Casper - thank you so much. I was able to change the driver's side bulb without taking the bumper off. It probably took me 30 minutes, 15 of which was spent trying to put the cover back on (getting that latch in was tough).

If you're saying the passenger side is much harder because of that 2nd wire bundle, I'll probably let a mechanic do the 2nd bulb.

But thanks again. You've saved me the worry that some mechanic was going to recommend a $1500 repair when a bulb was all it took.

 

The passenger side is the same deal, just the wire bundle can be push down ward s for clearance once you unbolt the to ground bolt to make room. don't have to send to shop if you've done the driver side.

 

I just replaced both of my HIDs and they worked great for about 2 minutes. I turned off the ignition switch to replace the back covers and turned it on again to check...the right side will not turn on? I replaced the new bulb with the old one and no change, still no light. Could it be the ballast?

 

I finally got some free time to work on the headlights. I removed the bumper and removed both headlight units. The right headlight had about a quart of water in it. I wonder why the light stopped working? Just to put my mind at ease, I swapped out the ballast and confirmed that it is bad. Since I have to wait for a new ballast, I will take the opportunity to clean-up the front-end, condenser, and radiator. I will also check the belt and the front suspension.

 

Did you ever get the change to produce a video of changing your hid bulbs? I've ordered the correct Sylvania D1S bulbs but was hoping to swap them out without having to drop the bumper. I had a look at the back cover of the headlamp housing, losened the wire that holds it in place, and see what you mean by it being difficult to wiggle out of place. I take it, though, that once it has been moved out of place you have no problem unhooking and removing the D1S bulb with its built in ignitor base?