w219/w211 Headlight Level Motor Fix
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 270
From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
w219/w211 Headlight Level Motor Fix
Just thought I'd take a moment to share someone else's fine work. https://www.drive2.com/l/3382799/
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
2005 E55 AMG
Just thought I'd take a moment to share someone else's fine work. https://www.drive2.com/l/3382799/
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 270
From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
If I remember correctly washers are from home depot and I used 2.
I don't remember if I mentioned this but do NOT use super glue, use a proper adhesive for the high temperature variations in the engine compartment.
I don't remember if I mentioned this but do NOT use super glue, use a proper adhesive for the high temperature variations in the engine compartment.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
2005 E55 AMG
Thanks, I'll give it a shot later this week and report back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 44
From: San Diego
2004 E55
I may be missing something here, but I don't understand what the gentleman on that page is describing. What issue are the washers fixing? Making the motor come alive again?
After rereading carefully, I THINK I might have it. Please follow up on whether this fixes your issue. I opened my headlights years ago and disconnected the motors so they would stop aiming the lights to hell and getting them stuck there.
After rereading carefully, I THINK I might have it. Please follow up on whether this fixes your issue. I opened my headlights years ago and disconnected the motors so they would stop aiming the lights to hell and getting them stuck there.
Last edited by bobgodd; Jul 17, 2019 at 09:09 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
2005 E55 AMG
I may be missing something here, but I don't understand what the gentleman on that page is describing. What issue are the washers fixing? Making the motor come alive again?
After rereading carefully, I THINK I might have it. Please follow up on whether this fixes your issue. I opened my headlights years ago and disconnected the motors so they would stop aiming the lights to hell and getting them stuck there.
After rereading carefully, I THINK I might have it. Please follow up on whether this fixes your issue. I opened my headlights years ago and disconnected the motors so they would stop aiming the lights to hell and getting them stuck there.
Anyways I’ll be putting in upgraded heat exchangers in the next week or so and have to pull the bumper. It’ll be easier for me to pull the headlight out and get to that adjuster - hope it works!!!
Last edited by Tranman; Jul 18, 2019 at 06:15 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 44
From: San Diego
2004 E55
From what I gather, the poster was saying that the headlight adjuster wears down to a certain point internally where it won’t engage the shaft - so the motor is running but not able to move the shaft to adjust the headlight anymore. And since the motor is technically still running, you don’t get any errors in the dashboard. It “thinks” it’s adjusting properly. So the brass washers (which are corrosion resistant and non magnetic) are taking up the slack that was worn away. So it can engage the shaft properly again.
Anyways I’ll be putting in upgraded heat exchangers in the next week or so and have to pull the bumper. It’ll be easier for me to pull the headlight out and get to that adjuster - hope it works!!!
Anyways I’ll be putting in upgraded heat exchangers in the next week or so and have to pull the bumper. It’ll be easier for me to pull the headlight out and get to that adjuster - hope it works!!!
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Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CLS w219
Adjustment
Is there any adjustment necessary for the rotor position? The fix was easy and fast. Thanks for this cheap and effective solution to the problem.
Because the rotor is fixed to the thread what position and adjustment does it need?
Thanks
Because the rotor is fixed to the thread what position and adjustment does it need?
Thanks
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
2013 SL550
Just thought I'd take a moment to share someone else's fine work. https://www.drive2.com/l/3382799/
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
My left headlight stopped leveling and was now aimed directly to the ground with no error reported (Cluster or DAS). Thanks to Sergei there, this was fixed in 15 minutes with a total cost of $1.
I did not even remove the headlight (w219), just pried the back cover of the motor off, inserted the M4 washers and glued the cover back on.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CLS63 AMG W219
Gentlemen, my 2009 CLS had this exact same error: both low beams were aiming down to the ground. I took the car to a specialist in headlight repairing (but not a Mercedes specialist) and he tested both sides motors and concluded they´re fine. The problem was that the leveling mechanism was out of its "track", it was locked down. He corrected this, connected the mechanism back to its track, but the motors do not act! When I turn on the engine nothing happens to the level, they´re still facing down. It looks like the car doesnt "send" any command to make the motors act. Not sure if I made myself clear, but would appreciate any help.
