CLK xenon headlight problem

[ash635]

I have a 2003 CLK 320 and the drivers side headlight has started to play up recently. At first it it refused to light up but after a few attempts at turning the switch on and off it would eventually light up. Now it refuses to come on at all. I had the bulb replaced to no avail, I've been told that the drivers side ballast needs replacing with a new unit. I spoke to my local MB dealer who told me it was going to cost a whopping £350 plus vat!!!! Do any fellow PHers know of any other source for this part. I've been told Bosch also make it, part number 1 307 329 072. Any help would be appreciated

[Allandwf]

Sounds about right, as I was £250 for a run of the mill volvo one. Be careful, if checking, as they deliver around 30,000v !!!

[Minty de silva]

Have you checked to see if any after market ballast boxes will fit. You can usually buy a full HID kit online for around £60/£70 with 2 ballast boxes, warning cancel units and bulbs. Sometimes the ballast boxes are attached to the side of the headlight unit and should be easily replaced depending on how hard the headlight is to remove.