When I turned my car on I noticed one headlight flickered a few times then shut off. I got the error message in my car that the low beam was down, I figured that maybe the lamp had burnt out so I removed but it looked fine. So I removed the other headlight and swapped the bulbs to test it out and it turned on fine. I stuck the working bulb on the side which wasn't working and the same thing happens, a few flickers then turns off. Anyone have any idea what this could be? At first I was thinking maybe the ballast or a fuse, if anyone has any clue the help is appreciated!

 

Sounds like your ignitor is on its last leg. Luckily it's not that expensive of a part. It part #2 on this diagram.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...97&hg=63&fg=05

 

I would take a stab at the ballast. You should be under 4/50k so just go to BMW and have them replace it .

 

it's your bulb. The D1S bulb is at fault since the ignitor is built onto the bulb. ALL D1S bulbs no matter OEM or aftermarket does not last THAT long. Lemme know if you need a set to upgrade.

Look at ALL the newer BMWs, Mercedes, etc. Don't you see a lot of the cars with one low beam burnt out a lot?

 

If you need a ballast, then pm me. I have a spare for sale.

 

Recheck the connections on the ignitor first (it's likely that the connections to the ignitor are the first to go).

It doesn't sound like a bulb however, more of a connection somewhere. Taking the headlights out is very easy and unfortunately, you may have corrosion on one of the connections that go to the headlight. Take all of it apart, remove the headlights and see if there is any moisture or water on the contacts of the ballast to the headlight.

The local techs from the dealer here tell me this is a very very common issue and likely you will need to use your warranty to replace it if a contact point isn't the quick fix it may be.

 

Yeah I don't think it's the actual bulb because like I said I swapped the bulbs out from one headlight to the other and they both work on the side that's not the issue. It might be this ignitor you guys are speaking of that's something I'm going to have to take another look at. As far as taking it in for warranty I have my own custom foglights and John's HID angel eyes installed, I don't want them put blame on any aftermarket parts for being the cause of the problem, seems like they will do anything to void warranties.

 

If you are still under warranty, you should put all your lighting upgrades back to stock before you take it back to the dealer. They WILL void any and all warranty against malfunction of any part if they find non-OEM components are involved. After that, have them find and fix all that is wrong with the flickering light while you drive a nice clean loaner courtesy of BMWNA.

 

they cannot void ur warranty for HID angel eyes with the car. It has nothing to do with the headlights ESPECIALLY the power is drawn from ur battery. But of course return it to stock is much easier and less of explanation.