E46 M3 headlight problem

[torres del paine]

My nearside Xenon lamp stopped working suddenly a week ago. Initially, I thought it was a simple case of replacing the bulb but I have since found out, after taking my car to a local independent, that the whole unit needs replacing, as it could be an ignitor failure or something else associated with it.

The garage informed me that a replacement headlight unit through BMW is over 700 quid, which is bonkers. I've just shelled out for new pads and discs, so don't want to fork out nearly double again for a whole unit if I can help it. They did say that it was a bit of a mare to fix, if at all possible, and that I would be better off getting a replacement unit off ebay or some such place.

Anyway, I know nothing about how the headlight. I'm not even sure if I have bi-xenons or standard xenons on my 54 plate M3, though I have a feeling they're bi-xenon.

Can someone kindly explain to me what I will need? Ignitor or ballast/control unit if it's the same thing?

Thanks.

Edited by torres del paine on Saturday 7th August 12:33

[NickXX]

Should just need the ballast unit if the bulb is ok - do a search on eBay for one.

Seem to be quite a few on there for under £50 at the moment.