thanks for all the replies! the forum is so helpful.
I tried disconnecting and connecting the wires and it didn't do anything. So I did a lil switch-a-roo with the left bulb and right bulb. After removing both headlight assemblies and that stupid black cover that goes across the front of the engine bay. When I took the right bulb to the left headlight it worked fine. The left bulb into the right headlight still was purple. So thank God it's the bulb. I'll post up some pics shortly.
You can tell it's the bulb right away after it is removed because the left bulb has some kind of foggy residue inside the bulb. The right one is clear and looks brand new.
I was actually at the dealer in Naperville today and was quoted the following: $354 for 1 HID D2R bulb, and $960 for 1 ballast. That's CRAZY!! The manager also said he's never seen this problem before where the light turned a dim purple. So I guess I'm at a stage right before the bulb burned out but is hanging in there. Lifetime per bulb was quoted at 5 years, so since my car is 7 years old now, I guess this was expected.
Ok I have to put my car back together and order a set of bulbs.
blk blk thanks for the post on ballast link. I was actually looking at the same one during work and was going to buy that one if it was indeed the ballast problem.
Djspawn. xtralights makes it look like higher the temperature the brighter the light. So this isn't true? I'm tempted to get the 6000k blueish upgrade but I'm afraid it will look ricey.