left low beam out
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
left low beam out
Recently, I got a check light on my dash and sure enough, the left low beam, is out. I wonder if there is any more convoluted bulb replacement procedure on our W212's than the left low beam?Jack car up, remove wheel, remove wheel well liner using a number of different fasteners- push pins, nuts, etc, and basically feel your way through the process. OK- whatever.
My real first question- I'm assuming that the bulb on my 20122 W212 blew. I'm hoping it's nothing more. Anyone with any experience on this that can chime in with any info if this is usually just a bulb that failed or a bigger issue?
My real 2nd question- My bulbs are conventional- no xenon etc. what's the best replacement bulb that won't overheat the housing or anything else. I would not mind something brighter but I would not be surprised if a new bulb is brighter simply because it's new. I will likely replace both low beams.
My 3rd real question. I don't particularly feel like doing the left low beam myself. Anyone have an idea what an indy shop would charge, ballpark, for this labor?
Thanks!
My real first question- I'm assuming that the bulb on my 20122 W212 blew. I'm hoping it's nothing more. Anyone with any experience on this that can chime in with any info if this is usually just a bulb that failed or a bigger issue?
My real 2nd question- My bulbs are conventional- no xenon etc. what's the best replacement bulb that won't overheat the housing or anything else. I would not mind something brighter but I would not be surprised if a new bulb is brighter simply because it's new. I will likely replace both low beams.
My 3rd real question. I don't particularly feel like doing the left low beam myself. Anyone have an idea what an indy shop would charge, ballpark, for this labor?
Thanks!
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
H7's get duller as time goes on,so the new halogens will be brighter. There are many aftermarket bulbs that are brighter, they just don't last as long, some just a year, especially as low beams. There are conversion kits for Xenons and LED's, our headlights are projectors and I believe it is the consensus that xenons work better in this application.If you are happy with your current lighting, I might upgrade to the long-life H7's
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Well, I don't think my post is moot- I asked about bulbs, and there are a variety of H7's to select from; I asked about cost and I asked about possibility that it's not the bulb. As far as I see, your comment did not provide information on any of my areas of inquiry. But thank you for telling me my post was rendered academic.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 16
2010 E350 Luxury 4Matic
The drivers side low beam was hard for me but do-able for an average DIY. I did it myself without jacking up the car or removing the wheel, and just took my time.
1. Likely it is the bulb, they don't last forever. You'll know once its removed just look the filament. If its not the bulb then you might have something loose or damaged wiring.
2. If you throw in a standard long life halogen bulb, it should't overheat. If you throw in higher wattage, it might generate more heat. Good idea, always replace bulbs in pairs. I saw dramatic difference when i switched from old worn dealer bulb with new Bosch Gigalight Plus 120 ( https://bulbfacts.com/halogen-bulbs/recommended/ ). Bulbfacts says may last 474hrs which is approx 1/3 life of standard bulb. I'm OK with that.
3. In the past, the MB dealer would charge me $39 for installation on drivers bulb, that was many years ago. There are some shops that say free bulb replacement. We all know nothing is really free though.
Good luck!
1. Likely it is the bulb, they don't last forever. You'll know once its removed just look the filament. If its not the bulb then you might have something loose or damaged wiring.
2. If you throw in a standard long life halogen bulb, it should't overheat. If you throw in higher wattage, it might generate more heat. Good idea, always replace bulbs in pairs. I saw dramatic difference when i switched from old worn dealer bulb with new Bosch Gigalight Plus 120 ( https://bulbfacts.com/halogen-bulbs/recommended/ ). Bulbfacts says may last 474hrs which is approx 1/3 life of standard bulb. I'm OK with that.
3. In the past, the MB dealer would charge me $39 for installation on drivers bulb, that was many years ago. There are some shops that say free bulb replacement. We all know nothing is really free though.
Good luck!
Last edited by mbuster25; Feb 17, 2023 at 11:30 AM. Reason: formatting
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
H7's get duller as time goes on,so the new halogens will be brighter. There are many aftermarket bulbs that are brighter, they just don't last as long, some just a year, especially as low beams. There are conversion kits for Xenons and LED's, our headlights are projectors and I believe it is the consensus that xenons work better in this application.If you are happy with your current lighting, I might upgrade to the long-life H7's
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