VAST

So we had a crazy storm here in Toronto which lead to plenty of flooding. During this, water had found its way into my headlight housing somehow. This lead to the drivers side low beam going out, and I received a "Check Left Low Beam" message and an "Auto Leveling Lights Inoperable" (or something along those lines)

I pulled the bulb out and it was clearly blown. I let the unit dry out and purchased replacement D1S bulbs. When I hooked them up, the drivers side low beam immediately blew in the same fashion (metal filament burnt, blackened in the middle)

Has anyone experienced this? I'm seeing people pay upwards of $3000 to repair these lights, which I really dont want to pay. Perhaps the ballast is no good?

Any insight greatly appreciated

Drazil

That totally sucks. If every bulb you put in instantly blows, can you take it back for warranty (once dried out, of course).

On a side note, I saw the news report about the flood and how the used market is being "flooded" with water damaged cars in the T.O. area now. They showed a brand new C-Class with completely muddy interior in their story, sad...

JimPap

My 2008 C300 had problems with one of it's fancy smancy lights after I drove through what wasn't much more that a pretty good puddle.

Under warranty, the dealership replace the complete light unit. I didn't tell them about the puddle but think that it's an engineering flaw on the part of Mercedes to make it that vulnerable to failure. Conscious is mostly clear.

In any event, there is some kind of ballast that ignites the light. That may be shorted out and may be why your blowing those hundred dollar bulbs. Only problem is that you are also getting error messages about the leveling feature.

Given the complexity of the light, you might have to go the route of the dealership.

VAST

unfortunately I dont believe I have any factory warranty left, anyone else have any ideas or insights?

vic viper

A dealer with a Xentry diagnose tool should be able to tell you which unit is causing these problems.

But before you do I would take out the lamp units, disconnect all visible connectors and open all lids placing the units on a bench with a heater element blowing into them under at least 12 hours.

VAST

I would definitely be willing to try that. Would I do that in hopes of fixing the problem? or just drying the unit out before I take it in to try to get it serviced?

vic viper

As long as it isnt salt water they may work fine again after proper drying. Xenon lights operates at very high voltages, and moisture combined with high voltage isnt the best of mixes

VAST

awesome thanks! ill try this and report back.