R230 side lights - LED

[Viscount]

I changed the side lights (front parking lights) bulbs for LEDs supposedly compatible with the car a few years ago and whilst they worked, the offside would cause a bulb failure warning when the car was first started in the day, thereafter until the next day, it would not warn. I decided recently to investigate so swapped the bulbs over but the fault remained with the offside (i.e. not the bulb). So I bought other bulbs of a different manufacture but also supposedly compatible. Nearside is again fine, offside flashes on briefly every 5 seconds or so. Swapped bulbs over, flashing remains offside. Put in original incandescent lamps and all is well (but a bit yellow).

Anyone got any advice? Thanks!

 

[LostKiwi]

Personally I wouldn't bother with the LEDs.

 

[V6Matty]

They need an additional resistor to work properly, I tried so many on the 211 in the end gave up and sourced some whiter 5W normal bulbs,

 

[Viscount]

These LED units supposedly have the resistors in them but certainly do not work properly on my offside. Thanks for your replies.

 

[Viscount]

Now ordered OSRAM white 5V bulbs.

 

[Gazwould]

Link to product ?

 

[Viscount]

It was eBay so not sure how to link directly but was described as "OSRAM Cool Blue Intense Next Gen W5W Car Side Light Bulbs Number Plate (Twin)" I will post with outcome when I've received and tested.

 

[Gazwould]

That sure is some funky looking bulbs .




It's a wonder if much light will make it out of them and 4000K might be a claim and not a reality .

Will be interesting how they compare to Osram 4000K w5w LED .

 

[V6Matty]

These LED units supposedly have the resistors in them but certainly do not work properly on my offside. Thanks for your replies.

Yep, same in my 211, tested so many and even had a couple of sellers saying it was only an issue with my car, but I think it’s more Mercedes in general are very fussy with electric’s

 

[LostKiwi]

Yep, same in my 211, tested so many and even had a couple of sellers saying it was only an issue with my car, but I think it’s more Mercedes in general are very fussy with electric’s

Even worse in Smarts. LED bulbs can cause all manner of problems even on unrelated items (like engine performance).

 

[Viscount]

The "OSRAM Cool Blue Intense Next Gen W5W Car Side Light Bulbs Number Plate (Twin)" seem to work fine. Appear about same or better brightness than the original "yellow" bulbs and have a very white look. I will look when dark to see if there is much blue in the light but it's not evident in daylight.