Mercedes-Benz HID Headlight Bulb Guide — D1S, D2S Replacement for C, E, S, GLC, GLE & More

Mercedes-Benz used factory Xenon ("Bi‑Xenon") headlamps widely from the late 1990s through the mid‑2010s, before transitioning most new models to full LED Intelligent Light System. As a rule of thumb, pre‑2009 HID systems are overwhelmingly D2S (Mercedes OE 910139-000001; Osram 66240, Philips 85122), while most 2009+ Bi‑Xenon systems use D1S capsules with integrated igniters (Mercedes OE 000000-004248; Osram 66144, Philips 85410). A smaller group of compact models and vans use compact D3S bulbs (Osram 66340, Philips 42302). Always match the D‑code (D1S, D2S, D3S) printed on your existing capsule and the headlamp label before ordering.

Factory HID Models (Mercedes-Benz)

C‑Class
W203 (2001–2007 Xenon / Bi‑Xenon option) — D2S low‑beam HID; some early reflector setups may use D2R, so confirm at the bulb if your housing is a reflector.
W204 (2008–2014 Bi‑Xenon option) — D1S low‑beam HID.
W205 (2015–2018 Xenon trims) — D1S low‑beam HID; most W205 cars in Canada use full LED headlamps, so treat HID as the exception and confirm you have the Bi‑Xenon package before ordering.

E‑Class
W211 (2003–2009 Bi‑Xenon) — D2S low‑beam projector HID.
W212 (2010–2016 Bi‑Xenon) — D1S low‑beam projector HID.

S‑Class
W220 (2000–2006 Xenon) — D2S low‑beam HID (early reflector lamps may use D2R; check your bulb if you see a mirrored reflector rather than a projector lens).
W221 (2007–2013 Bi‑Xenon) — D1S low‑beam projector HID.

CLS
W219 (2005–2010 CLS‑Class) — D2S low‑beam HID (E‑Class‑based projector system).
W218 (2011–2018 CLS‑Class) — D1S low‑beam Bi‑Xenon.

GLK
X204 (2010–2015 GLK‑Class with factory Xenon) — D1S low‑beam HID; non‑Xenon GLK models use halogen or LED.

ML / GLE (M‑Class / GLE‑Class)
W163 (2000–2005 M‑Class with factory HID) — D2S low‑beam HID.
W164 (2008–2011 M‑Class with Bi‑Xenon) — D1S low‑beam HID.
W166 / GLE (2012–2019 GLE‑Class Xenon trims) — D1S low‑beam HID; many Canadian GLE models are LED, so confirm the presence of a D‑series capsule before ordering.

GL / GLS
X164 (2007–2012 GL‑Class with factory Xenon) — D1S low‑beam HID.
X166 (2013–2019 GL / GLS‑Class Xenon trims) — D1S low‑beam HID; base and AMG LED headlamps do not use D‑series bulbs.

SLK / SLC
R171 (2004–2011 SLK‑Class with factory Xenon) — D2S low‑beam HID.
R172 / SLC (2012–2019 SLK / SLC with factory Xenon) — D1S low‑beam HID.

B‑Class / Compact models
W246 (2012–2018 B‑Class with factory Xenon) — D1S low‑beam HID; non‑Xenon B‑Class models use halogen or LED.

CLA / GLA
C117 (2014–2016 CLA‑Class Xenon trims) — D3S low‑beam HID (compact integrated IGN bulb).
X156 (2015–2017 GLA‑Class Xenon trims) — D1S low‑beam HID; halogen and LED variants exist, so verify the bulb code before ordering.

Sprinter (NCV3)
2014 Sprinter with factory Xenon — D1S low‑beam HID.
2015–2017 Sprinter Xenon trims — D3S low‑beam HID; non‑Xenon vans remain halogen.

Mercedes-Benz HID FAQs

My 2012 C300 has Bi‑Xenon. What bulb does it use?
A 2012 C‑Class (W204) with the factory Bi‑Xenon package uses D1S low‑beam capsules. If you don't see "D1S" on the bulb or housing label, you may have halogen or LED instead.

Can I install D2S in a D1S housing?
No. D1S bulbs have an integrated igniter and different base; D2S bulbs are designed for systems where the igniter and ballast are separate. Swapping them without changing the complete ballast/igniter system is unsafe and not recommended.

Is my W205 C‑Class HID or LED?
Most W205 C‑Class cars in Canada have LED headlamps. Only cars with the optional Bi‑Xenon package use D1S capsules. If you don't see a removable D‑series bulb under the dust cap, you likely have LED and should not order HID bulbs.

Which Mercedes models use D3S?
D3S shows up mainly on compact and van applications such as CLA (C117) Xenon trims and some Sprinter vans. Larger mainstream models (C, E, S, ML/GLE, GL/GLS) are almost always D2S (early) or D1S (later), not D3S.

Not sure which headlamps you have?
Check the back of the headlamp for a sticker showing "D1S / D2S / D3S," or remove one bulb and read the code on the metal base. If you're still unsure, send us a clear photo of the bulb and connector, or call 647‑547‑1962 and we'll help confirm the correct D‑series bulb before you order.