has anyone tried to replace headlight bulbs?
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
well, I figured it out, and it only took me 30 minutes to change the bulb (it felt longer tho'). The coupe is very different, at least my 2002 is. no spring-loaded clip, but two screws, one on either side of the bulb. a real beeyatch trying to get a tool in there (I ended up twisting the bit between my fingers after about an eighth of a turn with a ratchet). mirror, flashlight, and sticking my head in there didn't help much; ultimately did it with my sense of touch, like a pinball wizard! (man, that shows my age!)
oh yea...and I saw the picture you posted earlier. I circled what it looks to be the clip to me. You can see the middle section is holding the bulb in place.
Last edited by FrankW; Jun 1, 2009 at 08:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 222
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
yeah, it was all I could do to get both of my own cars home in daylight to compare; hers has the clip, mine has torx screws, which, while they may be an odd choice, weren't much more difficult to navigate than that clip (well, maybe a little). Where are all the really smart coupe guys, like Citron230k, with their wisdom?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 222
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
I just came upon this old thread while searching for how to get the taillight bulbholder out. I tried to take a photo of my headlight with the torx screws holding the bulb in, but the flash on my Blackberry just made white photos........
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 222
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
I'm worse at taking a picture than I am at changing a bulb, but here are two I took. The darker one actually better shows the torx screw that holds a tab on the bulb socket assembly.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
R350
'08 R350 Halogen low-beam bulb replacement
I have a '08 R350 with halogen headlights. The right low-beam bulb warning message popped up on my info screen today. I thought OH NO, if I call the MB "stealership" they will probably sucker me in to bringing it in for THEM to replace it. I've heard their scam before on other stuff, "It can only be done by a certified MB me(scam)chanic". So I got on MBWorld and fixed it myself!! and I'm a chick LOL. So there is hope! Here's some easy pics. Halogen: Sylvania part no. H2 Advanced Auto Parts price $14.95 Good luck, ladies have no fear, save your $$ for shoes!
My headlight
Twist off the big round circle on the side of the light
It will come off like this
The light socket can me easily pulled out from the side
The lightbulb can be pulled out socket.
My headlight
Twist off the big round circle on the side of the light
It will come off like this
The light socket can me easily pulled out from the side
The lightbulb can be pulled out socket.
Last edited by crjpilotswife; Sep 13, 2009 at 03:32 PM. Reason: spelling
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
The newer headlights don't have a metal clip (I believe 05 and up W203). You have to turn the RING behind the connector. I think a common problem is that you don't realize the ring turns, and you try to turn the contacts sticking out. I thought the same thing the first time I tried. It's actually pretty easy once you realize what you have to turn.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2007 c230
The newer headlights don't have a metal clip (I believe 05 and up W203). You have to turn the RING behind the connector. I think a common problem is that you don't realize the ring turns, and you try to turn the contacts sticking out. I thought the same thing the first time I tried. It's actually pretty easy once you realize what you have to turn.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: Arlington TN
2005 SL500
You don't turn the bulb! The slotted part of the bulb goes to the top of the headlight housing (don't twist it or anything like that), then turn the black socket assembly (ring) clockwise (maybe 1/2 inch at the most) until it clicks into place, and the bulb is secure. Through trial and error and many hours, I found out you don't turn the bulb as the manual states. It is very simple.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 C230 Sport
Thanks!
There's a ring that's on the outside of the opening you put the bulb in. Turn the ring one way and it locks the bulb in, turn the ring the other way and it allows the bulb to come out...you don't actually turn the bulb at all.
Make sure the "stem" on the bulb is pointing up. That's the only way it will go in.
I had a hell of a time figuring that one out too...the manual couldn't be worse at describing it. I had to take a mirror down there to see what I was doing wrong.
Make sure the "stem" on the bulb is pointing up. That's the only way it will go in.
I had a hell of a time figuring that one out too...the manual couldn't be worse at describing it. I had to take a mirror down there to see what I was doing wrong.
