Help with non-working Xenon

My '99 540i was in an accident and the body shop replaced both xenon headlight assemblies. They're done with the car and can't get the right xenon to work. All of the other lights work including both high beams, both fog lights, and left xenon. While I was there they changed the bulb three times and it still didn't work. We looked all over for a fuse or relay but couldn't find one. Any idea where I should start? I've taken the car home for the weekend but they want it back next week to send it to another shop.

Greg S.

Did you put a multimeter on the connector to see if you are getting power to the bulb?

I used the Fluke on it and found a solid 12 volts. When I unplugged the connector I noticed the retaining clip was broken. This enabled the mechanic to plug it in upside down. I flipped it and now almost everything is fine. I've noticed a couple of paint chevrons on the face of the hood. Very sloppy for a reputable shop like Cal-West.

Greg S.

Originally Posted by 540Greg

I used the Fluke on it and found a solid 12 volts. When I unplugged the connector I noticed the retaining clip was broken. This enabled the mechanic to plug it in upside down. I flipped it and now almost everything is fine. I've noticed a couple of paint chevrons on the face of the hood. Very sloppy for a reputable shop like Cal-West.

Greg S.

Oh forget it and buy an E34!

Damn, I forgot, you used to have one.

Originally Posted by Keith

Oh forget it and buy an E34!

Damn, I forgot, you used to have one.

It cost me $8000 for the Nikasil block and the tranny was starting to act up. I did really enjoy it though it was becoming a love/hate relationship. I'll be going out of town for Thanksgiving so I won't be able to join you guys at the car show.

Greg S.

Originally Posted by 540Greg

Very sloppy for a reputable shop like Cal-West.

Wassup GregS? I thought Cal-West was the best too. Let me know if they fix the paint issues. Otherwise, I can't believe they charge as much as they do for crappy work.

Originally Posted by vietsb

Wassup GregS? I thought Cal-West was the best too. Let me know if they fix the paint issues. Otherwise, I can't believe they charge as much as they do for crappy work.

It looks like it's the clear coat that ran in one spot and needs to be buffed in another. They are very willing to fix it but now I have to be without a car for another day. They did give me the old lights with the xenon ballasts and bulbs that work fine.

Greg S.