Hi, I am trying to find a 73010137M HID ballast for my 2003 XKR and I only find 73010137N which look identical but they are supposed to be compatible only with the 2004-2006 XK8/XKR models. Should I try them? Do you know what the differences are between them (I couldn't find anything online...)

Thanks,

 

You might want to continue your research. Last I left it, the issue is the load leveling, reputedly present in the '03, and then possibly removed starting with the '04. The short of it is that there are cheap after market HID modules without the load leveling (and therefore suited for the '04+) whereas for the '03, only the (much more expensive) Valeo part seems to be available. Some have used the cheap '04 part in an '03 as the plugs are compatible, but without leveling. I am unsure as to what happens to the leveling...

PS: my HID headlight is out at the moment and I have already received the cheap part. I'll post an update at a later point.

 

The reason I ask is because I had already bought an original Valeo 73010137N from a SAAB 9-5 before opening my headlamp assembly and seeing that the original was an 73010137M. If the only problem is the self leveling, I think I can live with it for the time being (the front sensor arm is broken and the previous owner had changed the HID with an aftermarket ballast with different lamp so I am trying to restore it to its original state). My main concern is not to have any problems with short circuits or some other more serious incompatibility...

BTW I saw that some Citroen used the 73010137M ballast...

G./

 

I have HID in everything and from what I can find all the "bulb" units are the same and the power is determined by the ballast unit ...35w, 55w..90w. I have been doing mix and match with the bulb and ballasts of different makes without problem . The cheap chinese kits without problem.

 

I think the OP was concerned about the ballast also having the self leveling circuit, along with lighting the HID 'bulb'?
As an electrical engineer, yes any 35w ballast should fire up any 35w hid 'bulb'.
As I say it is the self leveling built into the jaguar units that makes them a little more specific, that said, even with a fixed level, I.e. no auto level function, they can be set correctly/very slightly to the low end of adjustment and be fine, I had the self level fail on a E-class Mercedes once and did this, mot, no problem.
I remember on my e class when switched on, the one light would stay low.
As my xkr right hid had been flooded, (as I bought it) I'm waiting for my Chinese ballast (valeo copy) to arrive, I will let you know how it goes 👍
Keep us posted, good luck

 

all aftermarket LAD5G have no functioning auto level

but you don’t drive an suv so who cares lol

 

Update: I installed the 73010137N ballast and it seems to work fine. All lamps work as they should and the auto leveling mechanism seems to work too - haven't tested it driving yet but it does the up and down ritual when you turn the ignition key to the II position. As I mentioned above this is a used, original Valeo ballast that was fitted before to a Saab 9-5 and the part number online shows compatibility with 2004-2006 models only.

I hope it will keep working fine!

G./