Replace Xenon HID with Halogen Assembly
12-29-2010, 05:44 PM
#1
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2001 C240
Replace Xenon HID with Halogen Assembly
Hey Everyone - This is our first post, we really appreciate any help/opinions...
We have a 2001 C240 and the passenger headlamp burnt out recently. We took a while before ordering a replacement because, being Xenon HID, the bulb is a bit pricy. Ultimately, I ordered one online and tried to install it today.
Only to find that the socket is severely corroded (photo here - http://tinypic.com/r/14waky0/7). I can't find a part number for the socket itself and it appears to be hardwired to the assembly anyway (so I cut it out to get a better look at it). So searching for an assembly I find it's $600+ for a Xenon. After already spending $100 on the bulb... this is turning out to be one very expensive headlight!
Two things I wanted to ask you all:
1) Is there a cheaper method/source to get this socket replaced?
2) Can I purchase a Halogen assembly and put that in instead... basically converting to Halogen from Xenon? The Halogen assemblies look to be going for $160.
We have a 2001 C240 and the passenger headlamp burnt out recently. We took a while before ordering a replacement because, being Xenon HID, the bulb is a bit pricy. Ultimately, I ordered one online and tried to install it today.
Only to find that the socket is severely corroded (photo here - http://tinypic.com/r/14waky0/7). I can't find a part number for the socket itself and it appears to be hardwired to the assembly anyway (so I cut it out to get a better look at it). So searching for an assembly I find it's $600+ for a Xenon. After already spending $100 on the bulb... this is turning out to be one very expensive headlight!
Two things I wanted to ask you all:
1) Is there a cheaper method/source to get this socket replaced?
2) Can I purchase a Halogen assembly and put that in instead... basically converting to Halogen from Xenon? The Halogen assemblies look to be going for $160.
12-29-2010, 11:14 PM
#2
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Ok first off a 01 c240 with factory xenon headlights you have on rare car.
The red thing you cut out is wired into the ignitor. So that gives you two options. One you can open the light and replace the ignitor takes like 30 minutes once you have the light out. Or buy something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1x-HI...Q5fAccessories
Then splice this in and you are good to go.
Now you spent $100 on a bulb i hope you meant a pair of bulbs but even still you got ripped off you can get two d2r Philips bulbs (best money can buy) for like $80. I also recommend you replace both bulbs because i am sure that an 01 bulb is past its prime.
BTW where are you located?
The red thing you cut out is wired into the ignitor. So that gives you two options. One you can open the light and replace the ignitor takes like 30 minutes once you have the light out. Or buy something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1x-HI...Q5fAccessories
Then splice this in and you are good to go.
Now you spent $100 on a bulb i hope you meant a pair of bulbs but even still you got ripped off you can get two d2r Philips bulbs (best money can buy) for like $80. I also recommend you replace both bulbs because i am sure that an 01 bulb is past its prime.
BTW where are you located?
12-30-2010, 12:37 AM
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Holy macro, Batman! DSLR with a macro lens, OP?
My opinion is getting the light fixed and keeping it HID, because I believe it is, like stated above, pretty rare on a 2001. Maybe it's not even not even BiX, but a single beam HID with frosted lens.. classic.
My opinion is getting the light fixed and keeping it HID, because I believe it is, like stated above, pretty rare on a 2001. Maybe it's not even not even BiX, but a single beam HID with frosted lens.. classic.
12-30-2010, 01:34 AM
#4
Super Moderator
I’ve a pair of perfectly serviceable OE frosty xenons taking up space in the spares bin.
Part numbers are A203-820-15-61 LH, A203-820-16-61 RH. Ballasts/Igniters are labeled 1-307-329-072 & 2285510600.
They’ll plug and play for next to nothing.
Part numbers are A203-820-15-61 LH, A203-820-16-61 RH. Ballasts/Igniters are labeled 1-307-329-072 & 2285510600.
They’ll plug and play for next to nothing.
01-06-2011, 08:56 PM
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2001 C240
Thank you all for the responses! And Happy New Year!
I did not know the HID option was rare; we do love this car.
We're in San Jose (San Francisco Bay Area)
Yep, it was a pair of new bulbs I got for $100.
@samaritrey - sounds like the pigtail you pointed me to will work, I just ordered it.
@splinter - thank you for the offer! if the pigtail doesn't work, I will gratefully buy those off you.
I'll post an update once I give the pigtail a try.
I did not know the HID option was rare; we do love this car.
We're in San Jose (San Francisco Bay Area)
Yep, it was a pair of new bulbs I got for $100.
@samaritrey - sounds like the pigtail you pointed me to will work, I just ordered it.
@splinter - thank you for the offer! if the pigtail doesn't work, I will gratefully buy those off you.
I'll post an update once I give the pigtail a try.
