Steve:

Length, diameter, coiling, and specific resistance of the filament wire are all involved in making a lamp filament. I've not taken a really close look at the two lamps side by side, but I suspect that there is a difference in the filament diameter, if only because one is US made and the other isn't.

Wattage of a bulb is output, I think, not current draw -- European bulbs are usually marked in candlepower, not watts.

If there is a difference in induction effect (coiling and current flow), I could easily believe that low current draw ground will be different with different filament configurations. I would expect the CC not to work, but it is possible that excess current would cook it. After all, failed solder joints are the usual failure mode on these things, especially the main actuator ground.

I've heard from several sources that bulb type is important, including my indy mechanic who has "repaired" some cruise controls by using Osram bulbs.

Yes, a failed lamp or corroded socket will prevent the CC from working, too. Both filaments must be intact, and I think matched, although I don't know that for sure. At least well enough the lamp out warning doesn't come on.

Naturally, I could also be full of beans, too -- I've not experimented on purpose!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!