Hi guys. 61 plate 2.0 tsi owner.

 

Front right dipped beam stopped working. Changed the bulb but still no cigar. Been told its the headlight module. 

 

My local motor factors wants £269 for a new one, does that sound right? 

 

What about labour costs? 

 

Anybody ever had one done? 

 

I was expecting to just buy a cheap bulb from halfords and bang it on ha. Absolute nightmare. 

 

Any advice much appreciated. 

2 hours ago, Steveygee said:

My local motor factors wants £269 for a new one, does that sound right? 

 

That's correct ... you can find used ones much cheaper ... I'm currently tampering with the exact unit on my car, it can be done by yourself if you have the tools and patience ... the garage labour means they'll take off the front bumper, which takes time (and which isn't always required, if you can squeeze your hand behind the headlamp to access the screws of the headlight module)

2 hours ago, vborovic said:

 

That's correct ... you can find used ones much cheaper ... I'm currently tampering with the exact unit on my car, it can be done by yourself if you have the tools and patience ... the garage labour means they'll take off the front bumper, which takes time (and which isn't always required, if you can squeeze your hand behind the headlamp to access the screws of the headlight module)

Cheers mate. I did look at used ones on ebay but a bit sceptical about them. Ill probably just bite the bullet and pay the £270 tomorrow as i need it doing asap. Luckily ive got family who run a good garage so i should save a bit on labour. 

1 minute ago, Steveygee said:

Ill probably just bite the bullet and pay the £270

 

Your choice, for that price you could probably get all 4 new winter tyres (good ones at that)

For the sake of clarity, are you talking about the electronic control unit for the headlamp system, or the ballast that generates the high voltage supply for the bulb?

 

I'm surprised a motor factors would even have the control module. If you know it's blown check the price at a dealer before you pull the trigger. If you do a search around eBay there are a good few dealers selling OE parts at pretty good prices too.

I've yet to see a ballast for 269 GBP, unless it is gold plated ...

 

Well, wouldn't you know it, there are some that are as expensive as the new car ...

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-Xenon-Control-Unit-Ballast-Steuergerat-Alfa-Romeo-147-GT-1307329096-NEW/112383986696?hash=item1a2a9b8c08:g:GK4AAOSwD8BZbh0-:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true

Sorry for late reply guys. Finally sorted at good local independent specialist. It was the headlight control module. Cost me £400 parts and labour ffs. Thanks for the advice 

 

 

One more thing. Last night i put £20 of cheap petrol in from sainsburys, within 10 miles of driving my emissions light came on the dashboard. Stayed on overnight so this morning i put £30 of Vpower in and within 10 mins it had went off. I always try and avoid the cheap supermarket fuels but had no choice last night, wont be using them again in a hurry. Anyone experienced that?