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2008 Mercedes Benz C300: headlights failing or too dim

26 of the 672 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
88,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 18 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

What owners say

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Airbags, Lights · AL

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also became aware that the driver’s side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached headlamp wiring harness. The dealer recommended that driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps be replaced. Additionally, the taillights remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 8, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · FL

Both headlights wiring harnesses (right and left ) wiring has melted and all wiring is now exposed and touching and causing all light bulbs ( headlights-tail lights-turn signals-brake lights-ect) to be shortage out due to the original wiring not being constructed to resist the heat from the engine and environment.We had MB of Maidland,fl and Elite motors of Ococee,fl to view this issue with the only fix is out-of-pocket repair in the thousands of dollars.i have a neighbor with a MB experiencing similar problems

Filed Jan 6, 2022 · Lights · 100,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the exterior headlights and taillights would independently illuminate while idle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a camera was placed on the vehicle for four days; however, the failure did not occur while in the mechanic's possession. While the contact stated that the failure was intermittent, the failure had become more frequent recently. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 134,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c300. While driving, the SRS warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the horn, headlights, cruise control, and turn signals failed to function. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v081000 and 16v363000 (air bags) and called mercedes-benz of augusta (3061 washington rd, augusta, ga 30907, (706) 860-1111). The contact was informed that she would be placed on a waiting list. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not noticed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · IN

Takata recall headlights flickering when car is off also headlight randomly go off while driving on highway etc and when lights stay on it drains the car battery

Filed Dec 12, 2017 · Airbags, Wheels · 1 miles · VA

Takata recall -- I have been receiving recall notices from mercedes benz corporate in atlanta, ga, for years. Every time I take my vehicle to the dealership for service, the replacement airbags are not available. I have been tossing the old letters when I receive a new one (the latest one is date april, 2016). This has been a serious concern of mine; in that, I am the primary driver of this vehicle and the airbag problem is on the driver's side. I am disabled and have serious problems from radiation/chemo on my left upper side (stage 3 breast cancer). My ribs break very easily and have (on one occasion broken from severe bronchitis). I have not felt safe in this vehicle since receiving these letters. I now have have severe burns (2nd and 3rd degree) on my left hand and arm. I am almost afraid to drive my car. I am a very careful driver, but when you live in the mountains and medical care can be four mountains (driving time 1 hour, 50 minutes) away, you are exposed to many hairpin turns and the possibility of wildlife running into the road. You never know what is around each corner. I do not drive at night, so the "headlight warning" would not be seen for me. I have never received any projection dates as to when this replacement would be available. I have contacted the dealer (three of them) listed on website and none are able to help me. I do not want to fear driving a vehicle that costs (fully loaded with more upgrades) $47,000.00. That is a lot of money to feel unsafe. Also, my tire pressure light comes on constantly. I have had this checked repeatedly and replaced tires, as necessary. Mostly the tire pressure light comes on when it is cold outside. I live in monterey, va, in the mountains. It is cold here for about 6 months or more. Please help, debbie recall # 201602003

Filed Jan 3, 2017 · Lights · 95,000 miles · SC

The headlights (low beam) flicker or turn off completely while driving and while the light switch is in the "on" position (not "auto"). This happens during the day or at night time, which constitutes a serious safety concern.

Filed Dec 16, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 105,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c300. The contact stated that the turn signals failed to operate. It was discovered that the cable wire connected to the turn signal light bulbs were damaged. The contact also stated that the parking indicator also failed and the cable connected to the parking indicator was damaged. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a new headlight assembly was needed. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and would have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Electrical · 107,000 miles · FL

When replacing a headlight bulb I noticed the h7 wire was completely exposed with no insulation, as I tried to wrapped them in electrical tape to get a temporary fix, the little insulation still left on the cable crumbled. I encourage to check the cable insulation on your vehicle as this can cause a shortage and fail headlights.

Filed Oct 21, 2016 · Airbags, Lights · 140,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz sports vehicle. The contact stated that the headlights would fail sporadically. The contact would shut off the headlights but they would re-illuminate independently within 1-2 hours. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers 16v363000 (air bags) and 14v177000 (exterior lighting). The dealer was contacted but advised that the parts needed for both recall repairs were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also contacted but could not advise the contact when the necessary parts would become available to repair the defect in the vehicle. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available. *ln VIN unavailable 6/26/18

Filed Aug 4, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 50,000 miles · FL

I took my c300 mercedes benz (with only 52,000 miles), to the mercedes benz of miami dealership to check the wiring in both head lamps, since the headlights were intermittently flickering on and off, while driving at night. This electrical problem was of serious concern for me as a 72 years' old senior, could be a dangerous safety issue, creating a life and death situation. Mercedes benz dealership assistant service manager, juan obando, told me that the wiring to the headlamps was corroded and could not be replaced. I would have to buy two (2) complete new headlamp assembly units costing $1,890.- plus tax and labor installation. While driving at nights and unpredictably and intermittently losing head and low beam lights, is of grave safety concern to me and creates a hazard to pedestrians and other drivers on the roadway and highways. Updated 03/29/2017

Filed Mar 22, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 118,000 miles · PA

Could not start my car while stationary. Put key in the ignition and got a message on the dash to remove key from ignition. No dash lights came on. There was no clicking or noise...it was just dead. The alarm system and headlight and interior lights were all working so it was not the battery. I called roadside and the gave me a jump, but confirmed that my battery was not the problem. My car had to be towed to the dealership on saturday night after waiting for 5 hours. The dealership did not even conduct the diagnostics on the car until tuesday afternoon. They determined that the steering lock was defective and needed to be replaced at the cost of $1000. They did not even offer to loan me a car, or ask if I needed transportation. So essentially they left their customer stranded! This is not the service that is expected from mercedes! I have had cars (acura and bmw) longer than my 2008 c300 with more miles which did not require a replacement of the steering lock. This is a common problem among all mercedes and should be recalled by the manufacturer.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: tail lightsReported April 11, 2014 · 252,867 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
Risk
Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. The recall began on August, 18, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 14V177000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 headlights

Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300?

26 of 672 owner complaints about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 (4%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2008.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300?

There is 1 recall and 18 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

Won't start 111Steering lock-up 97Airbag light 54Fire or smoke 14Won't shift 13No deployment 10Engine failure 10Seat belt 9Stalling 8Warning lights 8Check engine light 6Overheating 6

All model years of the Mercedes Benz C300

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