How to diagnose and fix HID headlights

Diagnosing HID headlights are more complex then the standard halogen bulbs. Even if you don’t have a BMW 1 series, the process is very similar. Not all cars require the bumper or headlights to be removed to access the HID controller.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ HID systems use high voltage so please refer to your owner’s manual before handling any components in your HID system.
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2002 - 2008
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1991 - 1999
E34 5

[@capableman4277]

You don't have to remove the bumper or headlight housing to do this!! You can access the "ballast" by removing the inner fender lining. Save yourself an hour or more and just pull the wheels and inner fender lining. Geeez 🙄

[@216DJPAPI.]

💯

[@imtiyazhussain8873]

You saved me soooooo much time. Your way worked so much quicker and I fixed my issue too! 💯

[@htownblue11]

Jaime, fantastic breakdown of both how to diagnose and how to repair. Without a good tech like yourself showing a lot of DIY’ers that this complicated but still “simple” procedure many would not even attempt it. And great tip on the headlight spray unit and the diagnose by switching process. Many times people just buy a new bulb needlessly. Keep up the good videos man.

[@startingtech3900]

was about to buy a new bulb but decided to switch headlights and see if it worked, the bad bulb on the left side wasnt actually bad it worked on the otherside. i diagnosed it to be a faulty ballast

[@TheRealChirpy]

F fr

[@cletuskasady593]

You know he charged that owner like $3,000 for all of that. Plus what he’s going to get from all of the views. German auto mechanics, I tell ya!

[@chikunman133]

Also a quick thought on the fault codes from the beginning. The headlight driver modules were probably already swapped and not returned to their original headlight

[@Lancers262]

This explains why mechanics charge so much to diagnose and fix BMW headlights. Very labor intensive for someone if they don’t have the proper tools. Thanks the guide Jamie.

[@TheLemonBird]

In Volvos there is just two tabs to remove the headlights. Its completely tool less

[@armandonika]

Not anymore!

[@MePeterNicholls]

What if the both don’t work. By this I mean, there’s no bulb to swap. 3:30

[@frederikmohlmann4818]

Fantastic resource! Thanks to Chris Fix for steering me your way! Not only do you know your stuff, you explain it so well.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Good solid fault diagnosis carried out with the utmost respect to the customers car and without throwing lots of money at the problem. Well done Jamie 👍🏼

[@Chavagnatze]

$1300 later lol. German cars.

[@NoCompM2]

The fact that you have to tell the internet not to roast you tells you how stupid people on the internet are. Great video.

[@RollingCinemar]

Very well said 👌

[@danielna7157]

I replaced the ballast and it worked for a couple cycles before failing again. What could be the issue? It flashes when i switch from daytime to nighttime manually but does not stay on. Is it a short circuit counter trip?

[@friguy4444]

I've got a high mileage E90 with HID's and my passenger light started to turn pinkish and keeps coming on when I first start the car then dies out after a few minutes. I've scanned it and it's the 8A88 code for that side. From what I've seen and researched when the light does this it's almost always the bulb. I've ordered some so I guess I'll find out.

[@khalidtamimi4113]

Did new bulbs fix your problem?

[@matf8436]

Hats of to you for those camera angels👌🏼💯

[@e.demirovic]

Hi Jamie, I have a Volvo XC90, and the right HiD bulb is constantly blinking sometimes it also turns off. I don’t know much about HID lights and coulnd’t find too much in the internet. Could you provide me with some info about this problem? Thanks in advance, ps: i replaced both of the bulbs (new bulbs).

[@stankydripp]

The transitions around 3:10 are so cool and thoughtful! Less noticeable than traditional transitions, I love the fact that you switched it up and used these!

[@mddale]

90% of the work is getting to the part!

[@meadmarc]

Hi, seriously, looking for some help with this, I am replacing the factory headlamps with these aftermarket units. But I can’t get the highbeams to turn on! Check out the video, but here some additional information I didn’t mention: * Ballasts and control units on both aftermarket lights were replaced. *. When I hook up the surviving OEM headlamps with the OEM ballast and control unit it does the same thing. It seems like this is car related; voltage? I can start the car with no issues at all. It is putting out 11.9 or 12v prior to starting, over 13v when running. Running the engine does not keep the high beams on, but I noticed that when I went to get my son to hold the phone (and left the lights on, by the time we got back, neither LED nor Xenon would fire up and flicker unless I started the engine. Thanks in advance! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaeceYiJmtmeqbMsi=3fFr-JMPfYGXEvB8

[@HermanMiller-em8mp]

Dude you are the real deal. Thanks for such a well informed video. Keep it up!

[@khalidalosaimi9658]

That's why I love toyota

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

you can go in via the wheel well to get to the module (on the 128's)

[@Dashi18n]

God I have these xenon headlamps on my E91 and I don’t look forward to the day that I have to worry about this job

[@MarioLopez-ml8uw]

One of the best videos here to troubleshoot a headlights ,thanks for the effort. Thumbs up 👍

[@jamiestanley8774]

Hi jamie , I'm jamie .I was checking fuses I'm my 08 e60 5251 yesterday When I turned key of I had about 6faults all to do with lights Front , back , sides , num plate . Any thing to check , foot module. I know number plate bulb is good . Any info ??????

[@benwoodruff4466]

Found this super useful, thank you. I just popped the wheel off & unscrewed part of the wheel arch fender to access the module done in 15mins. Great watch tho. 👌

[@Shtayga18]

I know that the metric system is a bit confusing, but the imperial one is also difficult for me.10mm is the head of the bolt and the stem is 6 and is actually a 6mm bolt 8(head)-5мм bolt 13-8мм 17-10 19-12 22-14 24-16 27-18 30-20мм

[@JamiesGarage1]

I agree with you and I understand. I was referring the socket size. I should have been more clear. Lol

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Looks like they replaced that headlight with an aftermarket unit which obviously comes with an aftermarket control unit which is most likely why the control unit failed prematurely. Parts like these you replace with the OEM part to avoid this issue. Its a lot more expensive for the OEM headlight but its very likely that paying to get this control unit replaced negated most or all of that initial savings.

[@martinschwanke7127]

Soooo Professional and detailed, thank you sir. I would have worn Doctors type medical gloves if I was doing that. . I'm not doing all this handling it to my Mercedes Benz indy to do I would face a similar process otherwise. I simply bought Light Bulbs because suspected it must be the bulbs. but it could also be then a faulty ballast (control) unit?? I will find out in a few days. i choose higher Kelvin bulbs (D1s's) so am looking forward to gettting these fitted. but I guess if Ballast he will have these in stock. I hope so. I trust them been using them for years.

[@whappy212]

I have the same problen on my 2005 e90 325i But i also have a question If i order the module Does it need to be matching numbers on the other side one? Or can i just order a new one? And dont have matching numbers? Thank you brothermans😁😁

[@afhostie]

21:51 I think that's the low-speed cornering/reverse bulb, not the highbeam. IIRC the high beam just angles the projector for the HID upwards instead of being a separate bulb.

[@machinedred]

Non of my bulbs work , At my headlight plug I have 12v ,3v,3v ,ground . Explain why it's 3v ? Is that the voltage the ECU sends ?

[@dylans2669]

OMG, fricken ridiculous that it takes this much effort to fix a headlight. Burn in hell BMW, you haven't made a decent vehicle since 2000 and you haven't made a good vehicle since 1989.

[@jeffreychandler1477]

Hello, I have a x5 e53 and my driver side low beam will not work. I have switched bulbs and ballast and alc control unit to other side and it doesn’t work. Well, it turns on for a couple of minutes then after it will go off again. My servo motors are coming on when I unplug the unit and then plug it back in. What am I missing? The code states alc control unit fault but doesn’t specify a particular one.

[@petebrown6356]

What if neither headlight is working? Where would you start? I do see significant condensation in both. Most likely bad ballast modules? I just got the car, bought two Xenon lights but now realize they may not be the problem. What are the odds both modules went bad?

[@helotech7672]

Hey Jamie, is it possible to get the connectors for the module harness and make a set of cross over cables?? I have several custom made cables for twin engine helicopters to check their modules. They save me mucho time not having to actually swap the component positions. Just a thought. As a BMW owner, thanks for making quality videos.

[@HakarDoski]

so that's what they mean when they say german cars are complicated it took forever to get to one thing

[@HeyItsCoates]

The music reminds me of like a 3D Billiard game.

[@mylest3436]

He could’ve just pulled the liner out directly from behind the headlight and replaced the module instead of pulling out the whole headlight.

[@cdrseabee]

have an issue that just popped up. The headlights are acting strange. One headlight won't come on. I turn off the lights then back on then no headlights come on. Turn off and on again then the light that didn't work will come on and the other will not. Can't get both to come at the same time now. 2007 E86 coupe. Thanks

[@youonlyliveonce2556]

Control unit : $600 Labor : $500 Total :$1,100 have a nice day now

[@overstandingontherealstory6313]

so how many hrs is that book time on diagnose/testing add to the labor cost because I lost too much time doing that same test . point being TIME IS MONEY

[@21cabbage5]

glad i came across this, even so late, i have a daytime run light out on my f10 5 series and had no clue how to fix it

[@MAKONSENSYAKANAMAN]

Thats a lot of steps, unbolt the bolts on the front bumper and headlights all the top area and the two bolts that u used a long torx in the back, then take the covers off before u remove the headlights this is an important step if u do not take the cover iu wont be able to remove the headlghts. When ur ready start moving the headlight towards the center and tilt the otherside of the headlght till ur able to free up one side, now u can remove the main plug on the side of the headlight.then swing to the left and u just successfully remove the headlight without the hassle and dont have to recalibrate ur headlights as u never move any base and sliders. Quick tip do not force or pull the headlight u have to finesse it and and guide it smoothly on the corners.

[@lawman5511]

BMW is a great car….until something breaks. Then You need a line of credit on your home.

[@arthur.v.babayan]

May be headlight wires was mixchanged together ?! For that you have got left beam issue !

[@Kinghavs]

Video was so well made i watched it all and i dont even own this type of car. I subscribed to the channel thanks to the amount of detail and description of your thought process

[@Cart23787]

does a b does a ballast and module do the same thing?

[@fernandomelendez3542]

Is this guy kidding? He took the whole front end apart to change a module lol. I took the wheel well liner out and presto 5 minutes it's all it takes.

[@elshodnurmurodov9361]

Of course thumbs up 👍 u explaining very well.Respect.I’m watching ur video from Uzbekistan🇺🇿✌️

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks! 😃

[@mannymorales8094]

What if both head lights aren’t working how do you test ballast and control units?

[@xpert447]

So here is a question what if both hid bulbs light up but one side is dimmer significantly dimmer than the other side what can cause that

[@GregoryStevens-lm1nj]

What would cause the inter ring light not work on the passenger side?

[@Will-ol9lp]

You made that look to easy Jaime great job brother.

[@skdhap9980]

He is going to remove the engine next keep watching....

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

the MOST COMMON is that somone has tried to replace the bulb previously, and NOT put the cover back on and water has got in and kills the module

[@machinedred]

PPS it's 2005 e85 z4 with h7 bulbs

[@jayejohnson4396]

How much would you charge a customer for this?

[@JamiesGarage1]

The labor time for R/R headlights

[@Jry088]

Is that control unit called the ballast?

[@terynjenkins7580]

LOCKING RETAINER!! Thats why I couldn’t twist it off to replace! Thank you

[@rah-mown6392]

-Im sorry -What is it? -You’ve been diagnosed with HID headlights -NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! -I’ll give you some time alone to process this 😔

[@rickythemobber]

Appreciate it so much I’m having the same problem on my 135 and same headlight I replaced the Ds1 light still nothing pretty sure it’s the module thanks again!!

[@deplorabledave1048]

On my E46 M3, it turned out BOTH my ignitors were bad. (and one bulb.) I put in two new ballasts anyway since they are both from 2005. They were easy to install. Getting to the ignitors is a real PITA!! I used The Build Journal DIY guide. I bought two new 6000k Xenon D2S bulbs too. And some Phillips brand whiter, brighter halogen bulbs for the momentary headlight flashers.

[@deplorabledave1048]

For my 20 year old lights I automatically purchased TWO new ballasts, two new ignitors, and two new Xenon D2S 6000k bulbs for the outer projectors. Two new Phillips halogen bulbs for the inner momentary. Installed new clear outer lenses and gaskets. Complete refurbished headlights

[@scottwinton3698]

Where in Sarasota are you located

[@GregALotus-Ducati]

I have a 2007 Jaguar XK with the same problem. I was a little afraid of doing the bulb replacement but after watching this video, i feel more confident. thank you. FYI, i found the bulb online for $60.00. the dealer wanted $500.00. crazy shit!

[@all_the_moga]

a lot of background static

[@stanelder9995]

Is there not a service command in INPA that can extend the washer nozzles and hold them in that position for removing/installing the caps (without energizing the actual washer pump of course :) ?

[@nycegraphix302]

You really broke things down and explained them so well. My drivers side headlight is out on my 335i BMW. I wish you guys were in Houston. I would definitely take my vehicle to your shop.

[@scottcannon8821]

jamie thx for the vid..im diving into this headlight monstrosity tomorrow..😂 but very confident with ur video thx brother..

[@davidtitzler5754]

Great video. Will the two final Torx screws release the headlight assy without unscrewing the plastic bracket at all? What prevents that from working? Thanks!

[@heribertogomez5191]

a computer just for one bulb!

[@docmopar426]

My 08 328i E93 has different assemblies than this car. I installed a new bulb and no difference. Mine are accessed through wheel well only and I see a square metal plate that is vertical and impossible to get last screw out. Do you have a E93 video. That is the hardtop conv coupe

[@diopsidem5]

Jaime my E87 sometimes starts with the passanger light on, and sometimes with the fault on passenger side. Whenever it mentions the fault, my idrive (CCC) will not boot either. Any idea what could be the cause? Whenever the CCC boots it works perfectly fine. CCC has already been repaired but somehow it is still a 50/50 chance for the CCC and passenger side light to work after start up. Manually turning off the lights and putting them back on again will always put the passenger side light on however.

[@moisescolchado6298]

Tanks Jamie’s

[@HazyTrails]

If I was local I would definitely trust you with my E88! So hard to find knowledgeable and trustworthy mechanics for BMWs these days. Great video and great work! Cheers from NC 😎

[@nicolasm8491]

How many hour labor did you charge for the job. Dammit I have to do my e83 x3 same thing. I did check the bulbs so far and they are good. So I’m so lazy to remove the bumper!!

[@keithmarlin9391]

Great video. I may be seeing you soon with my newly acquired BMW. It has quite a few issues, but I got it cheap and took a chance.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

The 2 or 3 times I had a headlight problem on my BMW headlights was a loose wiring hardness, a 1 min fix to reconnect the wiring harness.

[@alejandrosanmartin5655]

Hi there, nice video very helpful, I just have a question I have the same problem that both of my headlights are not working, I have the new ballast and new bulbs but they are still not working, at this point I have thoughts that FRM might be faulty BUT I don’t have any other lightning issues. By the way I have a series 1 e87 hatchback.

[@prebird]

Minor bender in my 325i, you can’t even notice it. But the top bracket on driver light shattered off. So I get the indicator in the dash. The lights work fine, but I think it’s the leveler. Is that serviceable or is it a replace the whole headlight assembly situation?

[@deltacharlieecho4732]

I'm working on an x3 turbo build and I'm curious if you have any advice for converting the HID housing and wiring to halogen or if it is just a drop in swap. I'm having a hard time finding any kind of wiring schematic that is of any use and all the pinouts for the lights themselves seem to be the same with the exception of the automatic adjustment module.

[@DorrisWilliams-xs5fp]

Thank you for your help with my headlight on my 2004 BMW

[@130bowman]

👍👍👍 usually too lazy to comment but made an exception. My son has same car but turn signals don’t work need to remove both light assemblies to repair wiring to light socket. Excellent camera work and can tell you do excellent work.

[@deansnipah1392]

We do this in aviation. If there are two components that are swappable, you swap em and see if the "discrepancy has carried over" troubleshooting 101

[@exvious6066]

thank you, jamie. Just bought a mistake of a BMW with this exact problem.

[@andrewr6861]

One day BMW will figure out how to design a headlight that doesn't get water in it, and the modules will face down from the top so they drain. After that I hope that they can tackle Melting housings and contacts.

[@jeffreyhinman1397]

Not sure how similar the 08 535i is but that model I can do without removing the bumper.

[@PatrickHakes]

FWIW, I like using spark plug boot pliers to pull the headlight washer nozzles out as they won't mar or scratch the nozzle and the offset allows you to clip the cover on.

[@craigroberts3732]

I had a bad control unit on my 1 series (was able to access without taking bumper off) and cost me $550 for that new unit alone :(

[@nineteen76]

At 14:33, you can see the silver ballast behind the fender liner. FWIW, I managed to pull it out from there without taking the entire headlight off the car. Might save some time.

[@machinedred]

P.s it's a 2005 z4

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

Just because it is new does not mean it is good. People have bad days. People from the ones who provided the material to the person who assembled everything.

[@vukdarmanovic29]

Lol, I had the same problem on my e46, but I just touched one connector and I fixed it 😅

[@ericche3524]

Dude you are a good

[@InnovateVision16]

I have a similar problem in my F30 every time put a new bulb and turn on the car the bulb starts flashing and then burns out on both headlights

[@richardaguirre3719]

Was exactly my problem on driver's side. Thanks for the video!!!

[@alexandrerighi]

Yeah I'm sorry but you can get to the ballast just by removing the mud guard

[@maxwellmattison6224]

Hey Jamie, ....UH, I really hope the bmw doesn't turn into a 130i. This repair doesn't look to be particularly any fun! Thanks as always for taking the ultimate time to show us how a PRO performs!

[@afhostie]

Man, i wish you guys were local. What's your take on the n55 oil starvation issues?

[@Jetsonn]

Any idea what could cause both lights to stop working at the same time?