I have a Prolumen HID equipped depo set on my e36 - a few months back I started finding inconsistent starts - usually after a heavy rain or car wash - on one side. I haven't been able to light the passenger side now for a week and yesterday I pulled everything apart and swapped the passenger side bulb to the driver's side where it lit perfectly. Back on the passenger side the bulb will flash several times and then the fault indicator will come on. Finally, the driver's side bulb which lights reliably in the driver's side fails to light on the passenger side. I suspect the ballast or igniter on the passenger side. Last night I read an article on e-bay about debugging HID kits where the author claimed that the battery condition can lead to these sorts of problems. I've never had any indication of battery problems on my car. The contacts look clean and dry.


Anyone care to hazard a guess?

Peter

Bump. Ive had this problem too. Did you find the problem?

BTW, I have the HID boxes mounted under the headlights on the bumper.

check your low beam fuses...and upgrade them to a 15amp

The fuse is not necessary, HID's draw less current than Halogen lights. I think you are on the right path with the swapping. Try moving the ballast to the other side and see if it lights.
~Phil

FWIW - with the car running - check your voltage next... should be about 13.6v+. Car off, battery will read around 12v+.

But I agree, sounds like a bad ballast...

check your low beam fuses...and upgrade them to a 15amp

no

The fuse is not necessary, HID's draw less current than Halogen lights. I think you are on the right path with the swapping. Try moving the ballast to the other side and see if it lights.
~Phil

yes

FWIW - with the car running - check your voltage next... should be about 13.6v+. Car off, battery will read around 12v+.

But I agree, sounds like a bad ballast...

yes

The fuse is not necessary, HID's draw less current than Halogen lights. I think you are on the right path with the swapping. Try moving the ballast to the other side and see if it lights.
~Phil


if all else fails, its worth a try to check the fuses.

everytime i installed 55w hid's there was a problem with the puny 7.5amp fuses blowing. the light would turn on, flicker, then turn off.

worked on all 4 e36's ive worked on....
2 of which were my m3's(95 and 98) and both of my buddies 98 323is