nd4spd13

So I got pulled twice in the first week of owning my C43. Once for having no license plate lights (corroded, 15 minute fix, just a verbal warning) and the second for having no right headlight, for which I received a written warning. Turns out it is the headlight control module. The cool news: Did you guys know that on Xenon equipped 202s, via CanBus, we have a rudimentary form of active headlights, where they will talk to the speed sensors and suspension and adjust themselves according to vehicle speed/bumps in the road? Cool, eh? The bad news: When this control module decides to die, it is a cool $1100, and they are only available from MB in Germany.... great

Anyone have any experience with these getting faulty on their 202s? Any known way to fix it for cheap? Not entirely looking forward to spending over 1/5 of the purchase price of the car in the first month of ownership...


P.s. after decoding my VIN today, it appears I have a rain sensor. I thought these weren't available on the 98's? I can't spot a blue patch in the dotted out part in front of the mirror, so it's a mystery...

John-in-Dallas

Ouch!

Would it be possible and cheaper to swap out to standard headlights? Maybe salvage units?

I'm kinda glad I don't have the Xenon's/wipers option for this reason...

nd4spd13

I'm definitely going to try and find something from a junk yard. Maybe an E or S class will have the same controller? Feel like it's probably rare to stumble across a 202 with Xenons in mid NC. Maybe I'll just switch them out for aftermarket HIDs. At least I won't blind people because I have the correct lenses

Saaboteur

There's a guy on Calgary Kijiji (kinda like Craigslist, but better IMO) with a set of xenon 202 headlights for C$1000. Probably could barter with him a bit. Grab 'em, and then you have spares too.

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ328728495

But I suppose acquiring those may not help if its the control module. I would try the yards for sure, maybe not a self serve yard unless they stock such things, but you could try an LKQ wrecker and they will locate it and bring it in for you.

ECTurboGSX

I would try to bypass that. Have you tried changing the bulb? Maybe just switch the bulbs to the other side? Who made the diagnosis? Got one with working headlights if you need something to reference

PS: I have rain sensing wipers on my 98. Just click the wipers to the first click on the stalk. Spray your windshield with a hose and see if they work. Or just go out in this lovely NC weather we are currently having.

whipplem104

If you are talking about the xenon control unit on the headlamp itself it is just a Hella part. You can get them in the aftermarket. Probably not the exact same part number but one that will operate the headlamp. Take the headlamp out and get the part number off of it. The Hella number. I would say around 250-350.00 for a new one.

nd4spd13

Thanks for the link Saab. Kind of wish I had picked these up now that I have to get a new housing anyway. Glad to see you're still around these parts helping out

Tried switching everything around, definitely was the control unit (Just for clarification, the silver box attached to the frame. I thought this was the ballast, which it may also be...)
I go to the Digital Chassis in Durham. Brad is fantastic. Thanks for the offer, we still have to have an NC/SC meet up sometime.

Thanks whipple. I ended up getting a control unit from CA (used MB one) for $300. Then upon further investigation turned out the igniter was bad also. Seeing as this was built in to the headlight, I had to get a whole new housing. Found one from the same place in CA for $650 with a cracked lens. Gunna switch the lenses and get the new housing in this week. Should be done soon.

mis-u-jerr

Wait, you got a C43 for $5000??? Wow... If you don't mind telling us the place, I might need use of the place too. I still haven't fixed my headlight...
Thanks!

nd4spd13

I did, but having owned a C36 I knew what I was getting into. When looked through all my C36 records, through regular maintenance, upgrades and repairs, I think I spent close to $15,000 on that car over two and a half years.

The C43 is no where near mint. Some rust issues, oil cooler is leaking, and some exciting repairs with the Xenon headlights, but other than that it's still a great deal.

The place I got the headlight stuff? I believe I used uneedapart.com and they sourced it from the place in Cali. But I was also able to find them for a lot cheaper on ebay, it's just a tossup whether they actually work as stated or not

mis-u-jerr

Thanks for the rapid reply! Yes indeed a great deal! I paid 11X for mine new! And to think what they are worth now just kills me...
Anyway, thanks for the info. I bought an ostensibly OEM headlight on ebay, it blew but I think there are other problem with the system now though. I think I could buy all new parts for what the dealer was talking about spending. $1,000 for a new igniter. They are $125 online...
Thanks, good reference to have in case I need it.

Kropf

Here are a couple Xenon/HID 'finds' currently on eBay:

HID XENON HEADLIGHTS ASSEMBLY, RIGHT AND LEFT, OEM
US $598.50 + Shipping or Make Offer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230763689397
(Beware, this double set does not appear to have the Wipers (which I have always seen with OEM Xenon/HIDs.)

94-00 MERCEDES W202 XENON HID OEM GLASS HEADLIGHT (RH)
US $179.99 + Shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/220977219540

Another Right side unit MAY be at the Salvage Yard selling 1999 C43 parts:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250949588532

Proceed at your own risk. I have no connection with eBay (other than as a buyer) or these sellers.

(Hi mis-u-jerr! We haven't chatted since my '99 C43 tranny chopped up some bearings in 2008 (photo attached), although I see you back at Club202.com also!)

mis-u-jerr

Hey man, thanks so much! Sorry I didn't get back to you till now but I appreciate your research!

Yeah, my re-be transmission is hanging in there, due for a fluid change soon. Lifetime my a...foot..
Thanks!