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One of my headlights is dim -- what's up with that?

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Old 07-30-2010, 07:52 PM
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2005 C55 'Silver Bullet'
One of my headlights is dim -- what's up with that?
My driver's side headlight is noticeably dimmer than the passenger's side. No warning lights come on but it puts out about 5% compared to the other. They are factory xenon HID bulbs.

Any ideas?
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Old 07-30-2010, 08:11 PM
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Cee Fiddy Five
You noticed a 5% decrease in brightness?
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Old 07-30-2010, 09:01 PM
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2005 C55 'Silver Bullet'
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Originally Posted by MercedesFTW
You noticed a 5% decrease in brightness?
No, sorry, let me clarify -- it is 5% of the brightness of the other, meaning 95% dimmer. Almost no light is being projected out of one side but the other is rocking.
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Old 07-31-2010, 12:01 AM
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bulb is about to burn out
swap bulbs
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Old 07-31-2010, 07:23 AM
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Yup the bulb is probably going out or your ballast is starting to go bad (hope its not this one). Best bet is to get some new bulbs online or from ebay. Normally swapping them out in pairs is a good idea (so you get an even light change). Look for Phillips 85122 or Osram 66040.
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Old 07-31-2010, 07:39 AM
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Before you buy anything I'd suggest swapping your bulbs side to side to see if it follows.
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Old 07-31-2010, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by amdeutsch
Before you buy anything I'd suggest swapping your bulbs side to side to see if it follows.
+1
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Old 07-31-2010, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ohfiveC55
No, sorry, let me clarify -- it is 5% of the brightness of the other, meaning 95% dimmer. Almost no light is being projected out of one side but the other is rocking.
Ah that makes sense, my bad. That's something to notice for sure!
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Old 07-31-2010, 12:01 PM
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2005 C55 'Silver Bullet'
Originally Posted by amdeutsch
Before you buy anything I'd suggest swapping your bulbs side to side to see if it follows.
Great call. I actually noticed it starting to flicker last night. Will try to switch sides this evening...fingers crossed!
Last edited by ohfiveC55; 08-01-2010 at 11:03 PM.
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Old 08-01-2010, 07:29 PM
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2005 C55 'Silver Bullet'
I pulled the bulb and noticed one of the chambers was black and the external wiring cracked. Looks like the bulb is officially toast, so I ordered a set of D2C replacement bulbs on eBay for $20 shipped to my door.

Poor sap that owned the car before me paid $192 + labor to have the other bulb replaced 6 months ago!!
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