Anyone replaced Xenon bulb in a e63?

[danjp]

Just had my right dipped beam headlight go - went all reddish and then failed the next day.. I'm trying to find out whether this is covered under warranty or not - I have the comprehensive insured BMW warranty - but no-one seems able to tell me.. I suspect although it's meant to be a lifetime part, it's still classed as a bulb and therefore not! One failing means its likely the other is about to go, so parts alone from a dealer will be £320, and I suspect its a bumper off job to remove the headlights to get to the bulbs.. Car is an 05 M6, so true lights are adaptive.

Anyone have any experience of this? Can I just buy them myself & do the work? Looks like a bulb on line is around £45 instead of the £160 from the dealer.. However if there is any chance of getting the warranty to pay I would much prefer to not have the hassle!

Thanks for any suggestions!

[ecain63]

I was always lead to belive that the bulbs themselves were very reliable and could outlive the car. However, the ballast packs (high voltage firers) are not so durable. This might allow a warranty claim, bulbs won't.

[roofer]

Should be a panel in the wheel arch that fascillitates access.

[rash_decision]

danjp said:

Just had my right dipped beam headlight go - went all reddish and then failed the next day.. I'm trying to find out whether this is covered under warranty or not - I have the comprehensive insured BMW warranty - but no-one seems able to tell me.. I suspect although it's meant to be a lifetime part, it's still classed as a bulb and therefore not! One failing means its likely the other is about to go, so parts alone from a dealer will be £320, and I suspect its a bumper off job to remove the headlights to get to the bulbs.. Car is an 05 M6, so true lights are adaptive.

Anyone have any experience of this? Can I just buy them myself & do the work? Looks like a bulb on line is around £45 instead of the £160 from the dealer.. However if there is any chance of getting the warranty to pay I would much prefer to not have the hassle!

Thanks for any suggestions!

I had bulbs replaced under warranty on my 2008 E92. The ones for the Angel Eyes. I was told by the Service Advisor that Bulbs are covered. I'm not sure if that's all of them? Maybe just the fancy expensive ones? If the Indicators, Brake Lights etc are standard bulbs, I'm not sure.

Sorry, forgot to say, you will need to book your car in for the work because it's warranty!! I went in and just asked if someone could come out to the carpark and verify that one wasn't working, and give me a replacement, not that simple!! Even for a bulb, it had to be booked in!

[PIGINAWIG]

roofer said:

Should be a panel in the wheel arch that fascillitates access.

This is correct - I changed mine via the little flap in the wheelarch. You will need to put your steering on full lock to get good access. I was fortunate to get mine up on a mechanics ramp and did it at shoulder height. It's far from easy though.....

Make sure you get exactly the right bulb - I believe they are 4300k. It may do to change both if you buy a pair and keep the old one that works as a spare?

If you are near Iver, Bucks I'll happily help you.

Cheers.

[danjp]

Thanks for the replies.. I've booked it in in case its a ballast or some other arcane part of the electrical system, although I reckon it is the bulb. I'll cough up for one, and do the other myself if need be.

[PIGINAWIG]

danjp said:

Thanks for the replies.. I've booked it in in case its a ballast or some other arcane part of the electrical system, although I reckon it is the bulb. I'll cough up for one, and do the other myself if need be.

Hi Dan - I'd at least attempt a new bulb yourself? I reckon BMW will fleece you for 300 quid for fitting and the cost of the bulb.......

As I said, I'm more than happy to help fella.

[danjp]

Thanks for the offer of help! You're right about the fleecing.. Done now however - At least I managed to get them to knock some money off - hard not to look a bit sheepish when asking £320 for changing a bulb! I'll know for next time..

[PIGINAWIG]

No worries chap - hope it's a simple fix.

Cheers.