Bi-X: W203/CL203 OEM Bi-XENON Upgrade, Auto-Levelling & Programming thread
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Hey Mike thanks for the help - I knew I was opening myself up to a "Bosch Sucks" on this one if you commented - but WTF - we helped a member 
It looks as though Bosch ballasts have been a source of concern Stateside. I can't say they have here but then we far fewer vehicles this end with Bi X.
It looks as though Bosch ballasts have been a source of concern Stateside. I can't say they have here but then we far fewer vehicles this end with Bi X.
But i have more of a feeling its probably a bad ground. Usually oem ballasts dont go bad..even bosch ones
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I still remember ordering my car from Australia (3 month waiting list at that time) when I knew I was returning home and requested Bi X, Parktronic etc. etc. The sales lady said to me on the phone "Good heavens Sir - nobody orders those things - they are so expensive!"I'm not sorry!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
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w203 c240 v6
W203 '02 xenon to '07 Bi-Xenon (facelift)
I am desperately needing help... At the very moment I am having problems with my drivers side xenon, the dashboard displays : low-beam, which basically means my left xenon does not work at all (also after switching left-to right xenon bulb). That said, I read a lot of other posts of other members, I figured out that I would have to spend at least 500-600$ to repair the xenon at the drivers side (changing the ballast etc). After I repair this one, I think it wouldn't take too long for the other xenon to get out of order as well, having to spend the same amount again....
I can buy brand new authentic bi-xenon lamps (w203 facelift model) for 1100 euros, my question now is can this be done without having to change things in the wireing etc. So at the very moment I have factory xenons (first old model) and would like to get the bi-xenons. Am I going to have a lot of additional costs in order to make this thing work? I would appreciate any suggestions...
I can buy brand new authentic bi-xenon lamps (w203 facelift model) for 1100 euros, my question now is can this be done without having to change things in the wireing etc. So at the very moment I have factory xenons (first old model) and would like to get the bi-xenons. Am I going to have a lot of additional costs in order to make this thing work? I would appreciate any suggestions...
Last edited by dovla; Nov 1, 2008 at 06:21 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 11
From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
* Buy the lamps from BOSCH not MERCEDES they are 1/2 the price (as is the ballast).
* Lamps from car accidents (broken tabs) make good spare parts.
* Should be a direct swap.
* Lamps from car accidents (broken tabs) make good spare parts.
* Should be a direct swap.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
If it's just the igniter there's a kit for that.
Here in the US it's only like 50 bucks.
I posted a pdf recently on that...
Here in the US it's only like 50 bucks.
I posted a pdf recently on that...
I am desperately needing help... At the very moment I am having problems with my drivers side xenon, the dashboard displays : low-beam, which basically means my left xenon does not work at all (also after switching left-to right xenon bulb). That said, I read a lot of other posts of other members, I figured out that I would have to spend at least 500-600$ to repair the xenon at the drivers side (changing the ballast etc). After I repair this one, I think it wouldn't take too long for the other xenon to get out of order as well, having to spend the same amount again....
I can buy brand new authentic bi-xenon lamps (w203 facelift model) for 1100 euros, my question now is can this be done without having to change things in the wireing etc. So at the very moment I have factory xenons (first old model) and would like to get the bi-xenons. Am I going to have a lot of additional costs in order to make this thing work? I would appreciate any suggestions...
I can buy brand new authentic bi-xenon lamps (w203 facelift model) for 1100 euros, my question now is can this be done without having to change things in the wireing etc. So at the very moment I have factory xenons (first old model) and would like to get the bi-xenons. Am I going to have a lot of additional costs in order to make this thing work? I would appreciate any suggestions...
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
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w203 c240 v6
Guys, I just went here to the local benz repair shop (Madrid, Spain) to inform about the possibillities. The guy told me its possible to repair it with a new "transformador" I gues thats some kind of a transformator, which costs about 600euro, and I asked him about the bi-xenon lamps, he told me that it is possible but it is very expensive to build this in because they have to rewire the whole car.... So right now I am really even more desperate not knowing what to do.... I found on ebay a guy offering me a new bosch xenon lamp (just regular xenon like I already have) for about 600 euros....
What do you think are they going to charge me at mercedes if I would like to let them install the bixenon lamps??(my spanish sucks so I already asked him but he told me I dont know) + Is it possible for me to do it myself... (although I have not done anything like that, so I'm pretty much inexperienced)....
Many thanks in advance...
What do you think are they going to charge me at mercedes if I would like to let them install the bixenon lamps??(my spanish sucks so I already asked him but he told me I dont know) + Is it possible for me to do it myself... (although I have not done anything like that, so I'm pretty much inexperienced)....
Many thanks in advance...
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca.
2007 C230 Sport Sedan
I guess we're on the same boat. I'm having minor Bi-Xenon issues myself. My Xenon's work great if I turn on the headlights before I start the car, but they flicker and I get an error message if I turn on the headlights after I start the car. Go figure...
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
C230 sport coupe
I had similiar problem with my xenon before and I spent only $75 to fix.
first, we know its not the bulbs because you swap the other side and it worked.
I strongly don't think its the wiring issue, how can it work before and stop working now?
unless someone alter your wiring.
which work down to only 1 other possible problem:
its the control unit, some people call it the ballast or igniter.
just replace the igniter and it will be fine.
if you cannot buy the same igniter, buy any ballast from a HID kit will works the same as well.
I had this done because my old igniter is too hard to find and too costly to buy.
good luck.
first, we know its not the bulbs because you swap the other side and it worked.
I strongly don't think its the wiring issue, how can it work before and stop working now?
unless someone alter your wiring.
which work down to only 1 other possible problem:
its the control unit, some people call it the ballast or igniter.
just replace the igniter and it will be fine.
if you cannot buy the same igniter, buy any ballast from a HID kit will works the same as well.
I had this done because my old igniter is too hard to find and too costly to buy.
good luck.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
w203 c240 v6
Allright, I might do that.... But the other thing I was wondering how difficult can it be to put on a stock xenon car bi-xenon (genuine) headlights? What needs to be done to make it work + will the installation of that be expensive?This is why this mechanic told me you have to rewire the car in order to make the bi-xenon work...
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
C230 sport coupe
Allright, I might do that.... But the other thing I was wondering how difficult can it be to put on a stock xenon car bi-xenon (genuine) headlights? What needs to be done to make it work + will the installation of that be expensive?This is why this mechanic told me you have to rewire the car in order to make the bi-xenon work...
my 02 c-class coupe does not c/w euro bi-xenon.
it was stock halogen before
I swap the headlights, went to dealer and paid less than $50 to re-map the computer.
the code was "xenon present", works right the way.
if you want to swap your lights, you need to remove the bumper and its not hard to do.
then swap the lights, max is 2 hours for most shops.
if you DIY might be 3-4 hours
the plugs and wiring are the same.
I belive 02 and up C-class are all built-in ready for xenon.
you do not need to alter any wiring.
if you take your car to any HID installation shop, buy just 1 ballast and they can install the ballast for you. they know how to wire the new ballast to you light.
Last edited by alanchan; Nov 6, 2008 at 03:54 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Guys, I just went here to the local benz repair shop (Madrid, Spain) to inform about the possibillities. The guy told me its possible to repair it with a new "transformador" I gues thats some kind of a transformator, which costs about 600euro, and I asked him about the bi-xenon lamps, he told me that it is possible but it is very expensive to build this in because they have to rewire the whole car.... So right now I am really even more desperate not knowing what to do.... I found on ebay a guy offering me a new bosch xenon lamp (just regular xenon like I already have) for about 600 euros....
What do you think are they going to charge me at mercedes if I would like to let them install the bixenon lamps??(my spanish sucks so I already asked him but he told me I dont know) + Is it possible for me to do it myself... (although I have not done anything like that, so I'm pretty much inexperienced)....
Many thanks in advance...
What do you think are they going to charge me at mercedes if I would like to let them install the bixenon lamps??(my spanish sucks so I already asked him but he told me I dont know) + Is it possible for me to do it myself... (although I have not done anything like that, so I'm pretty much inexperienced)....
Many thanks in advance...
Dovla - people are talking a lot of crap to you on this thread re Europe where you have to have auto leveling by law & your car probably does not have the correct wiring harness so your mechanic is right. You have to fit & connect front sensor, rear sensor, yaw sensor & fit the microprocessor. The yaw sensor is under the back seat and part of the ESP - You are not in the USA - BiX are a menace without self leveling.
See this post of mine from elsewhere:
"All factory BiX any year have auto leveling and washers - clear lens & come with clear lens (glass) fogs. They all do a flip flop on start up to auto level due to the attitude of the car. The BiX kit was designed to meet European regulations. You may not have BiX lights in Europe without the auto levelling by law. Auto leveling = front attitude sensor, rear attitude sensor, yaw sensor & micro processor. This is because they are so bright you can blind oncoming motorists.
In the US you can get away with retro fitting them without auto leveling. In Europe, Australia & South Africa etc. your car would be thrown off the road.
I'm surprised some aftermarket guys have not devised at least a manual shutter control for BiX in the US.
If you have the time read this thread - It contains all the details amongst other things
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/267519-my-03-c240-pics.html
The proper kit for Europe:
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 6, 2008 at 07:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
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w203 c240 v6
thanks glyn, your post was of great help... So this basically comes down to one thing: I'm pretty much f*ck*d. I mean if I buy factory bi-xenons and want to install all this at the official benz dealer. I'm just wondering what they are going to charge me for all these things... The thing is here in Europe you aren't allowed to drive at all if one of your lights isn't working, even if you switch on your fog lights. So the problem is if I have to wait to Tuesday (I called the mechanic for price information, he told me he will know it by Tuesday) and to order then the bixenon lamps, I'll have to wait for at least a week for them to arrive, and than of course I'll have to make an appointment to install it at the benz dealer. That said, I won't be able to use my car for the next 2 weeks (after 6pm). So some kind of price indication would be of great help. + If you guys know wether I can buy these parts (sensors, and other stuff) on internet more inexpensively, I would appreciate it... And of course I'll have to buy new clear fog lights to match my bixenons...
Because if all this is going to be extremely expensive, I think I'll just go for a new igniter/ballast... The other question than is, if I just a new ballast for a mercedes c class on ebay, does it mean that it automatically supports the auto levelling option or not? Because, obviously I have it right now, and I'll still need it of course, since I'm living in Europe...
Any ideas would help, many thanks once again in advance...
Because if all this is going to be extremely expensive, I think I'll just go for a new igniter/ballast... The other question than is, if I just a new ballast for a mercedes c class on ebay, does it mean that it automatically supports the auto levelling option or not? Because, obviously I have it right now, and I'll still need it of course, since I'm living in Europe...
Any ideas would help, many thanks once again in advance...
Last edited by dovla; Nov 8, 2008 at 10:14 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
thanks glyn, your post was of great help... So this basically comes down to one thing: I'm pretty much f*ck*d. I mean if I buy factory bi-xenons and want to install all this at the official benz dealer. I'm just wondering what they are going to charge me for all these things... The thing is here in Europe you aren't allowed to drive at all if one of your lights isn't working, even if you switch on your fog lights. So the problem is if I have to wait to Tuesday (I called the mechanic for price information, he told me he will know it by Tuesday) and to order then the bixenon lamps, I'll have to wait for at least a week for them to arrive, and than of course I'll have to make an appointment to install it at the benz dealer. That said, I won't be able to use my car for the next 2 weeks (after 6pm). So some kind of price indication would be of great help. + If you guys know wether I can buy these parts (sensors, and other stuff) on internet more inexpensively, I would appreciate it... And of course I'll have to buy new clear fog lights to match my bixenons...
Because if all this is going to be extremely expensive, I think I'll just go for a new igniter/ballast... The other question than is, if I just a new ballast for a mercedes c class on ebay, does it mean that it automatically supports the auto levelling option or not? Because, obviously I have it right now, and I'll still need it of course, since I'm living in Europe...
Any ideas would help, many thanks once again in advance...
Because if all this is going to be extremely expensive, I think I'll just go for a new igniter/ballast... The other question than is, if I just a new ballast for a mercedes c class on ebay, does it mean that it automatically supports the auto levelling option or not? Because, obviously I have it right now, and I'll still need it of course, since I'm living in Europe...
Any ideas would help, many thanks once again in advance...
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
w203 c240 v6
Well guys, after waiting for a while, I finally got an answer... The guy told me he was looking in the system schemes and that he could not see a difference in installation/wireing between the old w203 factory xenon and the (facelift/restling) w203 factory bi-xenon. So I gues I can go and order the bi-xenon and it will be a simple plug'n play job??
I asked him the same question, and he said it should be it because he did not see the difference and he said nobody ever did such a conversion at the benz-dealer (I called Amsterdam, Holland official benz-dealer).
Now I don't want to spend 1500$ and then to find out that it won't match. Any suggestions, just go for it or...?
I asked him the same question, and he said it should be it because he did not see the difference and he said nobody ever did such a conversion at the benz-dealer (I called Amsterdam, Holland official benz-dealer).
Now I don't want to spend 1500$ and then to find out that it won't match. Any suggestions, just go for it or...?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
E320, C230 Coupe, SLK350
just wondering isnt a ballast different from a igniter...i rmb seeing a thread about changing the igniter...the igniter is inside the bix u have to take apart to change while the ballast is behind the plastic lid behind the lights..am i wrong?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Well guys, after waiting for a while, I finally got an answer... The guy told me he was looking in the system schemes and that he could not see a difference in installation/wireing between the old w203 factory xenon and the (facelift/restling) w203 factory bi-xenon. So I gues I can go and order the bi-xenon and it will be a simple plug'n play job??
I asked him the same question, and he said it should be it because he did not see the difference and he said nobody ever did such a conversion at the benz-dealer (I called Amsterdam, Holland official benz-dealer).
Now I don't want to spend 1500$ and then to find out that it won't match. Any suggestions, just go for it or...?
I asked him the same question, and he said it should be it because he did not see the difference and he said nobody ever did such a conversion at the benz-dealer (I called Amsterdam, Holland official benz-dealer).
Now I don't want to spend 1500$ and then to find out that it won't match. Any suggestions, just go for it or...?
It sounds as though your car has the correct harness which means it must already have the auto leveling. If it has all the stuff I've talked about above then Frank is absolutely correct & it will be plug & play. Crawl under the RHS front and look for the auto leveling sensor arm connected to the sway bar & look at the RHS rear and you can see the rear sensor connection to the lower swing arm. If it has those it will have the yaw sensor connected from the ESP as well. Then you can safely buy the Bix.
See a pic of the back of Frank's car I stole off his thread. He has modded suspension but see the thin bent connecting rod from the sensor arm in the centre rear of the car connected to a bracket on the RHS lower swing arm - looks like it's connected to the spring. This is the rear Bix auto leveling set up.
If you can't find these things I will crawl under my car and photograph for you.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
w203 c240 v6
Allright guys, sorry for the late response but I wasn't in the country and therefor I couldn't make pictures of my car. Well as said before I have factory xenons so auto leveling is working of course....
I wasn't sure of what part to make pictures so I added a few pictures of my car....
To add a bit more confusion on top of all this, I went to the benz dealer yesterday and the Spanish mechanic told me that it wasn't possible. But that is again on the contrary of what the Dutch (also official benz mechanic) said. I think the Spanish mechanic didn't really use his brains besides looking in the computer what the additional options where possible to choose from when purchasing the car. Well obviously you couldn't choose for bixenons when that firstly was availible for the facelift w203.
Honestly guys I'm pretty much sick and tired of this because nobody seems (at mercedes) to really have any experience with this and basically doesn't know s*it where they talk about. The mechanic asked me why I would like to put bi-xenons on it. I mean if he is stupid, he doesn't have to be a smartass asking stupid questions.
p.s. I'm not sure what it is on the picture on the left that is kind of oily, is it something I should be worried about?
Once again, thanks for your help, really appreciate your effort. I wish they where this helpful at the benz-dealer.
I wasn't sure of what part to make pictures so I added a few pictures of my car....
To add a bit more confusion on top of all this, I went to the benz dealer yesterday and the Spanish mechanic told me that it wasn't possible. But that is again on the contrary of what the Dutch (also official benz mechanic) said. I think the Spanish mechanic didn't really use his brains besides looking in the computer what the additional options where possible to choose from when purchasing the car. Well obviously you couldn't choose for bixenons when that firstly was availible for the facelift w203.
Honestly guys I'm pretty much sick and tired of this because nobody seems (at mercedes) to really have any experience with this and basically doesn't know s*it where they talk about. The mechanic asked me why I would like to put bi-xenons on it. I mean if he is stupid, he doesn't have to be a smartass asking stupid questions.
p.s. I'm not sure what it is on the picture on the left that is kind of oily, is it something I should be worried about?
Once again, thanks for your help, really appreciate your effort. I wish they where this helpful at the benz-dealer.
Last edited by dovla; Dec 1, 2008 at 06:52 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Allright guys, sorry for the late response but I wasn't in the country and therefor I couldn't make pictures of my car. Well as said before I have factory xenons so auto leveling is working of course....
I wasn't sure of what part to make pictures so I added a few pictures of my car....
To add a bit more confusion on top of all this, I went to the benz dealer yesterday and the Spanish mechanic told me that it wasn't possible. But that is again on the contrary of what the Dutch (also official benz mechanic) said. I think the Spanish mechanic didn't really use his brains besides looking in the computer what the additional options where possible to choose from when purchasing the car. Well obviously you couldn't choose for bixenons when that firstly was availible for the facelift w203.
Honestly guys I'm pretty much sick and tired of this because nobody seems (at mercedes) to really have any experience with this and basically doesn't know s*it where they talk about. The mechanic asked me why I would like to put bi-xenons on it. I mean if he is stupid, he doesn't have to be a smartass asking stupid questions.
p.s. I'm not sure what it is on the picture on the left that is kind of oily, is it something I should be worried about?
Once again, thanks for your help, really appreciate your effort. I wish they where this helpful at the benz-dealer.
I wasn't sure of what part to make pictures so I added a few pictures of my car....
To add a bit more confusion on top of all this, I went to the benz dealer yesterday and the Spanish mechanic told me that it wasn't possible. But that is again on the contrary of what the Dutch (also official benz mechanic) said. I think the Spanish mechanic didn't really use his brains besides looking in the computer what the additional options where possible to choose from when purchasing the car. Well obviously you couldn't choose for bixenons when that firstly was availible for the facelift w203.
Honestly guys I'm pretty much sick and tired of this because nobody seems (at mercedes) to really have any experience with this and basically doesn't know s*it where they talk about. The mechanic asked me why I would like to put bi-xenons on it. I mean if he is stupid, he doesn't have to be a smartass asking stupid questions.
p.s. I'm not sure what it is on the picture on the left that is kind of oily, is it something I should be worried about?
Once again, thanks for your help, really appreciate your effort. I wish they where this helpful at the benz-dealer.
It looks as though you have a differential oil leak. Likely the pinion or side shaft seals. You must have that fixed.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes - and you can trust Frank W - he has done it to his C32. When you first posted I did not realise you had Xenons so I thought you would not have the auto leveling.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
w203 c240 v6
It's just like after reading this https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-...n-upgrade.html I still think like I need to have some additional wiring or something.... I'm also ordering from Markus Knefel Autoteile, he thinks it should be plug 'n play he's not sure though....
