Think my xenon ballast is crapping out...anyone replaced theirs?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
2005 C55 'Silver Bullet'
Think my xenon ballast is crapping out...anyone replaced theirs?
I replaced the xenon bulb to no avail (still very dim)...looks like the problem may be with the ballast. Has anyone out there swapped out ballasts? What's the process like?
They have some on fleabay at decent prices...I cringe to know what the dealer would ask for a new one, installed.
Thanks!
They have some on fleabay at decent prices...I cringe to know what the dealer would ask for a new one, installed.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
Our 2005 have crappy igniters to. Thats what was causing my problem. The book for the repair shows the wrong part number. the one that works is only $86 at the dealer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
It's because they're made in france....the french.....
To replace my driver side, I took off the grill, removed most of the bumper bolts, pulled back some of the fender liner. Then you can undo the fender to bumper bolts, pull the bumper off some (but not completely), and get access to one of the headlight bolts. Unbolt the rest of the headlight, flip it upside down, unscrew the ballast (it just falls off the bottom of the headlight, there's no wiring harnesses to unclip), and install the new one.
To replace my driver side, I took off the grill, removed most of the bumper bolts, pulled back some of the fender liner. Then you can undo the fender to bumper bolts, pull the bumper off some (but not completely), and get access to one of the headlight bolts. Unbolt the rest of the headlight, flip it upside down, unscrew the ballast (it just falls off the bottom of the headlight, there's no wiring harnesses to unclip), and install the new one.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
I just removed the front fender liner and reached in and undid the two screws and it dropped right out. Put the new one in and installed two screws. I think my bad igniter killed my ballast. The problem came back after I swapped ballasts and end up having to change both igniter and a third set of bulbs.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
2005 C55
Does anyone have the part number for the igniter? My headlamp went out and the igniter connection it completely torched. it would be nice to order the part before I pull out the headlamp assembly. Any help would be appreciated.
