the bottom of the assembly) which requires removal of the bumper cover. __________________ 2006 Z4 coupe - with HOMELINK! 1966 Mustang GT fastback (too many mods to list) 2015 335i GT 2014 981 Cayman S manual
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-19-2018, 07:16 PM	#6
pungo Colonel 877 Rep 2,541 Posts Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 x35i [0.00] 2001 BMW 525i [0.00] 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [8.76]	check the control unit connector I've done many dual angel eye retrofits for people and several said they had intermittent problems with their Xenon turning on and sometimes not turn on at all before sending me their headlights. What I have found is that the seal between the ballast (control unit) connector and headlight connector had failed and let water in. The pins were corroded. I cleaned the pins and sockets, used some contact cleaner and reassembled with RTV to get a good seal and the headlight worked consistently. I few people had purchased a new control unit and sent it with the headlight, but I never had to replace one since it was always the connector at fault. I'm not saying your control unit is has not failed, but check the connector where it plugs onto the headlight. Since the connector sits horizontal, water can rest in there if the seal is compromised.
	Appreciate 6 StickMon636.00 Cyclops1473.00 Redacre366.00 Hawkeye2069.50 Finnegan701.00 SaltyNC368.50 Quote

03-20-2018, 12:18 PM	#8
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1819 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	I feel bad in referencing your user name...Cyclops. __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
	Appreciate 3 rockstar93321.00 Cyclops1473.00 SaltyNC368.50 Quote

03-18-2018, 10:12 PM	#3
pungo Colonel 877 Rep 2,541 Posts Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 x35i [0.00] 2001 BMW 525i [0.00] 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [8.76]	I assume you swapped the igniter as well, even though you didn't mention it. Yes, you're right, the next step is to use a schematic and make sure power is getting to the ballast.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-20-2018, 02:40 PM	#9
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	^ I was going to, but it was just too easy. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 1 kaybat125.50 Quote

03-20-2018, 07:40 PM	#12
JAS1169 Private First Class 48 Rep 155 Posts Drives: BMW 2003 Z4 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA iTrader: (0)	The water is leaking into the light housing thru the black plastic rear cover. The cover itself is ok, it's the rubber gasket which is shot. If you drive in the rain or, actually simply wash the car and later notice the light housing fogging from the inside....well, the gasket is gone and your getting water seeping into the housing....which sort of explains what happen with your car. BMW only sells the Gasket with the rear housing as a combo for somewhere near $38.00---$40.00. You could try a non-curing silicon gel of some sort. I've read other postings about your problem on other forums. I know this because it's happening to my car as well and getting two new rear covers is on my list of things to do this spring.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-21-2018, 02:12 PM	#14
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,056 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I think you jinxed yourself when you chose your username for this forum. Glad to hear that you've got if figured out though! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2018, 08:56 AM	#15
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I've got this issue too but now it's time to tackle other the info posted here. Any advice or tips on removing the headlight housing?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search