E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

E550 flickering headlight

Old Feb 22, 2018 | 11:26 AM
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grillmaster550's Avatar
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E550
E550 flickering headlight

I have a 2008 E550 and my right headlight flickering (on/off) yesterday. Then after driving it for a bit, it's no longer flickering, but now the headlight is a bit dimmer with a slight pinkish hue (or it looks that way in my garage), compared to the other side which emits a bright white light.

Any thoughts on what might be the issue? Is the bulb going out, or is it a wiring issue?
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Old Feb 22, 2018 | 05:48 PM
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cmriv's Avatar
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From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
bulb
ballast
wiring (not likely)
SAM
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Old Feb 23, 2018 | 08:06 AM
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LexBrett2's Avatar
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2007 Mercedes E550
Originally Posted by grillmaster550
I have a 2008 E550 and my right headlight flickering (on/off) yesterday. Then after driving it for a bit, it's no longer flickering, but now the headlight is a bit dimmer with a slight pinkish hue (or it looks that way in my garage), compared to the other side which emits a bright white light.

Any thoughts on what might be the issue? Is the bulb going out, or is it a wiring issue?
What kind if bulb? Is it HID?
One of my previous cars was in a flood, and water got in the ballast.
The headlight flickered, became dim, and eventually died.

For LEDs, cheaper aftermarket are known to flicker.

Halogens do not flicker unless the wiring is bad, I think.

Just my thoughts..
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Old Feb 27, 2018 | 02:52 PM
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E550
Originally Posted by LexBrett2
What kind if bulb? Is it HID?
One of my previous cars was in a flood, and water got in the ballast.
The headlight flickered, became dim, and eventually died.

For LEDs, cheaper aftermarket are known to flicker.

Halogens do not flicker unless the wiring is bad, I think.

Just my thoughts..
Xenon bulb. Apparently they have been known to turn slightly pink before dying, so I just needed to replace the bulb. It was factory so lasted over 100k miles, so perhaps it was just it's time.

thanks!
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