hpilot

How do you change the headlight bulbs on a 2000 E320? I got the plastic rear cover off, but I can't figure out how to get the old bulb out. Do you need a special tool. I don't want to break anything.

Thanks

Air Marshall Eldritch

Mine just pulled out of the bracket with a bit of pressure. Then, the bulbs themselves twist out of the wiring socket.

E55 KEV

Are they Xenon HID or just halogen H7 bulbs?

The Xenon bulbs in my 98 E430 required the use of a "Torx" type tool to remove the bulb.

ryson

If you have Halogens, twist off the plastic cover on the rear (turn it counterclockwise). You'll then see the wiring harness attached to the back of the bulb. There are little metal "clips" that latch onto the plastic wiring harness on the top and bottom of the wiring harness. You'll have to pry these little clips upward so that it clears the plastic tab that holds the 2 pieces together. Typically you can get the top tab off then carefully pry away the entire harness from the clip underneath. It's just hard to pry up the metal "clips" since it's in an awkward position. Once you get that off, you'll see a metal harness that holds the bulb in place. Grasp this harness and twist counter clockwise until it turns (I believe about 1/4 turn). You then pull out both the bulb and metal harness. Be careful not to touch the glass part of the bulb as this causes premature bulb failure.

hpilot

Thanks. I have the Halogens. I'll try it again. The first time I tried it I was afraid I would break something.

ryson

The hardest part is getting the wiring harness off. Just be careful and eventually you'll get it to pop off. Start with the headlight on the drivers side since there's more room for you to maneuver. Use one hand to hold the plastic harness and use the other hand to carefully pry up the metal clip. Then wiggle the top of the harness loose from the top clip. Repeat for bottom clip (feeling underneath for metal clip and pulling away from plastic harness). After that, it's smooth sailing.

Good luck.

hpilot

Thanks everyone - I got them replaced with no trouble. I used Philips H7 Vision Plus. By the way, does anyone know if I replace the entire assembly with the Hella OEM HID kit, will my computer show a lamp fault when I turn on the car?

ryson

Look up the thread started by KenC titled "Xenon Bulbs vs. Full Conversions". It's on page 2 of the threads. That should give you a good idea of what you're getting into. I considered the switch it but am holding off on it.

t-bone

I got the Hella OEM Xenon bulb kit.

I had autowerksexpress do it, so I don't know if there is any reprogramming necessary.

Try asking them about it.

http://www.autowerksexpress.com

I once tried the Philips Vision Plus too. They both burned out on me after a while. In the end I figured it was best to just go and get the Hella HID kit. Now I'm glad I did.

AJChenMPH

Bringing this one back from the dead...

FWIW, I just changed the halogen bulb on my mom's '01 E430 -- it requires the use of a Torx 15 driver to loosen the screws holding the harness in.