01BlackE320

I've replaced both headlight bulbs twice in the past 3 years. Plus had to replace running light bulbsm high beam, license plate and one brake light. Seem like the annoying Lamp Defective error is always coming on. Anyone else replace bulbs frequently?

nsupra

yes

tirona

the only bulbs that die faster are those silverstars sylvania. i was changing them every 6-7 months, but i do drive a lot at night. i tried osram silverstars and they lasted close to 1 year. if you just get the basic halogen h7 they should last a good 3-4 years.
the other bulbs in the car should last for a very long time, you just had a coincidence of having to change a couple of bulbs in a row.

Lancelot

Twice in the past three years is nothing! We always drive with the lights on so I'm guessing 4 times both bulbs in three years and the H6W city lights about once a year. Halogens tend to go out earlier than regular (vacuum) bulbs. I always replace both bulbs. If one goes out, the other one has the same burning hours and comes after a few weeks if you leave it in. I did just about all interior bulbs 2 years ago, and lately the center vent and light switch illumination have gone out. It just comes with the territory of maintaining an older car...

01BlackE320

I had both a silverstar and a regular sylvania H7 last about 6 months. Maybe Sylvania bulbs just suck. I've almost never have to replace headlight bulbs in all my other cars.

BTW for the running lights instead of the H6 I used Sylvania 3893 (T4W) bulb which is readily available at Pep Boys. Bulb looks identical and works just fine. Slightly dimmer then the original bulb (4 watt vs 6 watt) but you'll barely notice it. If you replace both you definately wont notice it. The package is labeled License, Parking and Side Marker - European Lamps and its about $3 for two bulbs.

Lancelot

T4W is not halogen, H6W is halogen. I've had T4W's but they burn MUCH duller and yellowish compared to the H7 main beams. I always get H6W at the dealer, besides online they're hard to find...

loubapache

Here in the USA, the H6W bulb is easy to find online and is about $3 per bulb. I have heard dealers charging over $10.

I also find Silverstars to be short lived. Now I am using Philips Crystal Vision Ultra. Just about as bright but do not know the longevity yet. Plus, I can get them for a good price because Meijers (a midwest chain) carries them and they often have 20% off on these bulbs. On sale price is $24 (two bulbs) and if it happens to be on the same day as the 15% extra off by using their credit card, the final price would be a little less than $22 for two bulbs.

E-420

I ran silverstars on my truck for a while, very short life. Finally went to the sylvania website and saw why. The rated life on silverstars (hours) SUCKS!, Sylvania sent me an email survey, I responded I wouldn't be buying anymore till the life was better. They acknolwedged life is a big problem and complaint, and sent me a free set. Once those burned out I went to an ebay hir bulb and life is at least 4 x with the same brightness. (I say at least, since the HIR bulbs haven't burned out) My guess is that the silverstar H7's are no different then the bulbs on my truck for life. My advice, find another brand, any brand. Phillips are supposedly good. On my 97 E420 I went with a 65W Osram from candlepower. I'm watching to see how they hold up.

aander

I found this thread in search for an answer as to why I had to replace my low beam H7 Silverstar low beams 3 times in 13 month. Now I know.

Thanks for the pointers to altenatives. I must say, I am disappointed with the W210, the other bulbs (fog, high beam, side markers) also needed replacement prematurely. Perhaps there are othe issues (noise, spikes) that cause premature demise. On my older cars (95 E320, 86 190E) the bulbs tend to last for a decade or more.

Foozini

I have a W211 E550, and I guess my complaint isn't really the bulbs burning out so frequently, but more the means of replacement. I can just get my hand into the location where the bulb is to replacement, which is lucky, since the M-B method is to pull off the tire and go in through the wheel well, which is just insane to replace a headlamp...

johnathan1

Always clean the bulbs off with rubbing alcohol before installing, or wear gloves. Oils from your hand (or anything foreign really) tend to reduce bulb life.