Headlight
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
Headlight
Simple Question. How do you access the low beam bulb (driver's side) for replacement. I went to tech support and posed this question. The consensus there is return to dealer. I may have to give up and do exactly that but I prefer to buy an H7 halogen replacement (perhaps 2) install it, and be on my way. Since a number of you have exchanged halogen for HID without dealer assistance, I would hope that a simple bulb replacement is not beyond the common man. Any help would be appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA USA
03 E320 -wife's car now; 07 Porsche Boxster S - my toy
Simple Question. How do you access the low beam bulb (driver's side) for replacement. I went to tech support and posed this question. The consensus there is return to dealer. I may have to give up and do exactly that but I prefer to buy an H7 halogen replacement (perhaps 2) install it, and be on my way. Since a number of you have exchanged halogen for HID without dealer assistance, I would hope that a simple bulb replacement is not beyond the common man. Any help would be appreciated.
It's somewhat easy to change out the low beam H7 bulb -- I say "somewhat" because there's not much room to work in. Looking at the light assemblies from inside the engine compartment, you'll see a round plastic cover. This cover twists off so you can access the bulb. Push the bracket (holding the bulb) slightly inward, then twist about a quarter turn and the wire connector, bracket and bulb will come out. Replace the bulb and install in reverse order.
It's my guess that MB didn't put this in the owner's manual so people don't stick there fingers in there when the car has HID lighting.
Regards,
paul...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
Thank you very much. I can see and touch the soft rubber diaphram that has a circular frame. I may not be able to get my meathooks down in there to get it out but at least I know how to try. There appears to be two camps of people using this board. Some are not "handy" and actually feel threatened by people who want to work on their cars. These people scream "go to the dealer or sell the car". I will do neither. I appreciate your reply.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Generally speaking you will find that the people who "go to the dealer" are afraid of the car not being perfect after they try to do something to it themselves. As for those who say "sell the car"... only those who have truely been tortured by their car after doing everything by the book know that sometimes, all you can do is get rid of the demon & start again. I never believed in lemons, because I can't believe that a whole car full of bad parts could all arrive at the assembly line at the same time destined for one car. But I believe now.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From: USA
2018 Porsche Macan, 2017 NSX, 2011 R350
Clinton,
It's somewhat easy to change out the low beam H7 bulb -- I say "somewhat" because there's not much room to work in. Looking at the light assemblies from inside the engine compartment, you'll see a round plastic cover. This cover twists off so you can access the bulb. Push the bracket (holding the bulb) slightly inward, then twist about a quarter turn and the wire connector, bracket and bulb will come out. Replace the bulb and install in reverse order.
It's my guess that MB didn't put this in the owner's manual so people don't stick there fingers in there when the car has HID lighting.
Regards,
paul...
It's somewhat easy to change out the low beam H7 bulb -- I say "somewhat" because there's not much room to work in. Looking at the light assemblies from inside the engine compartment, you'll see a round plastic cover. This cover twists off so you can access the bulb. Push the bracket (holding the bulb) slightly inward, then twist about a quarter turn and the wire connector, bracket and bulb will come out. Replace the bulb and install in reverse order.
It's my guess that MB didn't put this in the owner's manual so people don't stick there fingers in there when the car has HID lighting.
Regards,
paul...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Generally speaking you will find that the people who "go to the dealer" are afraid of the car not being perfect after they try to do something to it themselves. As for those who say "sell the car"... only those who have truely been tortured by their car after doing everything by the book know that sometimes, all you can do is get rid of the demon & start again. I never believed in lemons, because I can't believe that a whole car full of bad parts could all arrive at the assembly line at the same time destined for one car. But I believe now.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
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2003 E320
Well I took a huge risk and replaced the main beams in my wife's 320 (the H7) Since one had failed, I decided to replace them both. Sylvania Silverstar 4000 degree Kelvin (made in Germany for the purist). Very nice white (no HID fooler) beam. Probably took 20 minutes from the time I raised the hood. I did remove the fastener for the catch can on the driver side to get a little more clearance. The passenger side was roomier and a screwdriver and light tap broke the rubber diaphram cover free. The electrical plug snaps into a stainless bezel that does not come with the lamp. A 45 degree twist disengages the bezel from the headlight. It has two "ears" that engage the plug and must be gently pried up before the plug will seperate. I found the bezel to be very easy to twist back into the headlight assembly. This is an straightforward maintenance item for those who dare to work on their cars.Use gloves when handling the bulbs to eliminate body oils that can cause the bulb to fail prematurely. Lamp alignment remains calibrated.
Brakes are next. I will unplug the SBC
Brakes are next. I will unplug the SBC
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
2007 E320 Bluetec; 1991 350SDL
Anyone have any tips for replacing the bulbs on an '07 E320? Tried today, but was afraid I would break something. And to be a tech at the dealership, you must need barbie-doll sized hands. My hands are not huge and it was TIGHT in there. I got as far as getting the black plastic cap off the back of the passenger side bulb housing, and futzed around with the bulb assembly, but was afraid I would break something expensive.
Pretty handy with this stuff, usually - but first time I have tried any 'self-improvement' on this car. I miss my old W123 300D - easy car to work on, just not near as fast, quiet, comfortable and did I say fast? as the W211.
Thanks - any help is appreciated.
Ken
Charlotte, NC
Pretty handy with this stuff, usually - but first time I have tried any 'self-improvement' on this car. I miss my old W123 300D - easy car to work on, just not near as fast, quiet, comfortable and did I say fast? as the W211.
Thanks - any help is appreciated.
Ken
Charlotte, NC
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Anyone have any tips for replacing the bulbs on an '07 E320? Tried today, but was afraid I would break something. And to be a tech at the dealership, you must need barbie-doll sized hands. My hands are not huge and it was TIGHT in there. I got as far as getting the black plastic cap off the back of the passenger side bulb housing, and futzed around with the bulb assembly, but was afraid I would break something expensive.
Pretty handy with this stuff, usually - but first time I have tried any 'self-improvement' on this car. I miss my old W123 300D - easy car to work on, just not near as fast, quiet, comfortable and did I say fast? as the W211.
Thanks - any help is appreciated.
Ken
Charlotte, NC
Pretty handy with this stuff, usually - but first time I have tried any 'self-improvement' on this car. I miss my old W123 300D - easy car to work on, just not near as fast, quiet, comfortable and did I say fast? as the W211.
Thanks - any help is appreciated.
Ken
Charlotte, NC
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Grand Prairie Texas
'24 GLE53 AMG Coupe
I was actually quite relieved to find how relatively easy it was to replace a headlight bulb.
And I've got big hands also. But I was able to relace all four bulbs in just a few minutes.
And I've got big hands also. But I was able to relace all four bulbs in just a few minutes.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Generally speaking you will find that the people who "go to the dealer" are afraid of the car not being perfect after they try to do something to it themselves. As for those who say "sell the car"... only those who have truely been tortured by their car after doing everything by the book know that sometimes, all you can do is get rid of the demon & start again. I never believed in lemons, because I can't believe that a whole car full of bad parts could all arrive at the assembly line at the same time destined for one car. But I believe now.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
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You are horribly wrong. Let me tell you some eye/ear witness stuff: I used to work for MB in Sindelfingen/Germany during summer positions. The students drove the new cars out off the assembly line in 1st gear/2nd gear into the red area until they reached the parking lot. Knowing this I can only tell everyone who orders his car brand new to tell his sales rep that he doesn't want a car that has been build between the months of June and September. These are the months where "FH's" and Universities are closed and students work to make some money.
Thanks fellas!!!
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
05 E500
Generally speaking you will find that the people who "go to the dealer" are afraid of the car not being perfect after they try to do something to it themselves. As for those who say "sell the car"... only those who have truely been tortured by their car after doing everything by the book know that sometimes, all you can do is get rid of the demon & start again. I never believed in lemons, because I can't believe that a whole car full of bad parts could all arrive at the assembly line at the same time destined for one car. But I believe now.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
There are some things doable by the owner, and some things best left for the techs... There are also some things that Dealer Fees are worth paying for rather than struggling with a hard to reach part in the street in the Wintertime, for an hour or more, scraping up your arm & hand, and getting all greasy for what a Tech who has done this job countless times & knows the shortcuts will spend 10 minutes on. . Its so much nicer to have a cup of coffee & schmooze with other people in the waiting area & leave with a washed car and a quick repair.
...either way is ok. Working on these cars is not like working on a Chevy Malibu. There are reasons why people choose one way over another. Those who don't work on their cars aren't cowards, they just have different priorities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
You are horribly wrong. Let me tell you some eye/ear witness stuff: I used to work for MB in Sindelfingen/Germany during summer positions. The students drove the new cars out off the assembly line in 1st gear/2nd gear into the red area until they reached the parking lot. Knowing this I can only tell everyone who orders his car brand new to tell his sales rep that he doesn't want a car that has been build between the months of June and September. These are the months where "FH's" and Universities are closed and students work to make some money.
i'm gonna remember that
