I have a 2012 estate worth about £4.5k, it has the bi-xenon headlights which are stupidly expensive to repair. Therefore I’ve been considering getting some after market halogen replacements and having them wired in by an auto-electrician. However he’s warned me that a simple swap over might not be possible, due to the nature of the wiring loom. Any thoughts or experiences? 

Welcome

 

You'll need to unplug the xenon range controller and recode the car for halogen lights. You'll also need to replace the headlight connectors, add extra wiring for manual range control and the dial to adjust it.

 

What's wrong with the current bi-xenons? A used headlight from eBay or a breakers yard could be a better option?

Hi langers2k, 

 

Thanks for the advice. I’ve explored the breaker option but the cheapest quote I’ve received is £308 for a unit! A couple of after market halogen units will be about £290. Once the conversion is done I can rest knowing that if someone wants to kick in the light cover, which was the cause of my problems in the first place, I can get a whole replacement unit for less than £100. However as the costs of the conversion are mounting, I might just claim on the insurance and take the hike in policy costs when it comes to renewal.

 

Either way if someone wants to have a go at the car again, they might find they have me to answer to.....

 

Thanks again.

I had a problem with my bi xenon lights where the ballast blew on it. They are expensive on their own. if yours is still okay it might be worth getting a new unit from the dealer as they come with a ballast and keep the ballast in the tool box in case it goes again. 

I looked at an after market headlight because mine had a crack in it which caused the ballast to go and the difference in price between a main dealer and an aftermarket unit was not enough to avoid the main dealer. 

 

in the end i sucked it up and just changed the ballast because my car is a 58 plate and i will probably be changing it in the coming months if we ever have to back to the office!!

Hi pdrisc,

 

If by ballast you mean what I’ve heard referred to as a “power bank”, that has indeed gone on my car. A genuine Hella replacement headlight unit is £820 (presumably with the ballast), breakers quoting £308-615 depending on the condition and length of warranty offered. I think I’ll let my insurance company pick up the tab (it was criminal damage and has been reported to the police already). I love the car (high mileage but as sweet as a nut), but I draw the line at spending upwards of a grand on a headlight!

 

Thanks.

What year did they fit bi-Xenon?

mine mine is a 2009 elegance with xenons?