Welcome to the electronically complex world of the C43! (First repair bill)
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
Welcome to the electronically complex world of the C43! (First repair bill)
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...
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...
Last edited by nd4spd13; Jan 12, 2012 at 05:45 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
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
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Canada
eclectic assortment of cars
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.
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.
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From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
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.
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.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: seattle
1990 300ce supercharged and intercooled
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.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
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
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ328728495
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
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
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SF Bay Area
1999 C43
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.
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.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2005 E55 Black, 2007 GL450 Carneol Red
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!)
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!)
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 113
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From: SF Bay Area
1999 C43
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!
Yeah, my re-be transmission is hanging in there, due for a fluid change soon. Lifetime my a...foot..
Thanks!
