hotrod40404

Like many others, I'm new here and hope I'm doing this right. I recently had to replace one of the Xenon headlight ignitor on my '97 E420. Since both headlights have the same hours on them, I figure the other one's not far behind. I'm currently using a operational MB ignitor but would like to replace them both with MB #210-820-24-26. If anyone's parting out a circa 1997 E class, there's a good chance this is what you have. Please let me know what you have, it's estimated age and what one or both are worth to ya. I'm located at 72903 (USA).
Thanks to all for your help.... Rod

Joeker82

Did you try ebay? I know I have seen them out there..

hotrod40404

Thanks JoeKer... Yes, been on eBay many times but like most other locations I've found, the sellers want almost new price for a simular 15 year old item. I expect to pay a fair price but not new for old. My headlights are both working currently so I have time to look. My local MB dealer wanted $875.00 for new ignitor installed. I used a different mfg. with the same specs. and it worked great and was only $150 and I installed it thanks to MBworld and a YouTube video. Took about 30 min. and only a few curse words... Thanks again!!!

renault12ts

$150 is quite expensive...can't you get these on ebay for about $30...it doesn't have to be OEM.

hotrod40404

Hey Renault..
Yes, $150 is a bit high. Even at that price, I had to buy the whole light assembly just to get the ignitor. I'll probably go the same route again though. The ignitor with that assemble works great and isn't an expensive MB OEM part. Fits the mount perfect. I guess having a couple light assemblies around will help me or someone else some day. But even these assemblies or not an exact replacement. These are basic assemblies. The ones in my '97 E420 has a few visible bubble levels mounted in the top to assist in alignment. My local MB dealership quoted me $875.00/installed to get the headlight burning again. So I guess at $150.00, 30 minutes of my time, and very little cussing, I did OK.... LOL
Thanks again... Rod

ddmcse

Rod can you hook me up with the solution you found?

I am in the same boat

97 E420 drivers side ballast issue low beam xenon

hotrod40404

Hey ddmcse,
Which part did you need the help with? The getting the ignitor part or the installation part? Here's the YouTube link on how to get the head light assembly out. Real simple, and quick if you're any good with a speed type socket wrench and a phillips screwdriver and same that $175.00/hour labor my MB dealer wanted to charge me.


I'll have to do some checking back on where I got the ignitor if you need some help there. I used my benz last night and just smiled when I hit the headlight switch, no alarm on the dash and the almost $700.00 difference still in my pocket.
Let me know if I can be of further help.... Rodney

ddmcse

thanks
I saw this video of course I have the washer sprayer to deal with as well .
I need help finding a ballast for 175$

I am considering this offer

For HALOGEN Model Upgrade DEPO 96-99 MERCEDES W210 XENON HID PROJECTOR HEADLIGHT
I drove mine last night and I got the LAMP DEFECTIVE error. bummer mines not a 6.0 liter beast though .. Smokin!

hotrod40404

Yeah, I had the washer/sprayer to deal with also. It wasn't in the way too much as far as getting the assembly out far enough to unplug it. I suggest you pull the assembly out and get the part number off the ignitor itself. I did learn that there's several types and part numbers for the same ignitor. Mine had the large #5DV 007 430-00 stock ignitor, but found that any type that was attached to the '97 light assemble will work. I did have to exchange the polorized two conductor plug inside the light assembly from the ignitor to the external 12vdc power pins an a straight line plug to adapt it to the assembly. That's a high current source and I strongly suggest you solder and insulate well. Those two leads just goes into the assembly and turns around and comes right back out. But like I mentioned, you may pull the assembly out, get the part number off the current ignitor and go from there. Check out that number on eBay or Google "parting out 1997 Mercedes Benz E420" and see who may have a used replacement. The $180+ dollars I spent was so much easier on my wallet than the $875.00 my MB service shop wanted. My only remaining concern is I replaced a defective 15 year old ignitor with a used 15 year old ignitor but at least now I can drive after dark. There are Halogen kits but I don't think you'll like them in the end if you're use to the vision you get from Xenon's. Like going from a million candle power search light to a night light.
The orginal owner of my benz was a big shot with WalMart and he ran it through RENNTech in Florida back in '97 and after a $102.000.00 upgrade, it came out "sweet". The 6.0L engine is just the tip of the ice burg. The used car dealer I got it from didn't know what he had... His loss, my gain...LOL.
Hope this helps.... Rodney