Blown headlight bulb update

[jwight]

From one of the engineers at smart USA:

...there was another question on headlights...... and burning out too quick

Headlamp bulbs can be sensitive to higher system voltage on car.
There is a resistance kit A 451 540 23 06 that can be installed to reduce the voltage to the headlamps to prolong their life.

Headlamps with integrated resistor have been installed in production since December 2010.

These headlamps are identified by the wire color (black and brown) of the feed line to the connector of the bulb in the low beam. No need for the kit on these cars.

[smark]

So how do you get them. On my 3rd set of head lamps, as of yesterday. Does MB carry them?

[NCC1701]

Armed with the part number given (A 451 540 23 06), I found a discussion from last year. But, it's not in English. For anyone wanting to wade through a Google Translate, here's the link...
Google Translate

[smark]

I hope it can be retrofitted.

[ckgonska]

How much is this resistance system?

[orngandblack]

Headlamp bulbs can be sensitive to higher system voltage on car.
What does this mean??
I have had one headlight replaced in 4 years.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by orngandblack

I have had one headlight replaced in 4 years.

It would be interesting to know why some do, and some don't have a problem. I'm averaging about a year on my bulbs. When one goes I replace both.

I might be interested in jwight's fix.

[noodle9]

I have an 09 that was blowing them often, so I went online and ordered an HID kit from HIDLOOK.COM and I am happy I did it. I got the 5000 bulbs and they are brighter than any headlight I had in the past. It is a very easy kit to install and I did not have to make any adjustments to my headlights.

[orngandblack]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

It would be interesting to know why some do, and some don't have a problem. I'm averaging about a year on my bulbs. When one goes I replace both.

I might be interested in jwight's fix.

Yes it would be interesting to know why some burn out prematurely and why some don't, this is what i am questioning..... What does higher voltage system mean?
What would cause this higher voltage?
Aren't these cars basically made the same?
Could a higher voltage system also cause the fuse box to catch fire?.........

[smark]

Why such high voltage on a small car. 25 buck a pop for 2 new lights is getting really old. 3 sets in a 4 year period????????

Let's talk about tail lamps too!!!!!