Dorman 601-165 High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlight Igniter - Left or Right

Dorman 601-165 HID Headlight Igniter

Dorman 601-165 is a high-intensity discharge headlight igniter for select Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Mazda, Mini, and Porsche applications. It matches the original igniter’s fit and function for direct replacement on the listed vehicles, with a compact plastic housing and 4-blade female terminal design.

Key Features

• Direct replacement HID headlight igniter for specified factory lighting systems
• Matches original fit and function for listed applications
• Plastic housing with black and red finish
• 4-terminal blade connection with female terminals
• Compact size: 2.5 in. length, 1 in. width, 2.5 in. height
• Cross-reference part numbers include 3H10004 and 2038201685 for the same application

Detailed Description

This HID headlight igniter is built for vehicles using factory high-intensity discharge lighting, including Mercedes-Benz C-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, CL-Class, and related models, plus select BMW, Land Rover, Mazda, Mini, and Porsche platforms. Dorman 601-165 is engineered to restore proper ignition performance at the headlamp assembly when the original igniter has failed or become unreliable. For BMW M6 and 650i applications, fitment notes specify a 2-pin connector ballast, no adaptive lighting, and D2 bulb configuration.

Fits 2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz C180, left or right; fits 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz C200, left or right; fits 2001-2004 Mercedes-Benz C200, left or right; fits 2001-2017 Mercedes-Benz SL500, left or right; and fits 2006-2010 BMW M6, left or right. This part number, 601-165, also covers select Mercedes-Benz S500, CL500, CLK550, and Porsche Boxster applications listed in the fitment data.

What It Helps Fix

• Headlight not igniting or intermittent HID startup
• One headlamp staying dark while the other operates normally
• Delayed HID lamp strike at startup
• Faulty igniter-related lighting output on factory HID systems
• Replacement needs after igniter housing or terminals wear out

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle’s headlamp configuration before ordering, especially ballast connector style and any notes about adaptive lighting or D2 bulb use. Confirm left or right side placement against the vehicle’s original part. Inspect the connector, ballast, and bulb condition during diagnosis so the root cause is addressed before installation.

Quality Assurance

Dorman designs this igniter to match original equipment fit and function on the listed applications and to deliver reliable performance and durability in factory HID lighting systems.