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      12-21-2012, 09:54 PM   #1
m7ammed
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How long do Xenon bulbs last?

Still got the original bulbs in there, got the car on may 2009. But recently I noticed that the light is not as bright or defined as before. Do the bulbs degrade over time? when is it a good idea to replace them? when they go out?
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      12-22-2012, 01:23 AM   #2
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Do you drive with the xenons on during the day (i.e. daytime running lights or leaving it on auto mode)

When I retrofitted HID's into my GTI in 2007, I remember during my research that the ballasts can last for as long as about 3500+ hours (IIRC)....the bulbs should last longer.

Are they still the original color or are they more blue and getting more that on that end of the color spectrum.

I do not believe it to be a problem with the ballast, meaning if it burns out your lights won't come on from the regulator not stepping up the voltage to ignite the bulbs. But it could very well be the HID bulbs themselves.
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      12-22-2012, 01:27 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gray_Panther View Post
Do you drive with the xenons on during the day (i.e. daytime running lights or leaving it on auto mode)

When I retrofitted HID's into my GTI in 2007, I remember during my research that the ballasts can last for as long as about 3500+ hours (IIRC)....the bulbs should last longer.

Are they still the original color or are they more blue and getting more that on that end of the color spectrum.

I do not believe it to be a problem with the ballast, meaning if it burns out your lights won't come on from the regulator not stepping up the voltage to ignite the bulbs. But it could very well be the HID bulbs themselves.
Just put them on Auto all the time. To be honest I forgot what the original color is LOL. Are there any guidelines when they are suppose to be replaced? or is it just when they go out?
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      12-22-2012, 01:36 AM   #4
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How many km's do you have on the car?

If they are dimming the bulbs are slowly dying. There are how-to's for changing the bulbs. Also I don't know if money is an issue but there are other respectable sources for bulbs. I personally like Morimoto 5five bulbs. I believe the HID's in the 1er's use D2S bulbs. Someone please verify or check with BMW and ask what kind of bulbs do they use. D1S, D2S.....I don't think BMW has gotten to D4S yet lol.

4300k is the kelvin you need. 6000k is a blue, 12000k is purple. But 4300k is pure white light which will give you the most light output (lumens)
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      12-22-2012, 01:43 AM   #5
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How many km's do you have on the car
113,000 KM
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      12-22-2012, 01:47 AM   #6
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If you are averaging 60-70kph with the xenon's on auto-mode then I could see them staying on for about 3000 hours. Let's also not forget that you are living in Saudi Arabia....the temperatures are consistently higher which could drain some life out of them.

Yes, they need to be replaced, unusually early but understandable nonetheless. Good luck!
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      12-22-2012, 01:58 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gray_Panther View Post
If you are averaging 60-70kph with the xenon's on auto-mode then I could see them staying on for about 3000 hours. Let's also not forget that you are living in Saudi Arabia....the temperatures are consistently higher which could drain some life out of them.

Yes, they need to be replaced, unusually early but understandable nonetheless. Good luck!
great thanks now I need to check with the dealer if they have them and how much do they cost (usually cheaper if I import them). I hope installing them is not a pain, I know when I did the angle eye bulbs those sucked.
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      12-23-2012, 01:41 PM   #8
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My old 3er lasted 3 years, about 75,000 miles of daytime running on all the time. And the bulb was only about 35 to replace
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      12-23-2012, 01:47 PM   #9
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Speaking of xenons my friend just got a 2013 Dodge Charger and the low beam xenons on that thing seem to be as powerful as my hi beams on my 1er. WTF?
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      12-23-2012, 01:59 PM   #10
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My old 3er lasted 3 years, about 75,000 miles of daytime running on all the time. And the bulb was only about 35 to replace
They are like 192 USD each on getbmwpart.com are the ones you got original?
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      12-24-2012, 08:39 AM   #11
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How can you determine if they need replacement?
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      12-24-2012, 08:43 AM   #12
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Are they dimmer? Noticeably I mean...

Also has the bulb color changed? Is it more of a purple hue now?
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      12-24-2012, 09:08 AM   #13
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Quote:
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They are like 192 USD each on getbmwpart.com are the ones you got original?
That price sounds about right from BMW. They aren't cheap over here either. I know aftermarket Philips or Osram(OE) xenon bulbs run about 100 euros each. They are 200 euros at the dealer.

I think over time the xenon bulb's color change. I know on my old e39 with xenons... the former owner(s) must have changed one of the bulbs, bc the color is different. I've heard even IF you use the same bulb brand and type, the color will be off, when using one new bulb with one old bulb.

I think its anyone's guess how long xenon bulbs last. Bottom line... if your not happy with the bulb color/output... you might as well buy yourself a new set. The one caveat - would be to make sure those bulb covers are 100% closed... bc we all know what happens when moister gets inside the lamps. $$$$.
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      12-24-2012, 11:23 AM   #14
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Extending the life of the xeon bulbs is a reason I don't use the auto setting for the lights on my car. I don't see the need to have the headlights light up when I pull into my garage since they are going to be shut off seconds later anyway.
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