Xenon HID Bulbs Replacements -- saved a bundle

earlgrey1920 · 02-01-2013, 03:47 PM

I thought I'd share this story because it saved me a lot of money:

I noticed that my (Xenon) lights were not quite as bright while driving at night and stopped by the BMW dealership to have them take a quick look. The lenses were fine, but they said that my bulbs likely need to be replaced.

They quoted me around $300 per bulb!

Needless to day, I didn't want to spend $600 plus labour on bulbs.

I found a set of Philips D2S Xenon HID bulbs (85122+) on Amazon. I had them installed today (at Island Motorsport) and they're much nicer than the OEM bulbs -- noticed the difference immediately.

On a related note, I saved a bundle on replacement fog lights. The dealership price on those was $220 per unit, with the total including labour at around $750. I bought two fog lights from Turner Motorsport. The total cost was about $400, which includes the two units, shipping, duties, UPS fee and installation.

I'll post a photo this weekend so you can see the new lights.

DonaldE · 02-01-2013, 07:34 PM

There is no way that the dealer wanted 300 per bulb plus labor. That just doesn't make any sense.

earlgrey1920 · 02-02-2013, 12:00 AM

I agree that it doesn't make sense, but it's true. Call your dealership -- you'll be surprised. I have read several reviews and forum posts that quote the dealer prices from $150 to $250. The service rep at BMW didn't look anything up on the computer, but did say that I'd be looking at close to $800 for bulb replacement, including labour.

2000_328CI · 02-02-2013, 12:01 AM

I order them off ebay... they die quicker than the quality bulbs you bought but literally cost 10 bucks a pair.

DonaldE · 02-02-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earlgrey1920

I agree that it doesn't make sense, but it's true. Call your dealership -- you'll be surprised. I have read several reviews and forum posts that quote the dealer prices from $150 to $250. The service rep at BMW didn't look anything up on the computer, but did say that I'd be looking at close to $800 for bulb replacement, including labour.

Crazy. What labor? Lol

2002 BMW 330i

Jussblazn · 02-02-2013, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaldE

Crazy. What labor? Lol

2002 BMW 330i

He ain't lying. Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. Stealership wanted 244 for just ONE bulb, and extra for labor. Screw that, I changed it myself.

DonaldE · 02-02-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jussblazn

He ain't lying. Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. Stealership wanted 244 for just ONE bulb, and extra for labor. Screw that, I changed it myself.

I'm glad you did. I'm surprised you guys actually visit the dealership for something as simple as a light being out. Do you guys visit your home builder when a kitchen light goes out?

Just playin

Jussblazn · 02-02-2013, 05:35 PM

I was also getting an estimate for sun roof repair while there, damn thing won't go all the way back.

DonaldE · 02-02-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jussblazn

I was also getting an estimate for sun roof repair while there, damn thing won't go all the way back.

I was only kidding ;D

02-01-2013, 03:47 PM	#1
earlgrey1920 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 6 My Ride: 2003 325i Sport Pkg View My Garage	Xenon HID Bulbs Replacements -- saved a bundle I thought I'd share this story because it saved me a lot of money: I noticed that my (Xenon) lights were not quite as bright while driving at night and stopped by the BMW dealership to have them take a quick look. The lenses were fine, but they said that my bulbs likely need to be replaced. They quoted me around $300 per bulb! Needless to day, I didn't want to spend $600 plus labour on bulbs. I found a set of Philips D2S Xenon HID bulbs (85122+) on Amazon. I had them installed today (at Island Motorsport) and they're much nicer than the OEM bulbs -- noticed the difference immediately. On a related note, I saved a bundle on replacement fog lights. The dealership price on those was $220 per unit, with the total including labour at around $750. I bought two fog lights from Turner Motorsport. The total cost was about $400, which includes the two units, shipping, duties, UPS fee and installation. I'll post a photo this weekend so you can see the new lights. Last edited by earlgrey1920; 02-01-2013 at 03:48 PM.

02-02-2013, 12:01 AM	#4
2000_328CI DK Jack Sparrow Join Date: May 2004 Location: Isla de Muerta \| DC/VA Posts: 28,523 My Ride: 328Ci \| Range Rover View My Garage	I order them off ebay... they die quicker than the quality bulbs you bought but literally cost 10 bucks a pair. __________________ Everything you need to know on muffler deletes : http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=745244 Back Up Camera for E46 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=ckrDiAClGgM Muffler Delete on E46 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofYhRq0T3eI

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02-01-2013, 07:34 PM	#2
DonaldE Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 305 My Ride: 2002 330i View My Garage	There is no way that the dealer wanted 300 per bulb plus labor. That just doesn't make any sense.

02-02-2013, 12:00 AM	#3
earlgrey1920 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 6 My Ride: 2003 325i Sport Pkg View My Garage	I agree that it doesn't make sense, but it's true. Call your dealership -- you'll be surprised. I have read several reviews and forum posts that quote the dealer prices from $150 to $250. The service rep at BMW didn't look anything up on the computer, but did say that I'd be looking at close to $800 for bulb replacement, including labour.

02-02-2013, 05:35 PM	#8
Jussblazn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 34 My Ride: 2004 bmw 330ci View My Garage	I was also getting an estimate for sun roof repair while there, damn thing won't go all the way back.