M3 headlight bulb keeps flickering

[erickhoyos]

So for whatever gosh darn reason my left headlight keeps flickering, even when I change to a new bulb. I’ve tried searching for answers online but I’ve been left stumped. For context my car is a 2004 M3 SMG. If anyone can give me a helping hand or some advice I would appreciate it.

[Sharocks]

Could be a ballast, could be an ignitor etc. I've noticed my driver's side flickers ever since I went with Group N motor mounts.

[WOLFN8TR]

I had the same issues and it eventually went out completely. It my case it was the ballast.

[Distinct]

It's the ballast. It regulates and stabilizes current to your lights. The igniter is what will provide the instant large draw but the ballast is what is likely responsible for the flickering after it is lit.

[erickhoyos]

Okay so question is, where is it lol. I know where it would be on a coupe but mine is a vert and it’s not in the same location as it would be normally. I was always curious why my car didn’t have it behind the driver side headlight

[erickhoyos]

I was able to find it a few minutes ago, it’s tucked in behind the headlight housing. Why they didn’t leave it in the same spot as the coupe blows my mind.

[heinzboehmer]

Why they didn’t leave it in the same spot as the coupe blows my mind.

It's not in the same place on a vert? That doesn't sound right. Maybe someone had moved it previously. I know some cold air intakes require it to be relocated.

[T.J.]

I think 04s had a bad batch of ballasts per a tsb. I replaced both of mine. Had same symptom of flickering with new bulbs and it’s perfect now.

[erickhoyos]

It's not in the same place on a vert? That doesn't sound right. Maybe someone had moved it previously. I know some cold air intakes require it to be relocated.

No, when I got the car 4 years ago it was all original and wasn’t tampered with. Even under my ownership I haven’t really done anything to move around stuff aside from a CSF radiator, coilovers and exhaust.

[rbg]

there was a very nice DIY of converting to a newer version of xenon on the old forum...

[franklin]

Always suspect this may add longevity to the xenons: But I have never run with my lights in the Automatic light position. In auto mode if one approaches even the dimmest light during daylight the lights ignite for the temp duration of darkness then turn off. Perhaps multiple times a day. Turn the switch to manual. Why burden the system needlessly IMHO?