The Mercedes-Benz CLK430 high beam headlight uses an H7 bulb size, while the low beam headlight accommodates H7, D2S, or D2R bulb sizes. The replacement chart covers 1999 to 2003 model years with corresponding bulb size specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The H7 bulb is a single-filament halogen type rated at 12V and 55W, fitted with a PX26d base. It meets ECE standards and holds approval for use in Europe, the United States, Japan, and other markets worldwide.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK430 uses the H7 bulb across all model years from 1999-2003 for the high beam headlight position, with no variation across that span.
The H7 also serves as the standard low beam bulb on CLK430 vehicles not equipped with HID headlamps, covering the full 1999-2003 range.
D2S and D2R are both HID xenon discharge bulbs rated at 85V and 35W. Unlike halogen types, both require an external ignitor to initiate and sustain the electrical arc that produces light.
The D2S and D2R types share the same wattage and voltage ratings but carry different base fittings. The D2S uses a P32d-2 base and is designed for projector-type housings, while the D2R uses a P32d-3 base and is intended for reflector-type housings. The two are not interchangeable.
On the 2003 CLK430, the HID low beam option uses the D2S bulb, which is specific to projector-style headlamp housings. This differs from the 1999-2002 model years, where the HID low beam option calls for the D2R, suited to reflector-style housings.
The shift from D2R to D2S between the 2002 and 2003 model years reflects a difference in headlamp housing design. Installing a D2S bulb in a reflector housing or a D2R bulb in a projector housing would result in improper light distribution.