E46 Headlight Issues

[e34ric]

Hello all,

I am having an issue with my e46's Xenon headlights (2003 325i, 128K miles, everything factory). I have searched through tons of posts about Xenon headlight issues, but have not been able to find anything similar to what I am experiencing.

Upon startup, when I turn the headlights on, the passengers side raises and illuminates as expected. However, the drivers side does not turn on. Shortly after, I will get the code on my dash.

Now, if I drive the car for a while with the headlights switched on, then turn them off and back on a few times, I can sometimes get the drivers headlight to come on.

When I park the car at a store, run my errands, and come back out to the car/start it back up and turn the headlights on, the passengers side will come on as normal, then a few seconds later the drivers side will flash to life! So far, shutting the car down for a while and restarting has worked nearly every time.

After I get the drivers headlight to finally wake up, it seems to work perfectly. No flickering/flashing or turning off.
The passengers side seems to flicker at pretty much all times.

I replaced the bulbs the first time I noticed the drivers headlight out, and have checked all the wires/connections, all seems fine.

Anyone had a similar issue?

Thanks!
Eric

[shogun]

Moved to E46 forum

[jclausen]

I would check for faults or swap the modules from left to right if the problem follows the move then one of the modules is faulty

[dworthy]

+1

In for more info here:

When you say the headlight on the driver's side doesn't move down, then up this is at the very first start correct?

If this is so, there is a leveler motor built into the headlight, and I don't think this has anything to do with shutter or bulb.

Of course if you are getting flickering or failure for the lamp to come on, move the ballast from one side to the other.