I'd like to know if anyone knows what happened here and if this is fixable. Also, what are my repair/upgrade/aftermarket options. I know I have adaptive headlights but I'm not sure if they are Xenon or not (not sure which or if both were available with adaptive). I tried a couple vin decoders but none worked.

 

This decoder has never failed me.
BMW Model Archive · BMW VIN Decoder · bmwarchive.org
As far as the light goes, it looks like the broke away from the motor.
I would say a new bulb as the motor is part of the unit.

 

Thanks for the information. I actually found out I have Xenon lights by looking closer at the headlamp. I also noticed I was mistyping my VIN in some of the searches hence the error. Anyhow, I looked it up on realoem and it looks like, if I can't take it apart and fix it, it's a whole replacement to the tune of $1200!

 

Don't be fooled by Realoem prices. Better you call your dealer and check. When I did just last month the list price was $1550.00 plus taxes! The EXACT same thing happened to me. First I noticed a light disruption in the AE, then the following week sometime the left HD inner lens fell out inside. I ended up cutting open the headlight and attempting the repair. I have to say I impressed myself. All went well and I went ahead and seal it all back up with the intent on replacing the lights all together. Unfortunately my plan for that did not work out and now I am trying to locate the AE rings. Most likely will buy Orions and stick in there. Check your PM that I sent. There is no motor and more than likely, the heat stake welding felled which holds that entire light assy together. Maybe you can see this in my attachment. There is not repair other than cutting open the lights and do as I did, or contact one of the guys that mod headlights. But then you are looking at nearly a grand after you add all the nice things you might want in the upgrade and of course not to mention being without your car for a while.

 

that is scary


what can cause this to happen???

 

Thanks Tony. I shopped around a little and posted about the $1,200 after looking at eBay as well. I found FCP Euro has a great deal on the whole lamp so I'll probably go with that.
stel: I live in Puerto Rico and the roads get pretty bad with potholes. There's a chance that it may have contributed.
Edit: It was funny, when I looked at the picture you sent, for a second I thought it was my car.

 

I'm not exactly sure, but my first signs I got were the light in the AE's were the not looking normal. More so in the 3 & 7 O'clock postion almost seemed like it was burned. I have had GP Thunder bulbs in for four years so i don't think it was that, About six months ago I change the seeting from 6 to 1 in IMPA, This will make the AE's stay bright all the time, instead of dimming when the main headlight illuminates. The other thing that almost made me vomit was the totally unprotected wires inside. I always new I had them at the bulb socket like most of you probably do, but once I cut open the headlight I was in total disbelief! So many bare wires. I am hoping this was the reason for the burn spots and assy failure, that perhaps one of the wires made contact with something it didn't like. I say this because I like to understand things and not assume it was something because then I really don't know and I have to be prepared for it to come at me again... As mentioned in the PDF, both heat stake welds tha hold the inner light assy together was completly melted away. So something clearly got VERY hot. That scares me a bit, I don't want to be that example of some guy driving down the road with real flames coming out of his headlights!

 

i got my pair BRAND NEW made by HELLA...call SIMON CHEN he has the right price

good luck

 

Thanks stel. How do I get a hold of Simon Chen. I don't see him on the members list.

Edit: Never mind...I found him. Thanks again.

 

Issue is not from a pot hole. You have a problem in your headlight that caused it for sure. Several things as mentioned comes to mind. If you have kept the lights completely stock, bulbs and all then my guess is could be related to the wiring. That is, if you were the original owner since you would know if anything has been done. They are repairable, so good luck with that.