W219 CLS Xenon problems

[PhilG]

Morning all, I've just replaced my D2S xenon bulbs for the second time in 12 months since owning the car. I've just bought the cheap ones on Amazon (£12/pair) and they seem fine, but if I sort them out I might get some Osrams.

Yesterday the bulb in the driver side which I replaced about a week ago didn't want to light up. Turned it on and off a few times and eventually it ignited. Is this likely to be the bulb or something else (ballast)? Thanks.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

Hi Phil, to diagnose a dodgy bulb like that switch it to the other side, it will tell you if the ballast in the bad side is faulty

 

[Paul Garland]

Hello there,
New to this site and I am having problems accessing the new members "sticky thread" link.
I have a 2005 350 CLS with a flickering offside indicator light (MOT fail), the dipped beams are fine until I change to full beam and everything on the offside even the fog light if switched to convenience mode will flicker too (currently switched off). I have changed the ballast unit, the ignitor, and the SAM, and all of the bulbs with no joy.
Any suggestions out there please.

 

[Paul Garland]

Forgot to mention I have dropped the bumper and switched the headlight to the nearside to test it was not the headlight, all working fine.
Frustrated to say the least.

 

[brucemillar]

This sounds like an earthing problem. I' not familiar with your model but would be looking for a rusty/poor earth strap from either the ballast or the actual lamp unit.

 

[Paul Garland]

Thank you Bruce,
I have tried the earth straps that I can find and have dropped them off, cleaned them and given them a going over with switch cleaner still issues.
I will go over them all again in case I have missed one. Looks like the 129 500 SL is going to be coming out for a spell.

 

[PhilG]

Just saw this thread back up the top again - in my case it was just having the right 'knack' with the igniter module. Why do the bulbs always fail in the middle of winter?

 

[DSM10000]

Just saw this thread back up the top again - Why do the bulbs always fail in the middle of winter?

Because there is less daylight and they are used more?

 

[PhilG]

Because there is less daylight and they are used more?

Mine are on all time time so have a back

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
There is a 5-6mm earth stud behind each of the headlamps on a CLS have you cleaned these up?

 

[Paul Garland]

Hi,
There is a 5-6mm earth stud behind each of the headlamps on a CLS have you cleaned these up?

Hello There,

I have especially cleaned the one that has three tags attached to it (all brown wires). When you say behind the headlight where is that please just in case I am missing something really simple.
Thank you in advance.

 

[charlieboy2608]

Having completed this job last winter can you confirm you have definitely fitted them correctly?
They are not the easiest items to fit BUT can still work for a time if you fit them wrongly.
Obviously you need to be a contortionist to start with but I did find it took several attempts to fit properly....