BMW X5 (E70) LCI Xenons Dim
Discussion
Having driven the X5 in the dark for the first time in months I was shocked at how bad the light output is from the xenons. I took the car to BMW today who told me there is nothing wrong with it however on an unlit road the performance is very poor.
I am used to driving a Mk7 golf in the dark and excuse the phrase but the lights are night and day different; when we first got the X5 I thought the lights were amazing and I am 100% sure they have deteriorated.
In the image below you can see two dark circles; is this a common symptom of failing bulbs or damaged projectors?
Has any one else experienced this on a 7 year old X5? BMW quoted £180 for a replacement bulb if I wanted to try it... I know I can get a replacement bulb for ~£50 a piece online but also having read various forum posts for other vehicles it could also be the projector unit. BMW do not appear to sell these separately and at ~£1200 for a new headlamp this is not an option!
I am used to driving a Mk7 golf in the dark and excuse the phrase but the lights are night and day different; when we first got the X5 I thought the lights were amazing and I am 100% sure they have deteriorated.
In the image below you can see two dark circles; is this a common symptom of failing bulbs or damaged projectors?
Has any one else experienced this on a 7 year old X5? BMW quoted £180 for a replacement bulb if I wanted to try it... I know I can get a replacement bulb for ~£50 a piece online but also having read various forum posts for other vehicles it could also be the projector unit. BMW do not appear to sell these separately and at ~£1200 for a new headlamp this is not an option!
Great advice thanks - new Osram Nihhtbreakers arrived today; took all of 15 minutes to fit (very tight space to work in).
The difference is incredible; they are a little more yellow that the Philips bulbs they replaced but believe they are same K rating so guess that they will change slightly as they “burn in”. Ether way I will take being able to see over asthetics.
The difference is incredible; they are a little more yellow that the Philips bulbs they replaced but believe they are same K rating so guess that they will change slightly as they “burn in”. Ether way I will take being able to see over asthetics.
Mine were ~£90 delivered from PowerBulbs with the 25% discount code.
Whilst it’s not a cheap way just to see if it is the bulbs it’s worth it against price of BM investigation which is useless or replacement headlight units.
The X5 is 2011 too so assume after 6 or 7 years the bulbs degrade.
Whilst it’s not a cheap way just to see if it is the bulbs it’s worth it against price of BM investigation which is useless or replacement headlight units.
The X5 is 2011 too so assume after 6 or 7 years the bulbs degrade.
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/osram-night-bre...
Just make sure your car takes a D1S bulb if it isn’t an X5 (not sure if all BMs use D1S or other types)
Just make sure your car takes a D1S bulb if it isn’t an X5 (not sure if all BMs use D1S or other types)
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