Headlights flicker and then turn off

[Zarrar14]

So I bought a w202 c220 1998 2 months ago. Now the car had been parked up for almost 2 years before I bought it, so there are a few minor problems but The real problem is the headlights flicker and turn off. The battery is new and so are the headlights bulbs but they still flicker and turn off. Could it be a wiring problem and if so is it an expensive fix?

 

[Larkone]

If they are xenon HIDs then likely to be the xenon igniter. Usually underneath the headlamp unit and looks something like this. Had exactly this issue on my HIDs

 

[Blobcat]

If they are xenon HIDs then likely to be the xenon igniter. Usually underneath the headlamp unit and looks something like this. Had exactly this issue on my HIDs
View attachment 87626

Not sure many 1999 C220’s would have had xenon’s originally, likely they’ve been added later on with an aftermarket kit - if it is an igniter issue, which it does sound like.

 

[grayb]

Not sure many 1999 C220’s would have had xenon’s originally, likely they’ve been added later on with an aftermarket kit - if it is an igniter issue, which it does sound like.

Our '98 C43 AMG certainly didn't have Xenons...

 

[EmilysDad]

Not sure many 1999 C220’s would have had xenon’s originally, likely they’ve been added later on with an aftermarket kit - if it is an igniter issue, which it does sound like.

is nothing standard on a Merc? My 1999 Omega had Hids/Xenons as standard .... admittedly it was an Elite where the only options were 3 pedals & NOT leather

 

[grayb]

is nothing standard on a Merc? My 1999 Omega had Hids/Xenons as standard .... admittedly it was an Elite where the only options were 3 pedals & NOT leather

Not even the stereo head unit in those days...