Headlights...help please

jonm · 29-05-2008, 11:09 AM

Thinking of renaming my W203 to 'MB's patented headlamp bulb detroying machine'

Can anyone suggest why I am now getting loads of blown bulbs, in the last 6 months its been 4 in total, which if I am not mistaken, has been 2 on each side, but definately all dipped beam.

I've been using 'off the shelf' bulbs from wherever rather than from MB.

Its has standard W203 headlamps and is of 2003 vintage.

Alternator was replaced 2 yrs ago so there is no direct correlation there...

Cant think of anything else relevant

...any ideas??? anyone...please, changing bulbs is getting boring!! although I do like the way it tells me that one of them is blown on the display

Thx

Chas · 29-05-2008, 10:22 PM

Does it happen when its been raining heavy ? Might be water penetration somewhere, or failing that crap bulbs.
Have you tried Philips, Osram ?http://www.powerbulbs.com/

richard · 29-05-2008, 11:00 PM

I have some strange recollection that MB have recently changed their recommendations on bulbs to ones that are a bit more shock-proof then standard bulbs. That may only apply to non-headlamp-bulbs though

And certainly my last set of halfords cheapo brake light bulbs only lasted a few months so I went back to MB bulbs.

R

BlackC55 · 29-05-2008, 11:01 PM

****e bulbs 100%

Dieselman · 29-05-2008, 11:05 PM

Check the battery electrolyte level. If low it can allow the voltage to rise.

jonm · 30-05-2008, 08:02 AM

O/K, thanks for that. so:

Consistant message is no more cheapo bulbs.

With the weather recently...I have been charging for a few slightly deeper puddles, where should I look for water penetration, fuse box?

Will check battery level.

Thanks all

29-05-2008, 11:09 AM	#1
jonm Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Solihull Car: C200K estate Posts: 297	Headlights...help please Thinking of renaming my W203 to 'MB's patented headlamp bulb detroying machine' Can anyone suggest why I am now getting loads of blown bulbs, in the last 6 months its been 4 in total, which if I am not mistaken, has been 2 on each side, but definately all dipped beam. I've been using 'off the shelf' bulbs from wherever rather than from MB. Its has standard W203 headlamps and is of 2003 vintage. Alternator was replaced 2 yrs ago so there is no direct correlation there... Cant think of anything else relevant ...any ideas??? anyone...please, changing bulbs is getting boring!! although I do like the way it tells me that one of them is blown on the display Thx

29-05-2008, 11:00 PM	#3
richard Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Berkshire, UK Car: 07 ML500, 04 SL55 Posts: 2,287	I have some strange recollection that MB have recently changed their recommendations on bulbs to ones that are a bit more shock-proof then standard bulbs. That may only apply to non-headlamp-bulbs though And certainly my last set of halfords cheapo brake light bulbs only lasted a few months so I went back to MB bulbs. R __________________ Of course i'll take it apart. Comand Online Ltd: We're listed on MBClub - please click to see our products and discounts available. Latest Mods: R230 Distronic. Next Mod: 04 SL NTG2.5 . . . Previous Mercs: W163 ML500, W169 A, R230 SL55, W163 ML430, W208 CLK55, R129 SL500, W208 CLK320, R170 SLK230, 1st Merc = R129 SL320.

29-05-2008, 11:01 PM	#4
BlackC55 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Horndean, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Southsea Car: C43 AMG with mods, ML270, Mk1 Golf cab. Mk1 Caddy fully restored 7.5T truck Rotax Max race Kart ETC Posts: 8,503	**e bulbs 100% __________________ Prestige car Service: I am listed here on MBClub please click to see services and discounts available.**

29-05-2008, 10:22 PM	#2
Chas Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland Car: S 320 (W220) 2001 Posts: 721	Does it happen when its been raining heavy ? Might be water penetration somewhere, or failing that crap bulbs. Have you tried Philips, Osram ?http://www.powerbulbs.com/

29-05-2008, 11:05 PM	#5
Dieselman Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 19,310	Check the battery electrolyte level. If low it can allow the voltage to rise.

30-05-2008, 08:02 AM	#6
jonm Hardcore MB Enthusiast Threadstarter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Solihull Car: C200K estate Posts: 297	O/K, thanks for that. so: Consistant message is no more cheapo bulbs. With the weather recently...I have been charging for a few slightly deeper puddles, where should I look for water penetration, fuse box? Will check battery level. Thanks all

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