Zavato

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!

Plutoe

your questions are moot as you are going to a garage therefore they will put the correct bulbs in vs you asking for help that will screw things up

pierrejoliat

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

Zavato

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.

mbuster25

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!

Zavato

Brought the car to an Indy shop- charge $69.50 labor to replace both low beams. No complaints about that.

pierrejoliat

Seems reasonable

Zavato

And indeed, the new H7's are brighter ! The difference between fresh bulbs and original bulbs a dozen years old is noticeable.

pierrejoliat

Nice, glad it worked out for you.