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Originally Posted by soundq2 Great editorial, lots of info, but one IMPORTANT note you failed to mention. Maybe you didn't know about the different wiring layouts for different years. You'd think that any E46 would have the same wiring layout so everything would be plug and play. Wrong, or at least that's what my dealer told me. I installed a set of OEM xenon headlights into my 99 323i. The headlight plug were identical and the proper color for high and low beam. Since these are not bi-xenon, there's only 1 ballast. Anyway hooked them up, they didn't work, and my indicator on the dash said the bulbs were burnt. I pulled the bulbs out and checked them on another ignitor/ballast system I had on a Nissan and the bulbs worked. OK so I thought I needed my computer to know I had xenon and no longer halogen bulb. Took it to the dealer and he say's BOTH ballast/ignitor modules are blown, because my FACTORY WIRING IS BACKWARDS. The ground is on pin 1 instead of 12V possitive.(or I may have that backwards) Anyway so now I've got to buy two more ballasts or sell the lights w/out ballast on E-bay. Maybe in 2000 BMW changed the polarity of the plugs? or maybe I've got '98 wiring? Anyway it cost me $100 for the dealer to tell me I've got 2 wires reversed, plus the cost of the ballast!
So a word to the wise, please check to see which pin is supposed to be hot and which one is supposed to be ground. It's a costly error! Hope somebody reads this and saves some money and a headache! |
That is very true when upgrading OEM Xenons.
Our Projector46 systems are completely compatible with all year E46's
