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The owner manual specifies removing the washer fluid reservoir, but not for the main bulb (basically says "don't touch that!" for headlights). It will still create more space if you do move it.
I moved to Osram Xenarc CBI 5500K (best bulbs I believe, the Ultinons have great color but just too dim to wow), and I went through the wheel well. If jacking up the car is a problem, then you can just turn the wheel all the way to one side (you may need to do this a few times, some screws were only accessible one way, but then I had to turn the wheel to the other side to have room again).
You don't need to remove the wheel well completely, it's pretty sturdy and you can move the front out of the way and then hold it to the side. I was careful with my bulbs and practiced a few times with the old bulbs to not touch anything or accidentally scratch them on surrounding parts while manuevering them in. It just takes a little extra time and patience.
As I like to remind people whenever I get the chance, please torque your lugs to 150NM (110ft/lbs).
Fastest way is raising your car via airmatic, turning your wheel in on the side you need to replace the bulb, then unplug the inner fender lining pins and pull back the liner to access the lights. Takes 10-15 minutes per side.
For replacing the headlight, wheel needs to come off. Same process but put a jack under the side that needs to come off and remove the wheel. Add 5 minutes for removing and tightening the wheel.
Not too bad, but MB got smart and added a access panel in the fenders now so you don't need to pull the liner out on Newer models.
I've removed the bumper on my car once, took me some time to figure it out. Do you know of a DIY on how to easily remove and replace it? I'm sure it would be helpful for all they guys here. Thanks!
Originally Posted by mb techman
just an FYI, its really not that difficult or labor involved to remove the front bumper.
To change the bulb on the drivers side, you can just slide your hand down and change it, I am over 6 foot tall and I have big hands, and yes it is tricky but can be done
On the passenger side, just remove one screw for the screenwash container, you do not need to undo the pipes - just flip it up and you will have easy access
I want to change my bulbs also. Been looking at changing the side marker, headlight, and another small one inside there (not sure what to call it). In addition getting in there to change it, What brand and color is most reliable and give the best look. I have already changed ALL interior to LED and license plate to LED.
I want to change my bulbs also. Been looking at changing the side marker, headlight, and another small one inside there (not sure what to call it). In addition getting in there to change it, What brand and color is most reliable and give the best look. I have already changed ALL interior to LED and license plate to LED.
I've changed the side marker (T10) bulb already but i had a hard time with the turn signal. I tried for a bit but finally quit. If you figure that out please let me know. How i got to that was behind the bumper and through the fender and just reached up into it.
I've changed the side marker (T10) bulb already but i had a hard time with the turn signal. I tried for a bit but finally quit. If you figure that out please let me know. How i got to that was behind the bumper and through the fender and just reached up into it.
I don't think you need to remove the bumper at all to change the side marker. Instead, remove the front wheel well lining inside the fender. The plastic lining is flexible and is held in place by a handful of circular clips that can be popped out with a flathead screwdriver. Once you pop out the clips, just pull the liner to the side to reveal the area behind the bumper. Have the wheel turned to one side or remove the wheel entirely if it gives you better access behind the bumper to get at the turn signal bulb.
W221 Mercedes S550 4 Matic , Range Rover Sport , Fiat Trekker
w221 Headlight, Running and Foglight access
Guys here is a simple way to get to all the W221 headlights, fog lights and bulbs. Dont take off the bumper not needed. First remove the wheel and jack up the car. You can do this using your own tire change gear in the trunk. The internal wheel well plastic needs to be removed first. Very simple. First three aluminum bolts on bottom of car on each side. Next remote the three plastic pop nut push ins on the front of the wheel well. Take the little black stud all the way out and then remove the expandable part. There are also three plastic nuts one on a post in the front portion of the wheel well and the other two on the back panel they are simple to find once you try removing the wheel well. Whole unit pops right out to expose the entire lighting assembly system on both sides, Driver sides a little tricker there are several cables in front of the HID door but you can simply move them to the side, I updated my HID, Fogs and running lights in a matter of minutes. Here is a pic of the exposed area once you take out the plastic wheel well liner.
headlight was flickering, changed both bulbs in 30 min
Thanks for all who posted to this thread. I had driver side headlight begin flickering and read here that I needed new bulb. Didn't want to give dealer any more of my money, so ordered D1S on ebay and removed front tires. removed wheel liners and changed the bulbs with no problems. I upgraded to the 6000k and my lights are so bright and clear now. No more flickering and doing it myself impressed the wifey.
My left low beam just went out. I have to change it too. MBenz07, the D1S, were they from Innovited? I saw a pair of 6000k for $29.99 on Amazon.com. They dont specify what car they are for. Not sure if they are universal. I was also thinking of going up to the 8000k or is the 6000 enough? I want to make sure I get the right bulbs.
Thanks,
Anthony
Last edited by MonroeHandyMan; 09-09-2015 at 05:31 PM.
06-05-2010, 08:52 PM
w221 Headlight/City Light Bulb Replacement
headlight was flickering, changed both bulbs in 30 min
