RudolphsOwner

I have a 2003 E320 and need to change the bulb for the low beam headlight. Any suggestions or links? I have changed bulbs in the E class cars from the late 1980s, early 1990s, but in the 2003 E320, the engine compartment is very cramped and I don't know where to start.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

edwinwalke

Did you check you owners manual. Mine (06 E320 CDI) has a section called practical hints that describes how to change the bulb.

dyoukers

Your suggestion of looking at the owner's manual is okay, but the instructions provided in mine (2005 E320 CDI) - remove cover (easy); pull of electrical connection (how? Seems to be "locked" on.); release springs holding bulb (again, How?); replace bulb, springs and electrical connection - are accurate but not of a great deal of help. What's the trick short of taking it to the dealer.

PlatinumPi4u

Pro tip: Approach the vehicle with the hood up, from the Fender side, not the front side...

Untwist the cap cover. Untwist bulb socket unit from its place (a 1/2 turn should unlock it) you will see the h7 bulb, which pulls straight out. When handling new bulb, use a terry cloth or something similar to a hand towel, (one with no oils on it) Oil residue from touching the glass bulb will heat the bulb unevenly, causing the bulb to die prematurely.

Simply plug in the new bulb, twist bulb socket unit back into its place, and then twist cover back into its place.... on a 1 to 10 this is a 1, and about less then 5 mins for each side.

A flashlight may be helpful in order to see where to position the bulb socket exactly, before you twist the unit back into place.

dyoukers

Thanks Platnium - Discovered that my owners manual (2005 E320 CDI) is INCORRECT. It tells you to: pull off the electrical connection, and release retaining springs to remove bulb. As you instructed, you can't just pull of the electrical socket, you have to turn it (counterclockwise a quarter of a turn) because the socket base is what holds the bulb assembly in place. There are no retaining springs. Unplugging the bulb from the socket base can be difficult. It's a tight fit, and the assembly is on a short wire lead so leverage is limited. I had to use a small screwdriver to pry the bulb out of the socket.

Thanks again.

PlatinumPi4u

If anybody reads this, PLEASE DO NOT use a screw driver to pry a bulb out a socket EVAR!!!! because there is a risk of electrical shock, unless both batteries are already disconnected..

spotswood47

Checked this thread for tips, but I need one more.

I cannot get the left light bulb socket to turn!

I pulled the top hose off the coolant tank, the large plastic cover off, got my left arm into the void and hand in to grasp the bulb socket. But I could not turn it (counterclockwise). A much stronger buddy tried the same without success.

Tried to remove Coolant tank, but plastic philips head screw broke off.

The car I recently bought is in immaculate condition. There is no corrosion (that I can see) anywhere under the hood or around or on the light assemblies.

Any other suggestions?

dascott

THANK YOU!! I found this to be extremely helpful. Took me all of 5 minutes! I have no auto mechanic experience, but do try to do bulb changes to save $ where I can.
Now if you have insight on the 3rd brake light I would be ecstatic!
Thank you again.
dascott

AMGAffalterbach

They change your lights for free at the dealer if you purchase them there, at least that was my experience. I have since done a lot of work myself though upgrading to DDMTuning HIDs

spotswood47

Although I could not turn the bulb, he did. I was in and out in 5 minutes.

AMGAffalterbach

You have to push on the tabs of the retainer clip a little bit to help it out and don't be afraid to force it is really the key, had that problem the first time I took mine out but it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

jandmtv

never mind......