2003 Mercedes S500 Left Head Light Problem $$$$

[crazyoildude]

2003 mercedes s500 drivers headlight will not work the bulb is good i think it is the igniter..Any advice i have heard they cost $1500.00 and up.
The joys of owning a Mercedes i have a 1979 Cadillac with the original bulbs!
The Benz only has 40,000 miles

 

[Y_K]

Are those with separate ballast and igniter? I suspect it has ballast+igniter combo. You could also figure the ballast by the type of bulb: it could be either D1S or D2S. D1S has ignitor in the base, D2S is fed by the combo. I would think that standard Philips ballast with the built-in ignitor would suffice, if it is the D2S. If the assembly has a dust cover on the back, you could reach and swap bulbs/ballasts with the healthy light to diagnose.
You can find the genuine Philips ballasts very cheap (compared to dealers' prices), or you could risk even cheaper fakes. If you need just a bulb, replace both as the color will be demonstrably different, as they change color temps with age.

All in all, it is not as bad as it used to be in terms of pricing nowadays.

Bulbs can be had on Amazon, Osram is about $40-$50, Philips a little more.

 

[mount]

I wouldn't pay for a new OEM ballast or any OEM components of that nature. The OEM HID systems on my year model passats will run about 800 bucks. I threw in a kit from DDM Tuning which run about $50. Couldn't be happier. Pick your wattage, temp range (color), and what type bulb socket you have. Minimal DIY involved.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude

The joys of owning a Mercedes


The joys of owning a $90k car.

I doubt real OE xenons are cheap, be they on a Nissan or an MB.

 

[SteveSRT8]

HID's are always ridiculous at the stealerships. Mine list for like 1300 bucks!

Definitely contact the aftermarket.

 

[HTSS_TR]

All OEM MB parts at dealer is not cheap, you can find OE parts for less than 1/2 price somewhere else such as online.

Just replaced a leaky radiator in my E430 with Behr made in Germany for $270, the identical Behr radiator with MB logo on top at dealer is $599. Bought MB approved Shell ATF for $4/qt from a Shell distributor compares with $11.99/qt at local dealer.