Blinking headlight

[ThePhoenix]

Hi guys

I have a A3 2.0 TDI 170 S-Line Quattro on an 07 plate. It is fitted with HID projectors (DS1)

Occasionally the nearside HID fails to strike and blinks for a few seconds at start up. Reading the threads lead me to suspect it is a failing bulb, so knowing what a chore it is to get these thing in and out I decided to buy a new pair, as they are obviously old and could do with replacing in any case, rather than spend the time swapping the bulbs to see if the fault followed the lamp.

Long story short, new bulbs in, nearside still flashing. Looks like its a failing ballast.

Now I know Audi want £loads for one of these, so does anyone know the part number that I should be searching third-party providers/ebay for? Or any recommendations of suppliers or possibly repairers, etc?

One other thing: I think the ballast is bolted to the base of the headlamp unit. Does that sound right?

Thank you

[NHN]

Didnt you take a note of the ballasts when headlights were out for the bulbs?

[ThePhoenix]

Didnt you take a note of the ballasts when headlights were out for the bulbs?

I got one bulb in without removing the head light and the other I unbolted and loosened the front trim enough to get wiggle room. I never fully removed the unit. The ballast is underneath the unit though? Bolted to the bottom?

[NHN]

Yeap underneath.

[ThePhoenix]

Oh brilliant!

Is it a pretty standard part, do you know, or do you happen to know what the part number may be, or an independent supplier of ballasts?