BiXenon Headlight Low Beam Out
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 9
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From: South Carolina
2017 GLS 550
BiXenon Headlight Low Beam Out
Recently purchased a 2013 GL450 CPO with 46k miles on the clock, and love it, even with this first incident; the Passenger Headlight Low Beam is inoperative. This rig includes the lighting package with the bi-Xenon headlamps. For reference, there was no flickering, color change or any other noted symptoms prior to complete darkness (this is my wife’s daily driver, so I’m not consistently behind the wheel). The quoted price from the closest dealer (45 min drive) is about $340 for parts/labor (275/64) to replace the bulb, while the ballast/igniter/wiring would be replaced under warranty. I see a Philips D1S Xenon replacement bulb for <$60 online, so if it is just a bulb, I am naturally inclined to attempt a replacement on my own! Is there a way to diagnose the failure mode without driving all the way to the dealer? First world problems, but I would hate to pay the dealer price for a bulb replacement (which I think I can do myself) or do the work only to find the problem really would’ve been covered under warranty.
I have not replaced an HID bulb before, but after some initial research, it appears access through the wheel well may enable replacement without removing the headlight assembly. Has anyone else attempted a DIY replacement? Are there any tips or watchouts?
FWIW the Xenon lights are fantastic…even with the passenger side dark, I can see better than in some previous vehicles during normal operation!
Thanks
I have not replaced an HID bulb before, but after some initial research, it appears access through the wheel well may enable replacement without removing the headlight assembly. Has anyone else attempted a DIY replacement? Are there any tips or watchouts?
FWIW the Xenon lights are fantastic…even with the passenger side dark, I can see better than in some previous vehicles during normal operation!
Thanks
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Swap the bulbs left and right and see if the issue follows the bulb or stays on the socket. If it follows the bulb, you probably just have a blown bulb and can replace and be golden. If it stays on the socket, might be the ballast/igniter/wiring so you can at least tell the dealer to leave the bulb alone and just take care of the warranty stuff, saving you $340. 
If interested, we carry higher end Morimoto D1S replacement xenon bulbs available in 5500K (pure white) and 6500K (white with a slight bluish hue) if it does turn out to be a bulb related issue.
Also, if it is a bulb issue, it's advisable to replace both at the same time to ensure even break-in/life so you won't get kelvin temp (color) matching issues on both sides.
If interested, we carry higher end Morimoto D1S replacement xenon bulbs available in 5500K (pure white) and 6500K (white with a slight bluish hue) if it does turn out to be a bulb related issue.
Also, if it is a bulb issue, it's advisable to replace both at the same time to ensure even break-in/life so you won't get kelvin temp (color) matching issues on both sides.
