I originally posted in W203 but I actually have W204. TLDR I've installed LED bulbs and the flicker off and on.
covfc87
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 personally would return those bulbs. Then get dinner decent led replacement bulbs from Amazon and if they flicker return those for a better pair.
They should not flicker asked around here you can't beat Amazon for testing out different options to find one that works well With the free shipping and free returns

 

Going through 3 bulbs in one year seems like an issue. Can you see why they are blowing, moisture in the housing maybe?

More info on what is exactly installed would be helpful. From the limited info im guessing the bulbs need some type of can-bus decoder/error canceller. This would plug into the cars wiring harness then go to the LED bulb.

Ive had good luck in the past with the Osram Night Breaker lineup of halogen bulbs. I have the night breaker Unlimited in my H7 fog lights. I see they now have a Night Breaker 200 bulb that is supposed to be brighter.

 

There is some sort of decoder/resistor attached, it says max 25-30w and I think I've seen somewhere else on the forums about 50watts, so maybe it's just not drawing enough power. The lights stay on with the ignition on, but as soon as I start it, I get the flicker. This is what I bought. https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/osram...-kit-48199022x

 

I looked them up and I do not believe that box is a can-bus/error canceller. I say this because it doesnt specifically mention it in the product info. And then those specific bulbs say off road, not legal for street. So im thinking off road applications wouldnt be running off can-bus, would they?

I think a specific can-bus adapter is needed. Can see the different can-bus options here: https://www.osram.com/ecat/Accessori...GPS01_2941742/










I would still try and figure out why the bulb is burning out so quickly.

Mercedes has an "uprated H7 bulb". I believe they are philips X-treme vision bulbs.

 

I'm not too worried about the cause, it's a pain, but it's an old car, I suspect the cost of investigation and solution would far outweigh what I'll save in bulbs over however long I'll have it. I just thought I'd try LEDs and see if that solved it. I did subsequently order some that specifically said canbus, but amazon sent me H11s instead of H7s, so they're being returned. I've had to just go out and buy some halogens just so I can actually drive as it's usually dark when I'm commuting. I appreciate the help, I will look into the LEDs you've mentioned, as well as the uprated Phillips. Cheers