Need help with xenon low beam problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
E320
Need help with xenon low beam problem
The passenger side xenon low beam is out and I went to the dealer thinking it was a burnt-out bulb problem. The service rep came back with the headlamp ignition module from my car and explained it was damaged. Now... he told me that "unfortunately" I have to replace the whole headlight assembly and quoted me $2,000 parts ($1,700) and labor (2.5 hr). Knowing nothing about the headlight assembly, I made an appointment.
After I came back home, I googled "headlight assembly" for my car and found out that I could get a brand new OEM replacement for $660 from autohausAZ or simlar. Also local mechanics would replace it for less than half the MB labor cost.
Now... here is my question. Hope someone could please help me. Now knowing a tiny bit about the architecture of the headlight assembly, I was wondering what kind of damage is necessary to replace the whole assembly?? The assembly seems straightforward -- power connector to igniter to xenon bulb. Why can't I just replace the damaged igniter? I am not 100% sure but the service rep might have told me that the part is not available separately... but I found Hella 5DD 008 319-10 OEM replacement igniter available for $100 or so.
Thanks!!
After I came back home, I googled "headlight assembly" for my car and found out that I could get a brand new OEM replacement for $660 from autohausAZ or simlar. Also local mechanics would replace it for less than half the MB labor cost.
Now... here is my question. Hope someone could please help me. Now knowing a tiny bit about the architecture of the headlight assembly, I was wondering what kind of damage is necessary to replace the whole assembly?? The assembly seems straightforward -- power connector to igniter to xenon bulb. Why can't I just replace the damaged igniter? I am not 100% sure but the service rep might have told me that the part is not available separately... but I found Hella 5DD 008 319-10 OEM replacement igniter available for $100 or so.
Thanks!!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C300. FJ Cruiser, 370Z
The passenger side xenon low beam is out and I went to the dealer thinking it was a burnt-out bulb problem. The service rep came back with the headlamp ignition module from my car and explained it was damaged. Now... he told me that "unfortunately" I have to replace the whole headlight assembly and quoted me $2,000 parts ($1,700) and labor (2.5 hr). Knowing nothing about the headlight assembly, I made an appointment.
After I came back home, I googled "headlight assembly" for my car and found out that I could get a brand new OEM replacement for $660 from autohausAZ or simlar. Also local mechanics would replace it for less than half the MB labor cost.
Now... here is my question. Hope someone could please help me. Now knowing a tiny bit about the architecture of the headlight assembly, I was wondering what kind of damage is necessary to replace the whole assembly?? The assembly seems straightforward -- power connector to igniter to xenon bulb. Why can't I just replace the damaged igniter? I am not 100% sure but the service rep might have told me that the part is not available separately... but I found Hella 5DD 008 319-10 OEM replacement igniter available for $100 or so.
Thanks!!
After I came back home, I googled "headlight assembly" for my car and found out that I could get a brand new OEM replacement for $660 from autohausAZ or simlar. Also local mechanics would replace it for less than half the MB labor cost.
Now... here is my question. Hope someone could please help me. Now knowing a tiny bit about the architecture of the headlight assembly, I was wondering what kind of damage is necessary to replace the whole assembly?? The assembly seems straightforward -- power connector to igniter to xenon bulb. Why can't I just replace the damaged igniter? I am not 100% sure but the service rep might have told me that the part is not available separately... but I found Hella 5DD 008 319-10 OEM replacement igniter available for $100 or so.
Thanks!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
That's BS if they are asking you to change the whole assembly. Good luck!
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
2006 E500 4matic wagon
Swap bulbs between headlights to test for bulb failure. You'll be able to tell quickly if its the bulb or ballast/igniter. $2000 is insanity unless the headlight assembly is damaged/smashed/cracked.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
BE VERY CAREFUL.. VERY HIGH VOLTAGE. Heed any warnings on the outside of the headlamp assembly.
This is quoted from the service manual.
DANGER:
This is quoted from the service manual.
DANGER:
- Danger from Xenon headlamp high voltage
- Do not touch parts which conduct high voltages. Persons with active electronic implants (e.g.heart pacemakers) should never work on xenon headlamps.
