X3 Xenon Light Issues (Mismatched and Maligned)

[ubaid]

I know I'm a new member, and its common new members need help, and disappear, but I might be here for a while, since I have some work to do.

(What is the difference between bimmerfest and bimmerforums? Don't bash, I posted this there by mistake [I already had an account here], I apologize I didn't mean to post in 2 places)

Here is what Happened:

1. Passenger Light Side went out
2. Purchased Phillips 4300k d2s (http://www.kbcarstuff.com/Philips_43.../pb-d2s-4k.htm)
3. Realized bulb that came out of x3 was a Osram Xenarc (is it a 66040?)
4. Proceeded to install bulb
5. When housing was put back, bulb pointed to the left, motor working but not aiming headlight correctly
6. Tried to use adjusters, but they didn't work at all, or at least not enough for me to notice (first started soft, 2-3 turns, then tried 20)

I have two problems:

1. Mismatched bulbs
2. Headlight Adjustment

I want to put in matching bulbs, I assume these are the Sylvania/Osram Xenarc 66040. Is this correct? I can get a pair these for around $100 new.

How do I fix the bulb alignment or figure out what is wrong? I heard about adjuster clips breaking, if this is the case, this is a lot harder than I can handle to repair. What might be the issue, and how can I get it repaired without spending a great deal?

Thanks for understanding.

[AzNMpower32]

I don't think anyone here has dealt with replacing a xenon headlamp.........those are supposed to be only done by service techs. It's not like a halogen bulb where you can just remove and replace it. In addition, xenon lamps have a long life, and few, if any 2004 X3s have seen the need for headlamp replacement already.

As for the height alignment, do both headlamps auto-level properly when you turn the car on the first time? The headlamp height adjustment is not meant for large adjustments. I notice a difference in the light cutoff with 1,5 to 2 turns.

It sounds like you do need a trip to the dealer.

[ubaid]

Wow, yeah, I didn't do it myself, a friend has an auto electric shop, so he did it and I watched, but he didn't know how to do the alignment, its way off, pointing left.

[Supercourse]

... didn't know how to do the alignment, its way off, pointing left.

AFAIK an alignment is not needed when replacing Xenon bulbs.

Could be the case if you have the Adaptive option though.

Other than that, there is a youtube video of a guy replacing a Xenon in a 3 series (I think), that made it look quite straightforward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqkFytdg98&feature=related

Not sure why there are several different types of Xenon bulbs, other than color or temperature, but maybe that incompatibility caused your apparent alignment issue.