flickering headlamp
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: long Island
2002 S500 black/java/2011 Escalade (wifes)
flickering headlamp
Brought my car in for a headlamp that flickers on anf off (Xenon) car was in for about a week I was told that they could not find anything wrong and it did not flicker while at the shop. but a few days after picking it up it started again . anyone have any ideas as to what this may be? I am bringing it again on Thursday.
Thanks
Thanks
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From: NYC
S
Brought my car in for a headlamp that flickers on anf off (Xenon) car was in for about a week I was told that they could not find anything wrong and it did not flicker while at the shop. but a few days after picking it up it started again . anyone have any ideas as to what this may be? I am bringing it again on Thursday.
Thanks
Thanks
I have it when I turn the headlight on sometimes it flickers and then goes on.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Brought my car in for a headlamp that flickers on anf off (Xenon) car was in for about a week I was told that they could not find anything wrong and it did not flicker while at the shop. but a few days after picking it up it started again . anyone have any ideas as to what this may be? I am bringing it again on Thursday.
Thanks
Thanks
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
Brought my car in for a headlamp that flickers on anf off (Xenon) car was in for about a week I was told that they could not find anything wrong and it did not flicker while at the shop. but a few days after picking it up it started again . anyone have any ideas as to what this may be? I am bringing it again on Thursday.
Thanks
Thanks
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: long Island
2002 S500 black/java/2011 Escalade (wifes)
flickering headlight
Just got my car back from dealer (Lakeview) and they tell me I need the whole headlight unit becouse of the flickering headlight. I asked them about the ballast or light bulb itself but they brushed me off. got a price quote of $2,400 for the unit plus about 3 hours labor. Told them no way I could get one on e-bay for a fraction of the price quoted. I have auto leveling xenons can I buy any aftermarket that are plug and play or maybe I should downgrade to regular lights and do away with the xenons, can this be done and what do you think? thanks for any help!
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2004 S500
Ouch. Let's hope they were just trying to stick it to you. Is there an independant in your area or another mb dealer that you can take it to? Before I paid that much, I would upgrade to the units from a newer model if possible. If you are going to get bent over, you should at least ask for a reach around!
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From: long Island
2002 S500 black/java/2011 Escalade (wifes)
one of the guys that works at my dealer has his own indepenant shop where they do upgrades, tints, etc. he gave me a price of $2,000.00 to do an upgrade for both light units (to the newer clear lense) it beats $2,400.00 for the older one although that would be an original unit. but the car is 6 years old so....... I now think I have to now change the back lenses, even thought I hate those I prefer to have the older ones like I now have. but the car would look a off.
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
If you want, I can make a set of Depo headlight, put in a pair of OEM xenon ballast & projector & bulb (bi-xenon if you want). It looks just as good as the OE 2003-later, work better, and probably cost as 1/2 as much.
I've done several for members on the W210 forums.
I've done several for members on the W210 forums.
one of the guys that works at my dealer has his own indepenant shop where they do upgrades, tints, etc. he gave me a price of $2,000.00 to do an upgrade for both light units (to the newer clear lense) it beats $2,400.00 for the older one although that would be an original unit. but the car is 6 years old so....... I now think I have to now change the back lenses, even thought I hate those I prefer to have the older ones like I now have. but the car would look a off.
Thread Starter
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From: long Island
2002 S500 black/java/2011 Escalade (wifes)
Thanks Zam- but my guy already ordered the new units. I told him they have to look exactly the same as the originall ones with no gaps. I've heard some horror stories. and seen some with a half inch gap between the top of the light and the hood. How does anyone not realize they look foolish! and still take the car!
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From: San Diego
MB
Sorry to go off topic, but do you retrofit for W220's aftermarket DEPO projectors too??
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Daytona Beach, FL
97 E420 Sport Edition
I had the same probelm in my 98 E class. When they replaced the bulb/lighitng system the color of the xenons/HID didnt match up. Aged bulb against the new bulb looked totally different. I have a 2005 E class and I jsut rant into that problem just 3 weeks ago. They had to replace the drive adapt lighting system on one side due to malfunctioning. So now i am looking two different head lamps lights. It bugs the hell out of me. Best thing to do is tell them that the other side keeps acting up so hopefully you will get that replaced...so eventually they would match. (hopefully under warranty)
good luck.
good luck.
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S430 Sold :(
I had halogens when I bought my 02 S430. I bought some original mercedes xenon headlights on ebay for $500.00 for the pair and then took it to the dealer so they can put it on the star and turn xenon on....no problems ever since. IMO $2k that guy is taking you for a ride....you can find ORIGINALS on e-bay and install them in yourself in 30 min at most each side they are plug and play.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Usually when xenon bulbs start going bad, different things happen. As said above, your ballast could be going bad. Is the flicker on one side only? The bulb itself could also be going out or is broken. They usually discolor at that point. You can buy a good set of Phillips Ultinons for almost $300 and you'll have some good bulbs or for about the same get oe from the dealer. I'd go with the phillips 6000K bulbs. They look really good. If you want just some cheap bulbs that work well you can use hidworld.com and for around $90 you get both sides shipped. See the pics below of the ballast and a cracked bulb.
The headlight assy only needs replacement if it's broken and doesn't hold the bulb in place and allow moisture in the unit.
The headlight assy only needs replacement if it's broken and doesn't hold the bulb in place and allow moisture in the unit.
