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PointedThree :  Technical Forums : Mercedes-Benz Audio, Telematics & Lighting : Incorrect Bulb Specification in Owner's Manual

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Incorrect Bulb Specification in Owner's Manual
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Posted 2/29/2008 12:32 PM
lkchris
Veteran


Date registered: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque
Vehicle(s): '07 GL320CDI, '06 E320CDI
Posts: 144
100
Incorrect Bulb Specification in Owner's Manual

Not a big deal unless you think you're carrying the correct spare bulbs based on information in owners manual.

On my '07 GL320CDI--yours may differ--manual states rear brake/tail lights are double-filament bulbs, i.e. 21/4 watts.  (Two per side, BTW.)

Investigation shows they are single-filament bulbs--21 watt--and the car's electrical system apparently runs them at lower voltage when in tail light mode and increases voltage to obtain full brightness when brake pedal depressed.

21/4 watt (double-filament) bulbs in all liklihooed will not operate from these sockets.

#112028
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Author
Posted 4/2/2008 11:19 AM
Scheinwerfermann

Date registered: Oct 2006
Location: Budapest
Vehicle(s): Too many to list
25
RE: Incorrect Bulb Specification in Owner's Manual

You're exactly right on all counts. This running the single filament at lower intensity is spreading rapidly through the whole German auto industry. It improves safety because the brake lamp intensity rise time is significantly shorter due to the pre-heated filament. Of course if the one and only filament will burn out, you lose both brake and tail functions, but two bulbs per side addresses this. You can still make the brake lamps 40% brighter by replacing the P21W bulbs with P3497 items. Don't try to use any bulb that has a plain brass base; a nickel-plated base is necessary.
#115832 - in reply to #112028
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