i just changed my fog lights on my 02 e430 about 6 weeks ago and last night they wouldnt come on. could it be the fuse or were the bulbs really low quality. this is truly frustrating as i am trying to bring the car up to fully functioning status. also, i just purchased the car in March 2010.

 

Try osram bulbs with 55W. if you use more watts you blown the fuse (in the driver side dash fusebox, open the driver's door & remove the cover to acces the fusebox)

Fabio Daniel

 

what is osram? is that a brand name? i used sylvania's top of the line bulbs and they both went out at the same time.

 

Yes osram is a brand, i think now is Osram/Sylvania the same company.. good quality bulbs i don't understand what bur it so fast.. try a new one of 55W

Fabio Daniel

 

when you say you changed your foglights did you change the whole 'assembly' or just the H1 globes?

inspect the globes to see if they are 'blown'. check for a build up of black deposits on the inside of the glass.

also when installing the globes you were very careful NOT to touch the glass part OR the tip of the bulb with your bare fingers right?
doing so will shorten the lifespan of your globes considerably.

 

Thanks bmroxm5, i had someone install them and he may have touched them with his bare hands. i totally forgot about that so the next time i will change them myself and take the necessary precautions.

 

2 bulbs going out at the same time? rare situation... seems like a fuse, or wiring

 

why did you change out the bulbs? if bulbs are good/clean and if not fuse, then check for harness wire chaffing or shorts, and ensure to use dielectric on the connectors.... but most probably, bulbs could have been contaminated if not handled properly - oil residue from fingers will bake on and eventually cause a hot spot on the glass and bulb failure - make sure bulbs are handled properly and wipe clean with a cloth not a tissue!

 

W210 series foglight was well know for the problems. First check the fuse for the foglight, then check the H1 bulbs (you can see the filament), if both are good : here is the culprit : the wiring for the foglight is melted. There is a part number to retrofit from MB dealer (I do not have the part #), on my car 00E320, I fix with some wires & electrical tape (easy enough for DIY) without any skill at all, you trace the wiring from the bulb down, you will get dirty because it way down below the car, you will see the wires melt to the core, replace the wires where it need. Good luck.