Bi-X Igniter replacement / disassembly DIY Guide
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
Some months ago I changed the ballast 2 times (2 ballasts from my brothers wrecked sport coupe) and it still flicks.
I changed the bulbs (6200k) from right to left and also with other used bulbs I have laying around (OEM 4200k) and it still flicks!
Could be the igniter having problems again!?!
PS: The price of the igniter went up since 4 years ago, costing now more than 100€!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
06 w203 Blk/Blk - 06 w251 slv/blk
Trying to instal mines now... Just got a set of OEM bi xenon... Been searching, but see that the bi xenon has 3 plug ins but my harness oly has one... I been searching and haven't found anything... Any help?! Or directions to find then info?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury, NC
2003 C32 AMG
Hey guys! I have been reading through so many posts about headlight issues. UGH!! It's either the ballast or the ignitor. I got pretty excited when I saw pics posted of a repair kit with the ignitor built onto the back of the plug. Anyway, this is the problem I'm having with my headlights. Tell me what you guys think. I bought my 03 C32 2 years ago. Headlights have been an issue since the first night I turned them on. Of course I thought it was just a burnt out bulb until it just came on. They are never consistent. If I start the car and then turn the light switch on they won't come on. Neither side. If I turn the light switch on without the car running, one side or the other will come on 98% of the time and if I just sit there for a while without the car running the other side will eventually come on. Sometimes I only have to wait 5 seconds after, sometimes 1 minute after and sometimes long enough I don't feel like waiting and I'll just start it up and go. There's been a few times that neither side has come on and I'll have to turn the fog lamps on so I can see and if no cars are coming at me I'll turn my bright lights on. Then there are the days where they both come on at the same time like they should and that may last a couple days. I DO NOT have any issues with either side "flickering" when they are on....ever. Both sides are just as bright when they are working. They stay on when they come on which tells me the ballasts are working. It's getting them to come on at the same time which tells me it's got to be the ignitors because that's what gives them the "kick" to turn on. The repair kit mentioned involves the ignitor so, I'm thinking this may fix the problem. Your thoughts?
Last edited by ghess2006; Mar 3, 2014 at 03:22 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Guys, there IS an OE solution that WORKS. Forget these retrofit kits. 
I already wrote about this in another BIX thread. Search "2003 C230 factory HID, need ballast", thread started by Taiwanese. I wrote more details there, and posted pics there too.
Order part AL 1-307-329-076. I don't know the MB part number, but VW, Ford, and Volvo use these units too. Get a used one from eBay or wherever, and be sure the seller includes some 20cm of cabling from the harness. Just cut the old wires and splice the new wires in. You also need to chop off the old igniter connector (2 rubbery cables joined to the red bulb base).
Not only do these work flawlessly (strike voltage is 30kV compared to 25kV for the stock units), but they also fit perfectly into the OE (coupe at least) headlight assembly. You just have to clip off 1 tab on the igniter puck.
All this can be done by reaching through the cover. No need to remove or open the headlights!
After going though 3 igniters (the box with 2 cables thing), MBenzNL sent me one of these and it worked. I use these on both sides now. 0 problems after installation, and one side is coming up to 10 years.
I already wrote about this in another BIX thread. Search "2003 C230 factory HID, need ballast", thread started by Taiwanese. I wrote more details there, and posted pics there too.
Order part AL 1-307-329-076. I don't know the MB part number, but VW, Ford, and Volvo use these units too. Get a used one from eBay or wherever, and be sure the seller includes some 20cm of cabling from the harness. Just cut the old wires and splice the new wires in. You also need to chop off the old igniter connector (2 rubbery cables joined to the red bulb base).
Not only do these work flawlessly (strike voltage is 30kV compared to 25kV for the stock units), but they also fit perfectly into the OE (coupe at least) headlight assembly. You just have to clip off 1 tab on the igniter puck.
All this can be done by reaching through the cover. No need to remove or open the headlights!
After going though 3 igniters (the box with 2 cables thing), MBenzNL sent me one of these and it worked. I use these on both sides now. 0 problems after installation, and one side is coming up to 10 years.
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 4, 2014 at 04:11 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Let me know if you have any trouble installing. It's pretty straight forward - all you need are 3 crimps, and possibly some solder if you so desire. I soldered mine. Good luck.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: USA
Kleemann C55, C32
Slammer, I searched ebay using the part # AL 1-307-329-076. I can't seem to locate ones with the 3 pin and I'm not sure if the seller has the 3 pins as of all of the ones I saw had the 2 pin connectors. Any suggestions?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I just searched using "1307329076" and found a whole bunch of the correct modules. It looks like a square piece with a corner rounded. On the other side you'll see a circular metal contact plate.
Just ask the seller to include the connector and maybe 15cm of wiring. That's all you'll need.
Again, I am assuming that the sedan is the same as the coupe here.
Just ask the seller to include the connector and maybe 15cm of wiring. That's all you'll need.
Again, I am assuming that the sedan is the same as the coupe here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
You also need to clip off the 5th plastic tab on the igniter - the one that is different from the other 4. A pair of sidecutters will do the job.
Last edited by slammer111; Aug 3, 2014 at 07:50 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 916
Likes: 134
From: NOVA/DC
20' RCF, 18' NX, 09' E350, 07' Solara, 05' STi, 01' Ranger
Great thread!
I just picked up clk55amg oem projectors for a awesome price, but I KNOW they are going to need work and I have to bake them/take them apart to clean up the inside and or paint everything black minus the projector... Should look sick.
Thanks,
-Nigel
I just picked up clk55amg oem projectors for a awesome price, but I KNOW they are going to need work and I have to bake them/take them apart to clean up the inside and or paint everything black minus the projector... Should look sick.
Thanks,
-Nigel
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
2003 C32 AMG
Reviving an old, but amazing thread.
My driver side low beam light is out, I know it is not the bulb and since the passenger side has already gone through the conversion to the 1307329076 igniter I am figuring I should try that on the driver side now as well.
The only problem is I can't find anyone selling the igniter with the 3pin connector! I have contacted several ebay and amazon sellers and all say it does not come with the 3 pin connector.
Does anybody know if there is a separate part number for the 3 pin connector? Or does anyone know of somewhere that sells them with the 3 pin connector? Haven't had any luck in my search.
My driver side low beam light is out, I know it is not the bulb and since the passenger side has already gone through the conversion to the 1307329076 igniter I am figuring I should try that on the driver side now as well.
The only problem is I can't find anyone selling the igniter with the 3pin connector! I have contacted several ebay and amazon sellers and all say it does not come with the 3 pin connector.
Does anybody know if there is a separate part number for the 3 pin connector? Or does anyone know of somewhere that sells them with the 3 pin connector? Haven't had any luck in my search.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
There's no official part - the connector is part of the headlight assembly.
Try buying an old headlight from any compatible car (doesn't have to be MB) on the cheap and snip it out.
Try buying an old headlight from any compatible car (doesn't have to be MB) on the cheap and snip it out.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
2003 C32 AMG
I finally found somewhere selling the 3 pin connector!
In case anyone else has been stuck with one headlight because of not wanting to replace the ballast or whole headlight assembly like me, I thought I would share.
https://xenonland.com/product/852/wi...307329076.html
I just picked up the igniter, 3pin connector, and collar. Not necessarily cheap, but after almost a year with one headlight makes it worth it now.
In case anyone else has been stuck with one headlight because of not wanting to replace the ballast or whole headlight assembly like me, I thought I would share.
https://xenonland.com/product/852/wi...307329076.html
I just picked up the igniter, 3pin connector, and collar. Not necessarily cheap, but after almost a year with one headlight makes it worth it now.
