SL/R230: Low Beam on Passenger Side
11-07-2011, 01:13 PM
#1
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2003 500SL
Low Beam on Passenger Side
First time posting here - Just purchased a 2003 500SL with only 7,708 miles on it a couple weeks ago. it's in basically brand new condition. Almost immediately i had a problem with the low beam on the passenger side working, then not working, then working etc.... Took it to the local MB Stealer and explained to them what was going on. The called me a couple hours later and said it was the bulb. Of course they raked me for $225 for the bulb and approx $70 for the installation. Just a couple days ago, the same issue began to happen again. Low beam working and not working etc.
Anyone have any ideas. I've read it's probably the ballast or ignighter, or loose connection. I've never owned a MB before and this is my first foray with these cars. I don't know anyone locally (other than the dealer) that works on MB just yet.
Are the ballast and or ignighter hard to replace? The bulb on that side is almost impossible to reach to replace.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Anyone have any ideas. I've read it's probably the ballast or ignighter, or loose connection. I've never owned a MB before and this is my first foray with these cars. I don't know anyone locally (other than the dealer) that works on MB just yet.
Are the ballast and or ignighter hard to replace? The bulb on that side is almost impossible to reach to replace.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
11-22-2011, 12:38 PM
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2003 500SL
Replacement Ballast/Ignighter
Can anyone reccommend a replacement ballast & ignighter part for my 03 SL500? I know there are many on eBay and from what I understand, it's not necessary to purchase original parts. I have seen posts saying just buy a HID kit on eBay. That way you have an extra ballast as well for a fraction of the price.
I'm still experiencing my passenger side low beam not working sometimes when I turn the car on. Already have replaced the bulb and it seems like the only other culprits could be one of the above.
Thanks in advance for any I help I receive.
I'm still experiencing my passenger side low beam not working sometimes when I turn the car on. Already have replaced the bulb and it seems like the only other culprits could be one of the above.
Thanks in advance for any I help I receive.
11-22-2011, 10:36 PM
#4
Member
You have a bad RHS headlight unit. End of story. A known failure. The whole assembly needs replacing.
Dealer should have switch R & L bulbs before rushing to the wrong conclusion.
It is a common textbook MB dealer procedure.
Congrats on your rare find Sl with such a low mileage.
Cheers.
Dealer should have switch R & L bulbs before rushing to the wrong conclusion.
It is a common textbook MB dealer procedure.
Congrats on your rare find Sl with such a low mileage.
Cheers.
11-23-2011, 09:38 AM
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SL500
Yep...known and commom problem. Had it happen to my '03 6 months ago. Cheap fix for the DIY types. It's either the ballist or the igniter. On mine, I bought the igniter off EBay for $75 and followed the procedure from http://www.alldatadiy.com/ It's been perfect ever since. Good luck and great car.
