BMW X5 contains low and high-beam headlights for the convenience of drivers. Low-beam lights are generally directed downward and have short beams of light. These are suitable in city areas, so high-beam lights cannot affect the visibility of other drivers.
BMW X5 low beam light not working can be due to damaged headlight covers, condensation in the lens, bad sensors, faulty relays, blown-out fuse, faulty ballast, power supply issues, and burnt-out xenon bulbs.
I usually activate it while driving in dark and low-light conditions to decrease glare on the windshield of other vehicles that can affect visibility. Moreover, I experienced that these are beneficial while driving in rainy and foggy weather because of their improved visibility.
| Problems | Solutions |
| Damaged headlight covers | Seal cracked areas and openings with adhesive |
| Condensation in lens | Use hair dryer |
| Bad sensors | Keep sensors clean |
| Faulty relay | Add new relay |
| Blown out fuse | Inspect fuse box |
| Faulty ballast | Remove ballast |
| Power supply issue | Clean the socket and check the battery |
| Burnt-out electric bulb | Replace bulb |
Damaged headlight covers
Headlight covers are usually made up of plastic material for their protection. They protect the low-beam lights against environmental conditions, road elements, and water exposure.
Sometimes, these covers can get damaged, and bulbs directly become exposed to the outside environment, which increases their malfunctioning chances.
In addition, it also allows the water to seep inside and corrode the filaments or other electric connections. Plastic covers can break during road impacts and accidental cases.
These are delicate parts that are vulnerable to cracks during front-end collision. Moreover, these can also break because of exposure to high temperatures, making the plastic material brittle and easy to crack.
Bulbs come in direct exposure to water when you move over water puddles. Splashes from the water puddles come in contact with these lights and affect their electric connections.
It is necessary to seal the cracked and opened plastic covers. You can use high-quality adhesives to seal their corners and cracks so it does not allow the water to go inside.
Condensation in lens
Low beam lights stop functioning because of condensation on their lens. The condensation issue arises because of differences in interior and exterior temperature.
The exterior of the lens remains cool while the temperature of the interior side is relatively warm, which allows the water vapors to come on the lens.
These water vapors allow the moisture to seep inside the electric bulb and lead to their burning. In addition, it can also damage the electric wires and cause the fuses to burn out.
I also faced condensation issues in cold weather. I used the hairdryer to warm the lens and maintain the temperature. Moreover, I used the hairdryer so warm air could remove the water droplets.
Bad sensors
BMW X5 is equipped with a sensor for the activation of low-beam headlights. These sensors identify the conditions in the surrounding environment and switch between the low to high beam headlights.
Sometimes, these sensors fail to perform their function, and you cannot activate the low-beam lights. Faulty sensors do not adjust the headlights according to road light conditions.
These sensors cannot function properly because of dust and debris accumulation on their surface, which can lead to misinterpretation.
Moreover, the issue also comes because of physical damage and electric connections. Certain environmental conditions also affect the sensor components and increase the chances of their failure.
You have to replace the damaged sensors with new ones. However, you can decrease the chances of their failure with proper cleaning and routine maintenance.
Faulty relay
Several models of BMW X5 contain relays to switch between high and low-beam light. Electric relays build up the electric connection between the electric bulbs and the battery.
They supply the power from the batteries to the bulb for their illumination. Sometimes, these relays become bad, and you can only use high-beam headlights.
You cannot switch these relays to the low beam light because of malfunctioning. Relays are vulnerable to failure because of age-related wear and tear.
The chances of their deterioration increase with their age. In addition, the issue comes because of their frequent use for extended periods. Moreover, temperature fluctuations and vibrations also increase the chances of their failure.
You can also face issues when electric relays get stuck in one position because of their faulty components. However, you can replace the faulty relay with a new one.
You have to spend $40 to $60 for their replacement, depending on the model and year of your vehicle. It is also necessary for you to select the electric relay according to the model of your SUV.
Blown out fuse
Low and high-beam lights contain separate fuses for their functioning. These fuses break the electric circuit and protect their bulbs from burning out.
These safety components break the circuit after detecting unusual current flow, which can damage the electric accessories.
You cannot get a power supply to the respective electric components because of the blown-out fuse. Low-beam light fuses can blow out because of power surges and faulty electric connections.
You have to replace the blown-out fuse with a new one to restore the electric connections of the circuitry for the power supply.
Faulty ballast
Headlight ballast is the major component of low and high-beam headlights. It controls their functioning and allows them to consume sufficient power from the electric system.
It maintains the power consumption that is required for their illumination. It protects the electric bulbs from power surges and voltage fluctuations.
However, HID ballast can last for 10 to more than 20 years with proper maintenance. These are vulnerable to failure because of the environmental conditions.
Adverse temperature conditions, including extremely cold and warm weather, affect their normal functionality, and they cannot maintain the power supply, which leads to the failure of low-beam headlights.
In addition, the issue also arises because of water exposure. You can identify the failed ballast from their swollen casing and burn marks. It is necessary to replace these whenever you face this issue.
Power supply issue
Low beam lights get power from the electric system of the BMW X5. They take power from the batteries of your SUVs that supply electric current via electric wiring.
Electric wires run from the sockets to the low beam headlights for power supply. Sometimes, these wires can get damaged and do not provide sufficient current for the illumination of the electric bulb.
The issue also comes because of corroded sockets that interrupt the normal current flow. You can see flickering and dimming of lights because of undercharged batteries and insufficient electric supply.
You can remove the electric socket to clean corrosion from its surface. Dip the sockets in a vinegar solution, which is acidic in nature and helps dissolve the rust.
Moreover, I always prefer to check batteries and connection on their terminals whenever I face flickering and dimming issues because they commonly come from power supply interruption from batteries.
Burnt-out electric bulb
Low beam headlights in BMW X5 contain xenon bulbs for illumination purposes. You cannot turn these on because of burnt-out electric bulbs.
I experienced this issue in my SUV while driving on roads during a rainy night. Low-beam headlights flickered several times, and then they became dim.
I kept driving for a few miles, and suddenly, the lights went off completely. I became worried and moved towards the dealership, and he told me the electric bulb of your headlights burnt out because of water exposure from the damaged seals.
He repaired the seals and replaced the electric bulb with a new one. Moreover, he told me electric bulbs can burn out due to voltage fluctuations and damaged connections.
The issue also comes because of their incorrect installation. It is necessary to consult an experienced mechanic for the correct installation.
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