1980 240D Frau Blue-Car (previously known to the world as China).

Driver's side headlight low beam went out on me about 2 weeks ago, so I replaced both at the same time with Wagners. After 3-4 days, the driver's side low beam went out again. Since I had not yet thrown.......recycled the original pair (sometimes laziness has benefits), I found the passenger's side one and used it to replace the blown Wagners. It currently works, but on closer examination, the 3-holed plug that receives the 3 prongs from the headlight is discolored around one of the holes, as if it has reached inappropriately high temperatures, and when I looked at the prongs on the original driver's side headlight (the first one to go), the corresponding prong was brittle and broke off easily. So I suspect some sort of electrical voodoo, but apart from checking the fuse, which was normal and healthy (I did change it just in case it was an unseen problem), I don't have any idea what to do next. During this whole time, the high beams have worked just fine, in fact I have been driving around with my high beams on now for some time (in-between headlight changes) and nobody seems to mind. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Alex.

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"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR

Well after 30 years the connectors will get hard and brittle. Have to treat them with care or you will have to replace them. But I think you just picked up a couple of bad bulbs. I would really try to get the retailer to change them off for you with a new bulb of a different make. If they won't do that, I would go to Napa or Autozone and buy two and see what they say about a warranty or replacement if they burn out in 90 days.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

If new low beam went out after a few days then it could be.

1) defective new one
2) a possibility that the alternator is giving out higher voltage then spec. I have it happens to me one. It cooked the battery and both low beams. Measure the voltage at the bulb.

Loose connection normally would not bust the bulb unless it is flickering bad.

Good luck.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

What do the connectors and wiring look like? Feel hot to the touch when operating?

Interesting issue.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

If the prongs on the same side light bulb are both getting weak, there may be some overcurrent-type problem. If there's a weak part in the circuit, e.g. the grounding point on the DS light, or the crimp fitting on the light is loose, that'll create a high resistance spot that will get high temps and break down, sort of like a fuse, or a failing ground strap on the block. It's possible it could be loose or intermittent and arcing, but that would be unusual to blow so quickly.

Make sure the grounds are tight and clean (look in the headlight area, I think it's a screw to the body, brown wires), make sure the connections are clean and tight. Maybe some de-oxide spray and possibly some light bulb-grease. Sold in the small packs by the checkout counter.