Headlight bulb on W202 -- URGENT! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Benzadmiral · #1 01-20-2007, 08:25 AM

Hello, all,

My passenger side low-beam bulb blew out this morning (Saturday). I searched here, and I find people have replaced their bulbs on their W202s, but all they mention is "bought a bulb." When I do a parts search, here and elsewhere, the price for the "xenon" bulb is in the $115-$125 range!

My manual simply says, 55W, H7 bulb. Do I have to spend over $100 for a headlight bulb, or can I find something reasonable at the auto parts store? I'd call Phil at Fastlane, but he's only available M-F.

The car is a '97 C230. Any help would be appreciated. I don't want to drive at night with a bulb out, and it's going to rain all day tomorrow, so I'd like to get it done ASAP.
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Oliverp · #2 01-20-2007, 08:37 AM

I don't think this is a xenon bulb. Sounds like a normal hallogen bulb to me. These can be purchased from most car accessory shops and over here in england don't cost more than about £10. If you take the bulb with you to the shop they should be able to find you a replacement.

Oliver

Benzadmiral · #3 01-20-2007, 08:45 AM

Thanks, Oliver,

See, I don't mind paying $125.00 US for a bulb. (Well, actually I do; that's why I buy older cars. . . .) Just part of the price of driving an MB, I suppose. But if the car came with a regular inexpensive H7 bulb in 1997, and now in 2007 MB is trying to tell us that the only bulb available is one you have to sell blood to buy, I'm understandably upset.

I've done an additional search on the 'net, and I see 55W H7 bulbs go for more like $15.00 USD. I'll go check the auto parts store near me and let everybody know.
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Oliverp · #4 01-20-2007, 08:51 AM

The xenon lights are really expensive, but as far as I know, they last for years. I'm sure even MB wouldn't charge $125 for a hallogen bulb - sounds like they are getting mixed up and think you require a xenon one. I'm also sure that the bulb you pick up at the parts store will more than likely be manufactured by the same people that make the 'mercedes' bulbs.

blackmercedes · #5 01-20-2007, 10:17 AM

STOP!! Do not buy a $125 bulb. Your car does NOT have HID (Xenon) lights and you just need to buy a simple H7 55W bulb as sold by many parts stores.

H7. Only buy that. Normal, H7 bulb. You need nothing more than that.

Why don't you take the OLD bulb out (driving without the bulb in the socket is no problem) and take it down to the store for comparision? Then you will also have figured out how to access the bulb.

Benzadmiral · #6 01-20-2007, 12:54 PM

Hello, Oliver and John,

I thought there was a rat in the wiring! The manual said H7 55W bulbs, nothing about High-Intensity Discharge, so I picked up a pair at Autozone with the correct code number and wattage, the uprated Sylvanias, for $40.00/pair. (The second bulb went out as I arrived at the store!)

Now the manual described the changing procedure, and mentioned no tools. But unless you've done it once, the reference to unhooking a clamp is confusing, and the passenger side housing has little room to maneuver with the air filter box just behind it. I hope these two bulbs last for a few years.

Forty bucks is a lot better than two hundred fifty! Thanks for the help!

Oliverp · #7 01-20-2007, 03:03 PM

Glad it's all worked out ok for you.

I'm also glad I've finally been able to help someone! It's usually me asking for help!

Yay!!

blackmercedes · #8 01-20-2007, 03:21 PM

You should buy another bulb and wrap it up (keep the vibes from getting it) and put it inside the spare tire well. With both of your bulbs replaced at the same time, they're probably going to go again close to the same time. You will not want to be without at least one headlamp.

Will_w202 · #9 01-20-2007, 11:18 PM

I lost both of mine within 2 weeks of each other. Life expectancy I guess. I replaced them with Sylvania Silverstars. Much whiter light. $20/ea