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benwolf9

BMW i8 Xenon Headlights Turning Purple, Fix Guide

Error in the lighting

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Error message in the speedometer

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Fault stored

Hey all! Having some lighting troubles with my 2016 BMW i8 (38,663 km). The xenon lights are turning purple and I'm getting error messages in the speedometer. The turn signals are acting up too. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I'm hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar lighting issues on their i8? What was the actual problem and how much did the repair cost? Would appreciate some recommendations on what to check first. Thanks in advance!

4 comment(s)


selinamoon3

Had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW i3s Hybrid. The xenon lights started showing purple tint and error messages popped up on the dashboard. Took it to the garage last month. Turned out the ballast connectors were corroded and the wiring harness had some damaged spots. The symptoms matched yours, funky turn signals and all. This wasn't just a simple bulb replacement job, they had to replace the entire ballast unit and rewire some connections. It was a serious electrical issue that could've led to complete headlight failure if left unchecked. The mechanic showed me how the corrosion had spread to nearby components. Would definitely recommend getting it checked by a certified BMW technician, as they'll have the right diagnostic tools for these complex electrical systems. Just my two cents based on my experience, don't put this off for too long, especially since it's affecting your turn signals too. These symptoms usually don't fix themselves and tend to get worse.

benwolf9 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's super helpful to hear from someone who had such a similar issue! I'm relieved to know it wasn't just my i8 acting up. Did you remember roughly how much the whole repair set you back? Just trying to get a ballpark figure before I head to the shop. Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other electrical quirks popping up?

selinamoon3

Hey there! Happy to give you an update on my i3s situation. So I actually just got back from the certified BMW shop last week. Great news, the turn signal issue is completely sorted now! They traced it down to a faulty cable connection that was causing all the weird behavior. The fix cost me 95€, which honestly wasn't as bad as I was expecting given all the symptoms. Since the repair, everything's been working like a charm, no more electrical gremlins or warning lights. Those turn signals are now crisp and responsive, just like they should be. The whole electrical system seems much happier. For your i8, definitely sounds like you're dealing with something similar to what I initially had. The purple xenon lights are usually a pretty clear warning sign of electrical issues. I'd really recommend getting it checked out soon, these things tend to get more complicated (and expensive) if you wait too long. Trust me, it's such a relief to have everything working properly again. Let me know how it goes when you get yours looked at!

benwolf9 (Author)

Thanks for all the info! Just wanted to update you on what happened with my i8. Finally took it to a certified BMW dealer yesterday. You were spot on, it was an electrical issue. The mechanic found corroded wiring and a failing ballast unit. The repair wasn't cheap, came to around 750 for parts and labor, but at least it's fixed now. The service was actually pretty great. They showed me exactly what was wrong and explained everything clearly. The purple lights are gone, turn signals work perfectly, and no more error messages on the dash. Such a relief! Really glad I didn't put it off any longer. Definitely learned my lesson about dealing with electrical issues promptly. Thanks again for pushing me to get it checked out, your advice probably saved me from bigger problems down the road!

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