Headlight leveler and projector lights
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: N. California
1994 C280, 2002 E320
Headlight leveler and projector lights
I have a 2002 4matic wagon, and the xenon headlight levelers have never worked since I bought it 5 years ago. I remember asking my (private MB shop) mechanic about it and he said there was a computer/sensor in the middle of the car that was out and it was $700 to fix it. He said it did a few other little things too, but it wasn't $700 worth of happiness to me at the time. Since, I've been wondering if I could find the part (cheaper) at mymercedesparts.com or somewhere similar. Does anyone know what this thing's called, where it's at and if it's an easy replacement (for someone who was a construction equipment mechanic in a past life)?
Also, I've been thinking about upgrading my headlights to the new projector look. I've tried to clean up the oxidation on my current lenses with one of those clean and polish kits, but they are still a little foggy and now have splotches that won't rub away. Does anyone know if the aftermarket lights work with a xenon equipped car? And, does the leveler work with the aftermarket lights? Any knowledge you can pass along would be appreciated. Thank you.
Also, I've been thinking about upgrading my headlights to the new projector look. I've tried to clean up the oxidation on my current lenses with one of those clean and polish kits, but they are still a little foggy and now have splotches that won't rub away. Does anyone know if the aftermarket lights work with a xenon equipped car? And, does the leveler work with the aftermarket lights? Any knowledge you can pass along would be appreciated. Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
I have a 2002 4matic wagon, and the xenon headlight levelers have never worked since I bought it 5 years ago. I remember asking my (private MB shop) mechanic about it and he said there was a computer/sensor in the middle of the car that was out and it was $700 to fix it. He said it did a few other little things too, but it wasn't $700 worth of happiness to me at the time. Since, I've been wondering if I could find the part (cheaper) at mymercedesparts.com or somewhere similar. Does anyone know what this thing's called, where it's at and if it's an easy replacement (for someone who was a construction equipment mechanic in a past life)?
I don't own a car with this feature, but was under the impression that it
was more mechanical vs electronic. I've seen reference to mechanical
fittings which connects to the suspension. It winds its way up and is geared
to another linkage within the headlight assembly, rotating up/down as needed.
Also, I've been thinking about upgrading my headlights to the new projector look. I've tried to clean up the oxidation on my current lenses with one of those clean and polish kits, but they are still a little foggy and now have splotches that won't rub away. Does anyone know if the aftermarket lights work with a xenon equipped car?
the aftermarket projector based lights can be mated to 210s which have
auto levelers, however auto level will be lost. note, however, that at least
one creative forum member removed the auto level linkage from within their
reflector based auto level feature headlight. they then retrofitted it into an
projector based, aftermarket headlight. the impression I got was that it was
project which was medium-high in terms of degree-of-difficulty. forum member
was either here on MBWorld or Benzworld's 210 forum within the last 6 months.
And, does the leveler work with the aftermarket lights? Any knowledge you can pass along would be appreciated. Thank you.
I don't own a car with this feature, but was under the impression that it
was more mechanical vs electronic. I've seen reference to mechanical
fittings which connects to the suspension. It winds its way up and is geared
to another linkage within the headlight assembly, rotating up/down as needed.
Also, I've been thinking about upgrading my headlights to the new projector look. I've tried to clean up the oxidation on my current lenses with one of those clean and polish kits, but they are still a little foggy and now have splotches that won't rub away. Does anyone know if the aftermarket lights work with a xenon equipped car?
the aftermarket projector based lights can be mated to 210s which have
auto levelers, however auto level will be lost. note, however, that at least
one creative forum member removed the auto level linkage from within their
reflector based auto level feature headlight. they then retrofitted it into an
projector based, aftermarket headlight. the impression I got was that it was
project which was medium-high in terms of degree-of-difficulty. forum member
was either here on MBWorld or Benzworld's 210 forum within the last 6 months.
And, does the leveler work with the aftermarket lights? Any knowledge you can pass along would be appreciated. Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
member Fabio D handled an electrical (not electronic) part which may make
your repair much easier. I dont know the name or the part but quick scanning
appears to show this one possible part which has a way of breaking down and
requiring replacing. if this is indeed the one for 210s the cost is far from $700
member CLK320s also appears to have retrofitted auto level into a 210 projector
headlight assembly
your repair much easier. I dont know the name or the part but quick scanning
appears to show this one possible part which has a way of breaking down and
requiring replacing. if this is indeed the one for 210s the cost is far from $700
member CLK320s also appears to have retrofitted auto level into a 210 projector
headlight assembly
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: N. California
1994 C280, 2002 E320
Thank you for your responses. I've been digging into this a bit more and found my old invoice and diagnosis. I've also read about the mechanical connections that get damaged. My mechanic looked at the sensors and connectors and they were all attached correctly. He ruled out the light motors because they would move when connected to his shop computer. There is an EAM (enhanced activity module) that he said gathers the info from the sensors and sends the command to make the lights to move as needed. That's the $700 box. He said it's in the middle of the car (under the passenger seat?). Is this something that's a straight replacement, or does it need to be programmed?
