Fog Lamp Burnt Out, Need New Set
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,660
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2000 CLK430
Fog Lamp Burnt Out, Need New Set
Hey guys, i have a set of Hyperwhite bulbs in my foglamps, Catz Galaxy if i remember correctly. Anyway, one of them burnt out, so i need new foglamps, and i was looking for suggestions. Im not really looking for an exact match to my Xenon, as the ones i have now were about as close as you can get, i was kinda looking for something different. I dont know whats available or what looks good, but what options do i have? I have even considered going with an amber bulb down there as i want something a little different. Suggestions please, as i dont think i want amber. What do i need to buy? I dont remember what exact bulb i need. Also, where can i get hyperwhite bulbs for the city lights? I know they are cheap, but what exactly do i need to buy? Thanks in advance.
Eric
Eric
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2001 CLK430
Petie,
I use Philips Blue Vision bulbs in my driving/running and fog lights. They are not blue at all but are very white. They look great.
Here's a link to the fogs (H3):
http://www.powerbulbs.com/products/p...id=pbv&type=H3
I use Philips Blue Vision bulbs in my driving/running and fog lights. They are not blue at all but are very white. They look great.
Here's a link to the fogs (H3):
http://www.powerbulbs.com/products/p...id=pbv&type=H3
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Washington
MB
Guys, when you said driving/ running/ or city lights, did you mean the small round light next to the headlight.
When I went to the powerbulbls.com, they recommend H1 bulbs for the foglights. Is that right?
So, what is the H3 for?
Thanks,
Solihin
When I went to the powerbulbls.com, they recommend H1 bulbs for the foglights. Is that right?
So, what is the H3 for?
Thanks,
Solihin
Last edited by hinhin7; Apr 22, 2003 at 05:33 PM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2001 CLK430
If I remember correctly, the manual says to use H1's but H3's are actually the bulb to use for the fogs.
The running or "city lights" are the ones to the inside of the headlights. Because they are such low power 7-8w or so, I haven't been able to find any that look white. They still look yellow.
The running or "city lights" are the ones to the inside of the headlights. Because they are such low power 7-8w or so, I haven't been able to find any that look white. They still look yellow.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
Hello Ivan
r u using H3 for foglamp instead of H1 now ?
i m just wondering is there a size diff. between H1 and H3 ? thx
also, could you pls tell me what is the model no. of the " The running or "city lights" " ? since i'd like to take a brighter one to replace the factory one , but i dun know which model no. of bulb that i need to choose , pls advice . thx a lot
r u using H3 for foglamp instead of H1 now ?
i m just wondering is there a size diff. between H1 and H3 ? thx
also, could you pls tell me what is the model no. of the " The running or "city lights" " ? since i'd like to take a brighter one to replace the factory one , but i dun know which model no. of bulb that i need to choose , pls advice . thx a lot
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Supra- you can't really get any bulb that is gonna be much brighter than the stock bulb because that socket's voltage is regulated. That little bulb housed with the hig beams are called 'city lights'. any tuner/ricer shop will know what you are talking about.
The most popular light is the Polarg M17 (its blue, looks like the 6000K xenons), but because its blue, its much dimmer than stock.
H1 & H3 is both correct. The CLK320 uses a H1 bulb, and the CLK430 & CLK55 uses a H3 for the foglights.
The difference, i believe, is that the H1 is inserted into an actually socket, whereas, the H3 is connected via actual wires instead of a socket. Both are about the same size.
Hope this helps.
-Danny
The most popular light is the Polarg M17 (its blue, looks like the 6000K xenons), but because its blue, its much dimmer than stock.
H1 & H3 is both correct. The CLK320 uses a H1 bulb, and the CLK430 & CLK55 uses a H3 for the foglights.
The difference, i believe, is that the H1 is inserted into an actually socket, whereas, the H3 is connected via actual wires instead of a socket. Both are about the same size.
Hope this helps.
-Danny
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Washington
MB
Danny, can you recommend me the bulbs for the fog light and city light (brands and type). I dont really like yellow, i like white.
You said the Polarg M17 is going to be dimmer. So, is the stock bulb going to be brighter?
Thanks,
Solihin
You said the Polarg M17 is going to be dimmer. So, is the stock bulb going to be brighter?
Thanks,
Solihin
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
From my experience, don't go on ebay and bid on those no name brands cause they will blow out in like a month... not worth it, not even for $10-20 a set.
For fogs, I recommend getting either PIAA or Catz. They last a lot longer. PIAA probably has a better selection of colors to choose from, and they last much longer through personal experience (at least 1 year or so). Since you have a CLK430, you need H3 bulbs for the fog lights.
The old Polarg M17 uses a heavy paint over the small bulb, so not much light passes through. The new Polarg M17 suppose to use a lighter paint/dye, so hopefully it is better. I've heard of one other brand that carries a bulb replacement for the city lights, but it is hard to find in the states. either way, the stock bulb is definitely brighter.
Give the polargs a try (only about $10 a set). The color is nice, but not too bright.
There is a general misconception about blue=brighter. All a blue bulb offers is increased glare, which to the eyes of oncoming traffic, it may appear to be brigther due to more glare, but it is really dimmer.
Just picture this. A regular light bulb, then place a blue film over the bulb, the light emitted is reduced. Thats the same thing happening with car lights.
hope this helps.
-Danny
For fogs, I recommend getting either PIAA or Catz. They last a lot longer. PIAA probably has a better selection of colors to choose from, and they last much longer through personal experience (at least 1 year or so). Since you have a CLK430, you need H3 bulbs for the fog lights.
The old Polarg M17 uses a heavy paint over the small bulb, so not much light passes through. The new Polarg M17 suppose to use a lighter paint/dye, so hopefully it is better. I've heard of one other brand that carries a bulb replacement for the city lights, but it is hard to find in the states. either way, the stock bulb is definitely brighter.
Give the polargs a try (only about $10 a set). The color is nice, but not too bright.
There is a general misconception about blue=brighter. All a blue bulb offers is increased glare, which to the eyes of oncoming traffic, it may appear to be brigther due to more glare, but it is really dimmer.
Just picture this. A regular light bulb, then place a blue film over the bulb, the light emitted is reduced. Thats the same thing happening with car lights.
hope this helps.
-Danny
Last edited by mmgrad; Apr 23, 2003 at 01:57 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Washington
MB
Thanks Danny, I will give it a try some time.
What I will do most probably is to change the fog light to PIAA or CATZ (as you recommended). I will try to find the white bulbs for my fog lights.
For my city light, I think I ll keep it stock for a little while...
Thanks again,
Solihin
What I will do most probably is to change the fog light to PIAA or CATZ (as you recommended). I will try to find the white bulbs for my fog lights.
For my city light, I think I ll keep it stock for a little while...
Thanks again,
Solihin
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
thx Danny
actually , i just wanna get another nice colour to instead of the factory one , since it is not match to the xenon headlight
btw, Polarg is the brand name and M-17 is the model no. ? well , I would try to look for it in those car shops when have time
also , here is some of my experience
I tried the PIAA ( superwhite with a bit purple ) as the fog lamp of my clk320 , but only last for 4 months , then I tried another brand name , Narva which is only cost me $30 , ( PIAA was $100 ) but this brand only last 2 weeks , it is so shXX
then later , I tried RAYBRIG ( super white ) $55 , it last almost 4 months till now , and i pretty like it now , the colour is nice
in addition , PIAA's has some diff. kind of colour u can choose
eg. super white , white with a bit blue or a bit purple(my favorite), u can ask for advice from those shop , to take whatever u want
actually , i just wanna get another nice colour to instead of the factory one , since it is not match to the xenon headlight
btw, Polarg is the brand name and M-17 is the model no. ? well , I would try to look for it in those car shops when have time
also , here is some of my experience
I tried the PIAA ( superwhite with a bit purple ) as the fog lamp of my clk320 , but only last for 4 months , then I tried another brand name , Narva which is only cost me $30 , ( PIAA was $100 ) but this brand only last 2 weeks , it is so shXX
then later , I tried RAYBRIG ( super white ) $55 , it last almost 4 months till now , and i pretty like it now , the colour is nice
in addition , PIAA's has some diff. kind of colour u can choose
eg. super white , white with a bit blue or a bit purple(my favorite), u can ask for advice from those shop , to take whatever u want
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
on my last car, the Catz lights lasted me exactly 1 year, and my replacement set of PIAA bulbs lasted me about 10 months (i think).
They all have a limited life, and depending on how much you use it, that will dictate how long they last. I remember paying $80 for a set of no-name from a local shop, it blew out in about 3 weeks. Quite pissed off.
They all have a limited life, and depending on how much you use it, that will dictate how long they last. I remember paying $80 for a set of no-name from a local shop, it blew out in about 3 weeks. Quite pissed off.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C
CLK430
CATZ hid H3
I am using CATZ hid those are real H3 hids not those custom make hids and recommand it because it is bright and it makes a diffferent from your stock Xenon then the fog so it SHOWS it is really a FOG light Will post some pics of my new mods in this week when we have sunshine in Vancouver....>>>..........:P
Will post some pics of my new mods in this week when we have sunshine in Vancouver....>>>..........:P
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally posted by Supra
btw, Polarg is the brand name and M-17 is the model no. ? well , I would try to look for it in those car shops when have time
btw, Polarg is the brand name and M-17 is the model no. ? well , I would try to look for it in those car shops when have time
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
Originally posted by mmgrad
on my last car, the Catz lights lasted me exactly 1 year, and my replacement set of PIAA bulbs lasted me about 10 months (i think).
They all have a limited life, and depending on how much you use it, that will dictate how long they last. I remember paying $80 for a set of no-name from a local shop, it blew out in about 3 weeks. Quite pissed off.
on my last car, the Catz lights lasted me exactly 1 year, and my replacement set of PIAA bulbs lasted me about 10 months (i think).
They all have a limited life, and depending on how much you use it, that will dictate how long they last. I remember paying $80 for a set of no-name from a local shop, it blew out in about 3 weeks. Quite pissed off.
PIAA is a good choice
I had used a PIAA 9006 on my ex-supra for 1 yr , then gave it to my friend on his bmw , he has been using it for almost 2 yrs , wow ... that 9006 last for 3 yrs already , a best buy indeed
well , just dun buy those no-name , even they are in cheap price , but are sucX , just wasting $$$ and time to replace
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
Re: CATZ hid H3
Originally posted by Van_CLK430
I am using CATZ hid those are real H3 hids not those custom make hids and recommand it because it is bright and it makes a diffferent from your stock Xenon then the fog so it SHOWS it is really a FOG light Will post some pics of my new mods in this week when we have sunshine in Vancouver....>>>..........:P
I am using CATZ hid those are real H3 hids not those custom make hids and recommand it because it is bright and it makes a diffferent from your stock Xenon then the fog so it SHOWS it is really a FOG light
Will post some pics of my new mods in this week when we have sunshine in Vancouver....>>>..........:P
how much is the CATZ hid kit in can$ ?
actually , i was thinking to get a set of hid kit on fog light for my car too , thx for advice
btw , do u have any idea to disable the " all light turn on " feature when starting engine on ur clk ?
i really hate about it , coz i m it is kind of stupid to have all light on , eg. xenon , rear tail light , at the day time
i have tried to ask the dealer , they only reply me that benz MUST be with it ... dam
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Washington
MB
Thanks guys for your helps.
I think I will be getting either PIAA or CATZ since you guys are familiar with them. I will definitely will be getting the white one or the one that Supra had. Any idea on where I can get the bulbs?
Also, how long does it take to install the bulbs on fog lights?
Thanks,
Solihin
I think I will be getting either PIAA or CATZ since you guys are familiar with them. I will definitely will be getting the white one or the one that Supra had. Any idea on where I can get the bulbs?
Also, how long does it take to install the bulbs on fog lights?
Thanks,
Solihin
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
Solihin
i always go to those Chinese guys ' car parts shop to buy those bulbs , in there , i can have many diff. brand to choose , from$20-$100 .
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
i always go to those Chinese guys ' car parts shop to buy those bulbs , in there , i can have many diff. brand to choose , from$20-$100 .
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2001 CLK430
Originally posted by Supra
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Well, I heard that changing the bulbs in the CLK430/55 foglight can be pretty tedious.... i think i read somewhere that you might actually have to take the bumper cover off because the fog light access panel is very hard to get to (tight spaces).
I could be very wrong, so anyone who has done it before, please step in and correct me.
I thought about HIDs for the foglights too. But never got around to it...
I could be very wrong, so anyone who has done it before, please step in and correct me.
I thought about HIDs for the foglights too. But never got around to it...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C
CLK430
Supra
I got mine installed for $800 CAD no tax nothing. If you need one PM me i can send u a site and u can buy it from them they are located in Vancouver Canada and they are the only one who got the CATZ H3 bulb not the custom xenon bulb ones.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton , ONT. Canada
CLK320 & SLK230
[QUOTE]Originally posted by mmgrad
[B]Well, I heard that changing the bulbs in the CLK430/55 foglight can be pretty tedious.... i think i read somewhere that you might actually have to take the bumper cover off because the fog light access panel is very hard to get to (tight spaces).
whoa , sounds that it is kind of hard to change it on 430/55 ...
well , i think to have the HID kit for fog light must be TOO bright and NICE
[B]Well, I heard that changing the bulbs in the CLK430/55 foglight can be pretty tedious.... i think i read somewhere that you might actually have to take the bumper cover off because the fog light access panel is very hard to get to (tight spaces).
whoa , sounds that it is kind of hard to change it on 430/55 ...
well , i think to have the HID kit for fog light must be TOO bright and NICE
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood North
CLK 55 ///AMG Cabrio, ML63 ///AMG
Where are those shops? in Toronto or Hamilton?
Originally Posted by Supra
Solihin
i always go to those Chinese guys ' car parts shop to buy those bulbs , in there , i can have many diff. brand to choose , from$20-$100 .
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
i always go to those Chinese guys ' car parts shop to buy those bulbs , in there , i can have many diff. brand to choose , from$20-$100 .
i didn't install them myself , i just went to a body shop which i usually go , they install them for me , coz i m lazy ...
but i believe that u can do it within 10mins , it is not very hard .
