Dull headlight (headlamp) on w211

[haydar]

Hi everyone

A quick question. My w211 220cdi has projector headlamps but I don't think they are Xenons as the car is a Classic and it doesn't have headlamp washers. The passenger headlight (both the projector lamp and the parking lamp) are duller than the driver's side headlamps.

What is the likely culprit for this? Are the headlamps dirty from within? (If so can they be cleaned?) Are the bulbs on the way out? (I changed the parking bulb but this didn't make any difference). Just because I've got project headlamps, does this mean they cannot be cleaned from the inside?

All help appreciated?

 

[jberks]

Well, it's either dirt or a weak earth. I'd be surprised at a wiring fault on a 211, these things don't normally affect 10 year old mercs. On dirt, it it is, then a seal has gone somewhere.

 

[haydar]

I recently had the front SAM replaced (fuse box to me and you). Could this be the reason?

Anyway of confirming or eliminating a bad earth?

 

[carabind]

has one headlamp been replaced ?

 

[television]

No point in running around,a simple 12volt test at the lamps tells all.

Malcolm

 

[haydar]

has one headlamp been replaced ?

You know, I think this is what's happened! The driver's side headlamp look decisively newer! The MB dealers here in Pakistan say that they often take teh headlamp apart clean it and reseal it, though this proceedure is not recommended by MB and there is a chance that the resealed until will let water in later.
Does anyone know how much a new headlamp costs for this car? (Non Xenon projector type).

Cheers

 

[jberks]

best to try ebay. I don't know how much dealer parts are but in any case, prices here and there will differ greatly.
There should be no major issue removing the glass, though if it's dirty inside, then presumably the seal has gone already. The glass is designed to be replaced if damaged without removing the rest of the light assembly.