I also find that the difference between the lit area and unlit area is so great that I couldn't see anything above the top cutoff line because my eyes couldn't adjust to the difference. I was coming up to this intersection where the the angel of the road caused the top cutoff line of the xenon to fall right before the intersection, which means I couldn't see the other side of the intersection until I have already entered the intersection. So if a guy is walking across the intersection, I wouldn't be able to see him until I was already in the intersection.

 

I expect the new self-leveling HIDs would eliminate that problem.

 

Well, I've got the new ones. I crest a plenty of hills and only got flashed maybe twice.

You guys that hate the bi-xenons could maybe trade with someone who has halogens.

 

I have the xenons and I love them. How expensive are the bulbs to replace? And can you change them yourself? I read in the manual that you can get zapped.

 

I think they average about $100 each for the ones I've seen online, but you have to buy them in pairs.

Changing them is easier than changing the turn signal or the fog lamp bulb.

 

$100 i think are for the D2s.... D1s that the R56 uses are about double that.

 

I just did a search again and they are about $240 to $260 per pair, but these could easily be the cheap made in China ones. I have see sites listed them at over $200 each, though.

 

How long is the average life of these Xenons which I have? Have any of you actually had to change the Xenon bulb due to it dying yet?

 

Well, i can't really give you an accurate service life or the cause of failour, but my dad's Merc with the D2 xenons, blew out after 3 years. Maybe he had a bad batch?

 

Ahhh. Are you in KL mate?

Was just wondering about the flag in the Signature.

 

I sure the price of xenons will drop though since more and more cars are starting to have them equipped now. If they fail now will MINI replace them under the service plan?

 

Hi Justin,
I'm in Penang, north of KL.

 

my friends e46 323i (1999) with xenons are still on the original bulbs but he doesn't have auto headlight so they are only on when he turns them on.

 

From what I have heard xenon's may be on the way out. The future could be LEDs as they are cheaper. Some Audi's have them now.

 

On the 2007 R56, the self-leveling is to adjust for ride-height. It does not dynamically change as you go up or down hills.