blown light bulb - what to replace?

[sparky1016]

Merry Christmas to all~!

I just found outone of my headlights went dark.
1999 ML320, stock headlights, not a fancy one.

Trying to find the BRIGHTEST(and legal) bulbs for cheap. I had replaced both bulbs about 5 years ago, I suppose it's about time to replace them again.

No intention of upgrading to a fancy HID/XENON whatever, but plain Joe headlights. I searched over an hour for any recommendations, found NONE for simple replacement bulbs.

Please advise me EXACTLY what & where to buy the brightest/best price bulbs. I'm not sure if I have halogen or Xenon, but my 1999 ML320 is base model(if that helps).

Thanks for your advise in advace.

Steve

[Black3]

I assume it is the low beam. It is an H-7 halogen bulb; you can get one any place from WalMart to O'Reilly's to the dealer and pay however much you're willing. Knowing this kind of stuff about your vehicle is not difficult and learning how to do it for yourself is a pretty good idea.

[sparky1016]

Thanks for your input.

Yes, it is for LOW beam, and I do know I need to get H7...but what brand and what output, white or blue, how about the temperature of the light?
The more I search, the deeper trouble I fall into.

What is the brand and model you guys prefer?

Thanks!

[Noodles]

The Silverstar Ultras throw out a nice light.

They are made in Germany. Sylvania and Osram(OEM MB supplier) are the same company. Two packs are about $30 at the big chain stores. If they want more than that then Amazon has them for $30.

[DrX]

Personally, I prefer the Mercedes-Benz brand and always buy new bulbs from an MB dealer. It's a small item with little to be saved by purchasing online, once you add shipping.

One of my low beam bulbs is 10 years old and working fine. If you can get one from Walmart that lasts as long, post back here in 2023.

[Noodles]

Jeepers, I was giving him options, both bulbs in controversy are made at the Osram plant in Germany.
Why do you have to end posts with a challenge?

[bocabenz]

Originally Posted by DrX

Personally, I prefer the Mercedes-Benz brand and always buy new bulbs from an MB dealer. It's a small item with little to be saved by purchasing online, once you add shipping.

One of my low beam bulbs is 10 years old and working fine. If you can get one from Walmart that lasts as long, post back here in 2023.

Why would you want to pay the MB markup for Osram bulbs? You can buy them anywhere for less. I can see wanting genuine parts for major components, but bulbs?


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[sparky1016]

I read in a lot of places, the OEM bulbs are not very bright(intentionally) to begin with and then will lose 20% or more of light output after 5 years or so.

Also, it is a good practice to replace both bulbs when one of them burns out after 5 years or so.

I'll be very happy to get 5 years of life for non-OEM bulbs that are brighter.


Silverstar Ultras sounds great. Thanks!

Originally Posted by DrX

Personally, I prefer the Mercedes-Benz brand and always buy new bulbs from an MB dealer. It's a small item with little to be saved by purchasing online, once you add shipping.

One of my low beam bulbs is 10 years old and working fine. If you can get one from Walmart that lasts as long, post back here in 2023.

[Oeschj]

Should be standard h7 halogen. Im assuming its the low beam.
The. Silverstar Ultra"s from Sylvania are an excellent bulb if you want to go to any auto store and grab some. Run about 50.00 for the set. Nice white light.


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[DrX]

Originally Posted by Noodles

Jeepers, I was giving him options, both bulbs in controversy are made at the Osram plant in Germany.
Why do you have to end posts with a challenge?

Noodles, if you look at my post time, I was writing at the same time as you, not responding or creating an argument. The OP was asking specifically for our preferred brand.

The part about 10+ years longevity is pointing out that buying something cheaper may be a false economy if it needs to be replaced twice as often. The OP said his last bulb went 5 years.

Bocabenz, only one of my low beams has ever failed, and I like paired items to match, so I replaced with an identical one. Nothing to do with price - it's just one lightbulb.