Was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem. After turning on my headlights the other day, something new started to happen. The right-side bulb takes a little while longer to initialize, and it turns yellow and then white. When you look at them both up front, one is not as bright white as the other one. It almost looks yellow. Is this a bulb going bad or a ballast??

 

Hi there. I think it indicates that the HID bulb is on its way out. Had a similar problem with one of my other cars with HIDs. The colour change became more marked and eventually it failed.

If you want to check that the ballast/ignitors are ok you can swap the bulbs around, but I find that is quite a tricky thing on the S type with limited access around the back of the bulb.

Every time I have changed a headlamp bulb I have had to remove the bumper(fender) and then remove the headlamp!!!

 

This is unfortunately true... I have a bulb out right now and tired to do the swap without removing the bumper. It was a waste of time. Even though I found a thread where folks said it could be done, you have to have hands the size of a child's to get in there. Plan on the bumper removal if you are going to attempt it yourself.

 

How much is a new bulb with labor from the dealer usually? And think there is any chance that could be covered under factory warranty? It should not die this early. That is BS. My G35's xenons lasted until 75k miles..

 

I think we use D2S they can be had on eBay for about $30

 

Yes, bulb or ballast, process of elimination is best approach. I've used D2S bulbs off Ebay on replacements in customer cars and my own car and they seem to work fine and have lasted, so far. I advise replacing both bulbs at the same time.

The price differential over dealers cost is significant. Same here, have paid about $60 for two. There is a huge seller out of CA that is on Ebay all the time. He is very reliable and fast delivery.

 

These lamps should have a clear quartz envelope. If its gone pearly/milky it's knackered and needs a new one.
Leedsman.