Xenon not working - E46 330

[Mark_J_W]

Was wondering if anyone here could give some advice...

The drivers side Xenon on my E46 330Ci has stopped working. The wiring all appears to be fine & I have tried swapping the bulbs but the issue still occurs so obviously this isn't the issue.

From what I've read I'm assuming its the ballast or possibly igniter? I'm no expert on these but is there any way I can swap them around to check which part is at fault (as I've tried with the bulbs?).

Is there anything else I can try in order to diagnose the problem? Or is it obviously the ballast at fault and can anyone recommend somewhere to get a replacement (not at BMW dealer prices!).

Need to have the car for use in the evening later on in the week so any help would be much appreciated!

[ghibbett]

I've had exacty this happen. Good start on swapping the bulbs. Have both headlights out and swap the ballast (only 3 screws each and v.simple once headlight is out). Reconnect and see if you've moved the error to the other side. If not, possibly ignitor fault.

I remember calling round BMW dealers and the best price was £305 for a new ballast unit. Ignitors are cheaper, but do require full disassembly of the headlamp unit.

HTH

[Mark_J_W]

Thanks ghibbet, great advice
I've just been out to the car and was just about to pull the headlights out to diagnose the problem as you suggested. I decided to do one last check that the lights had a fault and for some unknown reason the offending light is working fine.

I'm assuming it is only a matter of time until it goes though? Does anyone have any ideas why it would be intermittent like this?

[ghibbett]

Hmmm, that's strange. Poor connection / earthing?

When mine went, it starting flickering before conking out completely. Probably best to monitor it over the coming days and see what happens.

ETA: If you do ever have to take the headlamps apart, here's a good guide: Linky

Edited by ghibbett on Sunday 27th March 15:00

[Mark_J_W]

Cheers for the guide, I'm fairly sure that I'll have to do that eventually.

I've been driving the car today and have tried the lights probably 10 times now and they are fine every time - very weird! I'll keep an eye on it (and my fingers crossed too!). No flickering at all that I've noticed so perhaps is could be something to do with the connection / earthing...