Hello, i have a 2004 Mini Cooper S and one side of my HID Bulbs went out. I dont kbow what the problem is, but i think it is something with the ballast or the connections. I bought the car used and both lights was working perfect, then the right side would flicker once in awhile wjile i was dricing and now it is just out. I thought it was the bulb, but i tested the bulb on the working side and it is working fine. Does anyone know how to fix it or do i need to replace something. I want try to fix it myself, but dont know how to check tje ballast and connections. PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

If you unscrew the ballast housing, they unplug. Just swap the ballasts, and that will narrow it down. Im guessing if its not the bulb, its got to be the ballast. The only thing I could think of would be bad wiring, but unless someone screwed with the wires, I couldn't imagine why they'd flicker. Ballasts are not very expensive, and can easily be found used for under $100 (OEM).

If it is the ballast, I'd look for a used one on HIDPLANET.com. I think BMW uses valero, I cant remember. It should say on the ballast.

 

Could be a crusty connection. Especially if it was intermittent before. Unplug each connector, squirt some contact cleaner or even wd40 works. Plug and un plug the connector a few times to scrap off the crust. Wipe off excess and try it. If it re occurs use a grease after you clean them to keep the oxidation from reforming.

 

Thanks guys. I have figured out the problem. Its a bad ballast. I am looking for a replacement one right now, but they are about 150 used on ebay. You guys know where else to get them?

 

check out hidplanet.com in the marketplace. You want the Bosch ballasts. These should be identical for all BMW / MINI / maybe Audi?. Just look at the photo before to make sure it looks the same. Should cost $75-100.

 

How long does the ballast last for?

 

Most ballasts last for the life of the car. My cooper's ballasts have been going strong since 04. Turning them on and off rapidly reduces their lifespan. If you turn them off, give them a few minutes before turning them back on.