Headlight issues
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Joined: Jan 2025
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Headlight issues
Hi, I've tried searching but can't find anything for the same car, hopefully you good people can help. I have 2008 C220 2.2d.
I've had it about a year, I've had to replace the same headlight bulb 3 times now. When I searched ECP, a pack of 2x LEDs was coming up cheaper than halogen, and I thought that might solve the issue. So I went with some Osram LED H7 kit, comes with some sort of adaptor I guess, fitted in nicely, and the lights came on, so I thought all good, chucked the box. Went to drive this evening, the left headlight flashes a few times then stays off, I get the notification on the dash. The right lamp stays on for ten seconds, then goes off for five seconds, and it repeats that pattern continuously. I've checked everything is connected properly, I've reset to factory settings. I'm not doing this for brighter bulbs, or more modern looking lights, I just thought it might stop the issue of the halogens dying every few months. I'll go back to halogens if needs be, but if I can make these work, that's ideal for time and money. So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be really grateful. Thanks in advance
I've had it about a year, I've had to replace the same headlight bulb 3 times now. When I searched ECP, a pack of 2x LEDs was coming up cheaper than halogen, and I thought that might solve the issue. So I went with some Osram LED H7 kit, comes with some sort of adaptor I guess, fitted in nicely, and the lights came on, so I thought all good, chucked the box. Went to drive this evening, the left headlight flashes a few times then stays off, I get the notification on the dash. The right lamp stays on for ten seconds, then goes off for five seconds, and it repeats that pattern continuously. I've checked everything is connected properly, I've reset to factory settings. I'm not doing this for brighter bulbs, or more modern looking lights, I just thought it might stop the issue of the halogens dying every few months. I'll go back to halogens if needs be, but if I can make these work, that's ideal for time and money. So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be really grateful. Thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Your car is a W204, not a W203.
Assuming your car behaves the same way as a W203, the LED bulbs probably aren't drawing enough juice so the car thinks the bulb is burnt out, so the car shuts down the circuit. You have to add resistors.
The W204 probably also has a setting (MB Xentry or equivalent diagnostic computer required) to enable HID lights, which draw a lower wattage. That will make the system more "forgiving" with regards to low power draw, but you'll probably still need to add a resistor.
Assuming your car behaves the same way as a W203, the LED bulbs probably aren't drawing enough juice so the car thinks the bulb is burnt out, so the car shuts down the circuit. You have to add resistors.
The W204 probably also has a setting (MB Xentry or equivalent diagnostic computer required) to enable HID lights, which draw a lower wattage. That will make the system more "forgiving" with regards to low power draw, but you'll probably still need to add a resistor.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
2006 c230 Sport
Just dealt with the exact same issue on the DS headlight after installing HIDs...
Resistors inline solved it. It also makes the lights look better and more steady, no flicker or weird variations.
Resistors inline solved it. It also makes the lights look better and more steady, no flicker or weird variations.
