Unbalance Headlights brightness (C200 - W204, 2008)

[Seven_SG]

Hi Bros,

I need some advice on issues regarding my C200 headlights, old car though(2008). Sorry for my poor English command too.

- Both left and right bulb seem to have different color when I turn them on (left headlight dimmer than right headlight)

- However, both lights brighteness seem balance after a minutes after turned on.

is this normal? I sent it to my workshop to check but the mechanics told me it is normal to experience unbalance color and brightness of headlights for most of cars. Can any guru kindly advice me?

 

Thank you very much!!! 

[catfish]

HID or normal halogen?

[Seven_SG]

Hi Catfish bro, I think it is HID (have them since day one purchased from another owner). How do I differentiate by the way. Sorry for my ignorant.

[catfish]

Hi,

Usually, it's not uncommon for after-market HID system  after sometime used. It could be due to imbalance aging of the light bulb .. If both light end up similar brightness and same colour temp after a while, I wouldn't worry too much .. Unless, one side is obviously yellowish or redish in color, that is sign of HID bulb failure ..

Well, if you open the engine bonnet cover, if HID system, you should be able to visually spot the ballast near the light cluster .. also, HID light brightness tend to "glow" slowly ..  but not halogen .. 

 

 

[level z]

HID lamps burn under high pressure in the arc tube. It does take a while for the pressure to build up which is why it take a short while to be at it full "brightness" or full lumens.

Color shift has a few reason and one of them can be the quality of the lamp. In to minimize colour shift, arc tube are made from ceramic instead of quartz.

OP i suspect the uneven timing to achieve full brightness could be cos one of the ballast is not providing sufficient high voltage. 

PS Arc tube is the capsule you see inside a HID lamp.

my 2 cents.

 

 

[Seven_SG]

Dear Bro Catfish & Level Z,

 

Thanks a million for the advices!!! I will bring it back to workshop again to check.

Hopefully no burning hole in pocket this time. haha.

 

Cheers!!!

[level z]

2 minutes ago, Seven_SG said:

Dear Bro Catfish & Level Z,

 

Thanks a million for the advices!!! I will bring it back to workshop again to check.

Hopefully no burning hole in pocket this time. haha.

 

Cheers!!!

 OP i don't think you should do anything about it unless it is not working. Your high beam is independent so it not relying on your HID lamp, so no issue.

[Seven_SG]

Thanks Bro Lezel Z!!

[level z]