HELP!!! Bad Low Beam
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
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HELP!!! Bad Low Beam
This is 2nd time in less than 1 yrs my right side xenon went out. The dealer want 1,800 for it. Is there anyway to fix that headlight? The last time it was done by the dealer, the module was out.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Fairfax, VA
2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
Are you sure it is the module and not just the bulb? Last year my right side low beam went out, I took it to the dealer totally expecting a big bill, it turned out to just be a bad bulb.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,692
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none
It could either one of three things
1. bulb
2. igniter
3. ballast (what u referred to as the module)
Buy the bulbs first you need a Phillips D2S bulb. This is your cheapest route. I say phillips since this is what MB uses.
If it not the bulb, try and buy the ballast which supplies power to the bulb (i have a spare one) from Ebay for about 100 bucks.
The igniter is the lead that comes from the balast to the bulb. These are 40 bucks on ebay.
In any event to install the igniter or ballast you will need to remove the headlight which involves removing or tilting your bumper. About ten minutes to an hour which whatever is easier.
Taking the bulb out is easy, look inside your headlight assembly. YOu will see the igniter (red cap) housing the bulb. Twist it so the igniter comes off. The bulb is still there in the headlamp assembly. Gently twist the bulb out of it's resting point. Notice the shape of the opening when you pull it out, it's keyhole shaped to accomodate the insulator on the bulb. This is more important when putting it back in. when putting it back in, some people like to put the igniter back on before inserting it the housing. Hope this helps.
If you need bulbs i would stick with the factory bulbs which can be bought at any online retailer. I prefer 6000 K temperature but stock is 4300 K temp.
1. bulb
2. igniter
3. ballast (what u referred to as the module)
Buy the bulbs first you need a Phillips D2S bulb. This is your cheapest route. I say phillips since this is what MB uses.
If it not the bulb, try and buy the ballast which supplies power to the bulb (i have a spare one) from Ebay for about 100 bucks.
The igniter is the lead that comes from the balast to the bulb. These are 40 bucks on ebay.
In any event to install the igniter or ballast you will need to remove the headlight which involves removing or tilting your bumper. About ten minutes to an hour which whatever is easier.
Taking the bulb out is easy, look inside your headlight assembly. YOu will see the igniter (red cap) housing the bulb. Twist it so the igniter comes off. The bulb is still there in the headlamp assembly. Gently twist the bulb out of it's resting point. Notice the shape of the opening when you pull it out, it's keyhole shaped to accomodate the insulator on the bulb. This is more important when putting it back in. when putting it back in, some people like to put the igniter back on before inserting it the housing. Hope this helps.
If you need bulbs i would stick with the factory bulbs which can be bought at any online retailer. I prefer 6000 K temperature but stock is 4300 K temp.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
i agree try the bulbs first. if not, its probably the ignitor. i believe you can buy a ignitor kit for $50 from ther dealership. c230coupe has a similar post on the w203 forums.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
the link has the part numbers on the bottom.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...y-guide-3.html
if you search the w203 forum, a lot of the common problem has already been addressed. Other then the supercharger most if not all of the c32 stuff is the same as the w203's.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...y-guide-3.html
if you search the w203 forum, a lot of the common problem has already been addressed. Other then the supercharger most if not all of the c32 stuff is the same as the w203's.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
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From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
any way when you pull the bulb you can visually determine if it is the bulb, or follow up to that- Is there any electrical test that can clarify if it is the ignitor or ballast ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 2
From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
To me the ignitor and ballast are the same thing .. .correct me if im wrong, but you should be able see a spark from the ignitor if you pull the bulb out and turn the lights on. Be careful with ebay they sell a lot of bad ignitors and ones that are incorrect. Get a part# and look at the part and search by part# Also if you have your receipt just take it to service. Even if you installed it yourself you still have a a 1 year warranty and they will install it for you for free.
Last edited by JonMBZ; Apr 11, 2009 at 12:20 PM.
