Xenon vs HID vs H7

volcamp55 · 11-09-2012, 08:23 AM

I currently have Xenon headlights (with type Bosch AL ballasts) in my 2002 330i. Both headlights have problems. My question is this .. if I were to find some HID headlights or H7 headlights, would these be suitable replacements for the Xenon (type Bosch AL) headlight assemblies I currently have. I'm getting ready to sell the 330i and I really don't care if the headlights are Xenon, HID, or H7 .. I just want the cheapest way to fix it and have working headlights. Thanks .. Rick

Grande D · 11-09-2012, 08:53 AM

The car will have to be coded if you go from xenon to halogen. HID is xenon technically, although HID often refers to cheap kits people put in Halogen lamps. Do not do that. It's tacky and distracting for other drivers.

Solidjake · 11-09-2012, 08:55 AM

Read this

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=925497

What is wrong with the headlights? You can either fix the issues or get halogen headlights and put in Morimoto mini projectors (coding won't be needed)

volcamp55 · 11-09-2012, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the info, guys! I initially had the driver's side ballast die, due to moisture getting into the electronics. I got a used ballast replacement and had it installed, and problem was fixed .. for 4 days. Then it went out again. had my mechanic thoroughly swap out and test everything from ballast, igniter, and bulbs, as well as continuity in the wiring. He couldn't find anything wrong, except that the ballast must be out. After this testing, the passenger headlight started going on and off and random. I feel like it's all related and that there might be a short in the wiring somewhere. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your help.

haurelio · 11-09-2012, 01:31 PM

hmmm. just like you mention, it could be a short somewhere.. there are some test that can be done but not sure which ones.. if thats the case, even if you switch to halogen, the problem might still persist because of the short..

11-09-2012, 08:23 AM	#1
volcamp55 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 2 My Ride: 1993 325is View My Garage	Xenon vs HID vs H7 I currently have Xenon headlights (with type Bosch AL ballasts) in my 2002 330i. Both headlights have problems. My question is this .. if I were to find some HID headlights or H7 headlights, would these be suitable replacements for the Xenon (type Bosch AL) headlight assemblies I currently have. I'm getting ready to sell the 330i and I really don't care if the headlights are Xenon, HID, or H7 .. I just want the cheapest way to fix it and have working headlights. Thanks .. Rick

11-09-2012, 08:53 AM	#2
Grande D Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: nola Posts: 3,108 My Ride: zhpppppp (o-m-g!) View My Garage	The car will have to be coded if you go from xenon to halogen. HID is xenon technically, although HID often refers to cheap kits people put in Halogen lamps. Do not do that. It's tacky and distracting for other drivers. __________________ Formerly zhp43867

11-09-2012, 08:55 AM	#3
Solidjake Mod Join Date: May 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 19,922 My Ride: 2002 330i View My Garage	Read this http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=925497 What is wrong with the headlights? You can either fix the issues or get halogen headlights and put in Morimoto mini projectors (coding won't be needed) __________________ Follow my cross country drive to Bimmerfest West 2013 http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=987217 Youtube - Electric Fan Swap/Aux Fan Removal - Projector Retrofit - E46 Bulb Guide

11-09-2012, 01:31 PM	#5
haurelio Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 786 My Ride: 2001 bmw 325i View My Garage	hmmm. just like you mention, it could be a short somewhere.. there are some test that can be done but not sure which ones.. if thats the case, even if you switch to halogen, the problem might still persist because of the short.. __________________ Contact me if you need your att iphone unlock. Also can code your car

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11-09-2012, 11:01 AM	#4
volcamp55 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 2 My Ride: 1993 325is View My Garage	Thanks for the info, guys! I initially had the driver's side ballast die, due to moisture getting into the electronics. I got a used ballast replacement and had it installed, and problem was fixed .. for 4 days. Then it went out again. had my mechanic thoroughly swap out and test everything from ballast, igniter, and bulbs, as well as continuity in the wiring. He couldn't find anything wrong, except that the ballast must be out. After this testing, the passenger headlight started going on and off and random. I feel like it's all related and that there might be a short in the wiring somewhere. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your help.