Mercedes-Benz C280 Headlight Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The H7 bulb is the most frequently specified type across the Mercedes-Benz C280 headlight data, appearing in both high beam and low beam positions for the 2006-2007 model years, as well as in the low beam position for 1997-2000. It is a single-filament halogen bulb rated at 12V and 55W, built to ECE standards, and uses a PX26d base.
• The 9003 bulb is the only dual-filament halogen type in these specifications, rated at 12V with a 60W high beam filament and a 55W low beam filament. It uses a P43t base and follows the ANSI standard applicable in the US and Canada. On the C280, it served both high beam and low beam functions in a single unit for the 1994-1996 model years.
• The H1 bulb, specified for the C280 high beam in 1997-2000, is a single-filament halogen type rated at 12V and 55W. It uses a P14.5s base, which is physically distinct from the PX26d base of the H7, making the two types non-interchangeable despite sharing the same voltage and wattage ratings.
• The D2S and D2R are both HID (xenon) discharge bulbs rated at 85V and 35W, each requiring an external ignitor to operate. While they share the same electrical ratings, they use different bases: P32d-2 for the D2S and P32d-3 for the D2R. The D2S is designed for projector-type housings, while the D2R is intended for reflector-type housings, and the two are not interchangeable.
• For the 2006-2007 C280, the low beam position accommodates either an H7 halogen bulb or a D2S HID bulb depending on the headlamp system installed. These represent two distinct and incompatible electrical systems, as the HID configuration requires a high-voltage ignitor while the halogen setup operates on a standard 12V circuit.
• For the 1998-2000 C280, the low beam similarly splits between H7 halogen and D2R HID fitments based on headlamp type. The D2R replaced the D2S in this application due to the reflector-type housing used in those years, while the 2006-2007 projector-type HID housing required the D2S variant instead.
• The 1994-1996 C280 used the 9003 bulb for both high and low beam functions within a single housing. Starting in 1997, the specifications show a transition to separate bulb types for each beam position, with the H7 taking the low beam role and the H1 assigned to the high beam through 2000.
• The H7 and H1 bulbs share the same ECE approval status and electrical ratings but are not interchangeable due to their different base types. Substituting one for the other in a C280 headlamp housing would result in an incorrect physical fit.