mtnman82

I've got an '03 with factory bi-xenon's. Got a low beam out error message last night and sure enough the low beam is not working.

Is this just the bulb (I hope ... please tell me it's that simple)? I did do some searching but got kind of confused by all the talk about bad ballasts, bad igniters, having to crack the headlight case open, etc.

Also, if just the bulb, do you guys recommend the factory (Sylvania?) or are other brands I might find at the local Autozone/Kragen/Wal-Mart OK (Can I find a factory Sylvania at one of these places)? I'm fine with the factory color (I assume it's 4300k).

Autohaus AZ has two types (guess I need to figure out what I have D2R or D2S) for ~$80. each.

Also, do I need to (should I) replace in pairs?

Thanks in advance!

timmynabenz

That just means your headlight is out, i would just go to the dealer and buy a bulb, im not 100% positive, but i believe the xenon bulbs cost about $30. I jsut prefer using MB factory parts for everything!

And no, you do not to replace in pairs, unless you install the new bulb and the old headlight is dimmer (shouldn't happen) i would then replace in pairs.

mtnman82

Thanks!!!

B189s

I'd suggest to replace both bulbs and any D2S bulbs would do. Maybe you can upgrade to 6000K for a slightly better/bluish output

If you are fine with factory output, then 4300K it is.

samaritrey

sorry to contradict you timmynabenz i would always replace in pairs. mostly because you don't know much about bix so i would just replace both bulbs to get it over with. second because HID bulbs are different then halogens and you should replace them before they just go out for optimal lighting. HID bulbs color shift over time look at late 90's acuras how many ones have you seen driving around with pinkish tints to there lights. if you have bix the d2s bulbs are correct i got mine off ebay from a great seller for $65 philips 85122. http://stores.ebay.com/hidbulbzrus
First though i would switch the bulbs from side to side to diagnose the bulb vs igniter or ballast. The ballast is on the bottom of the headlight and the igniter is inside and a pain to get to from my understanding i have an extra bix i bought for just the ballast that i want to take apart to see how hard it really is to get to the igniter. if you have any questions i would be glad to try to help you out i have spent a lot of time diagnosing and researching a problem with one of my bix.

btw where do you live?

HellsAngel

like most electrical parts, they have a certain life (X number of hours). If one is out, then basically the second wont last much longer... i suggest you change both & get over it...
if you want to do it @ the dealer, get a quote, if its pricey do one, if its "ok" replace both.

e1000

Factory BIX take D2S, the "frosted" xenons need D2R.

I also suggest changing them in pairs. The bulbs of that era will color shift over time and a new bulb will look like it's a different temperature. $80/bulb sounds about right.

Oh, just to be sure you might want to change the bulbs around to see if it's actually the bulb. The ballast/igniters on the factory BIX have been known to go bad.

mtnman82

Guess I should've checked back in before I ordered... I found a set of the Philips 85122+ bulbs for $95 on fleabay, so went for it. After reading about how they normally fade after use, and seeing as mine are 7 years old, I thought I might as well replace both. Now I'm hoping it's really the bulb (guess I'll switch them tomorrow to make sure). Might have thought about the regular 85122's @ $65/pair, seeing as these lasted 7 years...

Thanks again everyone!

samaritrey

the 85122+ bulbs are supposed to hold the same color for the life of the bulb. they usually start flickering or fail to fire that is when you know with them to replace them. i personally like them better but can't find them for $65 so i ordered the 85122.

e1000

Correct, the 85122 will color shift to a higher temperature over the life of the bulb. The 85122+'s should not change, and should stay at a consistent 4300K

The OEM bulb should be a 85122. Either way it's a great bulb.

Glyn M Ruck

+1 - best lamps are made at the Philips plant in Aachen - Germany

Dingleberry

false, as usual...

TemjinX2

Everyone's pretty much correct. You don't have to replace in pairs, but its preferable. Oem bulbs are philips, so buying them cheaper on ebay was the wiser choice. No point in paying the dealership premium for the same bulbs.

mtnman82

Wow, what a difference! I think it's just because the old bulbs were 7 years old and probably did color shift, but the new Philips 85122+ bulbs are great. Noticeably more light (i.e. I can see more, and more details).

The bulb that was out started working again before I got these... I'm thinking it may have just been a simple loose connection because the igniter(?) just pulled off easily instead of needing to twist when I initially pulled out the bulb. I put it back on correctly but didn't use the lights again for several days. Switching bulbs as e1000 suggested would have probably resolved everything, but in the end I'm glad I got the new bulbs anyhow.

e1000

Nice!!!!!!