blackbullit

Have any of you had issues with W212 headlights turning off while driving?

I have had my E550 2010 in for this issue twice and now it is recurring. This happens when first start car and driving for about 5-10 minutes. They shut off for 10-30 seconds, then come back on. Light switch is in ON position. I have seen this issue with other MBs (CLKs) but not on W212s. They flashed my relay control units in past at dealer.

I am hoping for a permanent fix. Any advice? Going back to dealer next week.

Live Oak

Did you say you are on "ON" or "A"?

I know, you said "ON," but trying to be specific here --- there is no "ON," just the funny icon.

RENNTECH

212'S are known for issues with the headlight switch themselves, at least in my experience. ive replaced more than i think i should have. but none specifically for that concern

Live Oak

Right.

There are two possible issues here:

*** a known possible defective switch, known to get into a battle with the software and drain your battery dead as a doornail overnight . . . and what else might it do?

*** the fact that on "A", the damn thing is always watching the ambient light to decide if the lights should be on. In that case, if the OP's lights are turning off at inappropriate times, there is a real safety issue here and MBZ should address it.

blackbullit

On the 2010 models, the headlight switch has 4 positions: Off, A, parking lights, and ON. Later models (ie. 2011 on) changed to a 3 position switch (parking lights, A, and ON). I have the former switch type. This is of course in addition to the standing light positions when switch is turned to the far left.

I meant that the switch is turned to the far right position (ON) when this happens.

JeruC350

Hi blackbullit. I have been experiencing the same exact thing with my 2008 c350. Always happened when I first got in and started the car and would stop after driving a few minutes. It actually got worse after a few weeks and the lights would go off and not come back on.. to the point I had to move the headlight switch to so the lights would come back on. I've taken my car to dealership and they supposedly fixed it... by charging the battery and cleaning the terminals at the control module. Was fine for 2 weeks and now happening again... but now it is totally random.Happened every day last week but not once this week. I definitely will be taking it back to the dealer.. I'm afraid now that they may have it for a long time before they even see the problem happen again. It baffles me to say the least. Please post if you find a permanent fix.. I will be sure to do the same. Thank you and best of luck.

Live Oak

The first thing I'd do is write this message to my lawyer and copy Mercedes USA and my Mercedes dealer. This is a HUGE legal exposure for Mercedes, and it needs attention. And on this message board it is duplicated at least once, indicating a Mercedes quality issue.

Nuru

Yeah, that is pretty scary, and now I am watching my lights.

hyperion667

what??

haven't heard of this one yet! good luck BB!!

incos2004

it has been over 2 yers , did u find any solution ?
my e220 2010 has the same problem , but my interior lights goes on when he wants to work...

hyperion667

necro-bump

Mud

2 year reply lol.
The headlight circuit is usually provided with a circuit breaker, not a fuse. it sounds like there is an overload of some sort that was activating the breaker and cutting voltage to the headlights. Then the breaker would cool down and re-connect the circuit = headlights on then off, then back on. Wonder if the dealer ever simply replaced the breaker to see if that corrected the problem.

incos2004

The voltage on my battery car is 11.95 v when engine is off and 14.2 v when engine is on

MBSebas87

same!

blackbullit

I took my 2010 E550 to my indy after MB dealer could not fix.

I asked him to replace the headlight switch. Cost about $70.

He simply replaced the entire headlight switch with a new one and it has never recurred in the last 2 years.

JeruC350

Sorry for abandoning the thread. After many failed attempts by the dealership my problem was finally solved just as Blackbullit's. Had them replace the headlight switch and haven't had a problem since.