Read if you're replacing your own OEM xenon bulb
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Read if you're replacing your own OEM xenon bulb
I just replaced my oem xenon bulb on my 2005 c230. Dealer wanted $200 just for the part!!
I got the Philips 85122 (not plus) bulb from ebay -- $43 delivered. He first sent me the 85122+ but replaced it with 85122.
I found out the original bulb was actually a GE Osram! Explains why it went out so quickly (5 years).
Instructions to remove:
1) remove black cover behind headlight
2) twist off red connector. I noticed it twists both ways. Move it aside.
3) Twist black, plastic cover/cap holding the bulb in place. On right bulb, quick counterclockwise turn. It is held by 3 clips (not equal distance).
4) The bulb will just come off now.
Instructions for new install:
- Before you start, put a small mirror to get yourself oriented. This would have saved me time. I was fumbling around there for 15 mins. Once I oriented myself with the mirror it was a very easy job.
1) make sure to not touch the xenon bulb. But this is not easy in the tight space. I suggest wearing latex gloves if you have it.
2) the bulb has a small notch on top base. Insert the bulb in place with the notch facing top. This is the only way it will go in. Be careful -- you need to insert it this way instead of just inserting and twisting -- you can damage the fragile filament.
3) Now, the bulb is barely hanging there unsecured.
4) Insert the black plastic cover. Make sure to insert it with "top" facing top. This should align with the two notches which allows the cover to pass through the base.
5) Lock it in place with quick twist clockwise. The cover is held by 3 notches that are not equal space with each other.
6) twist red connector to bulb.
7) replace black cover.
I got the Philips 85122 (not plus) bulb from ebay -- $43 delivered. He first sent me the 85122+ but replaced it with 85122.
I found out the original bulb was actually a GE Osram! Explains why it went out so quickly (5 years).
Instructions to remove:
1) remove black cover behind headlight
2) twist off red connector. I noticed it twists both ways. Move it aside.
3) Twist black, plastic cover/cap holding the bulb in place. On right bulb, quick counterclockwise turn. It is held by 3 clips (not equal distance).
4) The bulb will just come off now.
Instructions for new install:
- Before you start, put a small mirror to get yourself oriented. This would have saved me time. I was fumbling around there for 15 mins. Once I oriented myself with the mirror it was a very easy job.
1) make sure to not touch the xenon bulb. But this is not easy in the tight space. I suggest wearing latex gloves if you have it.
2) the bulb has a small notch on top base. Insert the bulb in place with the notch facing top. This is the only way it will go in. Be careful -- you need to insert it this way instead of just inserting and twisting -- you can damage the fragile filament.
3) Now, the bulb is barely hanging there unsecured.
4) Insert the black plastic cover. Make sure to insert it with "top" facing top. This should align with the two notches which allows the cover to pass through the base.
5) Lock it in place with quick twist clockwise. The cover is held by 3 notches that are not equal space with each other.
6) twist red connector to bulb.
7) replace black cover.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
No filament in a HID capsule. You mean the wire that runs along the outside of the bulb? It sounds like it's a pretty straight-forward install. They make it seem so impossible in the manual!
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Yes, thx for the correction. The wire that runs outside the bulb is fragile. So be careful to insert with wire down and notch up.
Yes, it is very easy install. Getting the bulb off is easy. Getting the new one requires you to get oriented with a mirror.
Don't believe the dealer -- they told me it is not a DIY project and strongly recommended the dealer do the work. Would have costed me ~$300 including install. Buy from ebay where sellers buy in bulk.
When I searched the forum, consensus was that the oem bulb was phillips 85122 bulb. But this is not correct for 2005 model. It was the GE spec. I noticed the new philips one is brighter and whiter.
Yes, it is very easy install. Getting the bulb off is easy. Getting the new one requires you to get oriented with a mirror.
Don't believe the dealer -- they told me it is not a DIY project and strongly recommended the dealer do the work. Would have costed me ~$300 including install. Buy from ebay where sellers buy in bulk.
When I searched the forum, consensus was that the oem bulb was phillips 85122 bulb. But this is not correct for 2005 model. It was the GE spec. I noticed the new philips one is brighter and whiter.
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
You shoulda just bought a pair...
color changes over time and if one has gone bad, then the other is sure to follow.
I paid 50 for my 85122+ X2.
I like them just fine, very OEM look, not ricey.
color changes over time and if one has gone bad, then the other is sure to follow.
I paid 50 for my 85122+ X2.
I like them just fine, very OEM look, not ricey.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
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I agree. I heard the 85122 bulb color shifts over time so it's best to replace both. The 85122s should last a long time. Not like the cheap oem GE ones that burned out after 5 years.
I am just glad it was not the igniter.
I am just glad it was not the igniter.
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Corrolla
Andy
