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Burned-in headlight "etching"? Does anyone else have this?
There looks to be burned-in etching on my headlight lenses in the shape of the light beam that shines through them. Does anyone else have this "etching" in their headlights? The burned-in pattern looks to be the same size and shape on both sides and on the inside of the lenses. I haven't noticed this on any other E-Class that I see around. Is this a factory defect? (My car is a 2011 model year.)
I have an appointment with the dealer next week for other issues, I'll add this one to the list to ask about. My car is out of warranty but I have an aftermarket extended warranty (Fidelity). I'm not holding my breath, but its worth a try.
I have it. Doing nothing about it.
It isn't as glaring as your photos show and it will just come back as there was never a fix for this.
The "Mercedes dealer will not change my headlight bulbs" thread has absolutely nothing to do with this issue.
I also have a 2011 and just went out to look. Sure enough... I also have these "V"s.
My car is a CPO with original warranty and then a 2 year CPO extended warranty.
Is this covered under warranty?
I heard from my service advisor today and she said Mercedes is aware of the problem and they will clean the headlight and prevent it from happening again. Should I let them do this or request the headlights be replaced?
There is a posted bulletin about this. MB Honolulu will only buff it out with aftermarket warranty-my case, and 6 months from now you will need same. I have it on my 11' E-350, seems present on the Halogen's, so most folks either buff it out or make the jump to LED. The lenses are not glass-etching on the inside is thermal breakdown of the lens. Just like a clear plastic water bottle fades-so do these.
It's not really possible to buff out because it's not just on the surface (outside or inside) the intense light has etched the plastic. Google laser etched glass or plastic.
My dealer replaced mine under warranty, but the pattern is still visible when the lights are on, and I'm sure it will appear permanently again once enough photons have reacted with the plastic. I'm not sure if I'll have them replaced again since I think it's just cosmetic and don't see any improvment in the function with the new headlights ($4000+ in parts and several hours of labor covered under warranty).
It's not really possible to buff out because it's not just on the surface (outside or inside) the intense light has etched the plastic. Google laser etched glass or plastic.
My dealer replaced mine under warranty, but the pattern is still visible when the lights are on, and I'm sure it will appear permanently again once enough photons have reacted with the plastic. I'm not sure if I'll have them replaced again since I think it's just cosmetic and don't see any improvment in the function with the new headlights ($4000+ in parts and several hours of labor covered under warranty).
I wonder if they use a chemical to just make it look clear? Anyone know, I looked for the bulletin but there are so many you tired looking. Thanks
Cool. Maybe some hope in waiting. At least now we know it is called the "V-Marker".
I would be willing to try whatever the heck that bottle is and that proctoscope thingy.
For those of you getting the lamp assembly replaced - are you referencing a service bulletin or other documentation or is the service manager replacing under good will?
Guys, there was a Bulletin, and I think they use a chemical, but like someone said (Lost in translation-thanks Norway-Anyway). I got a couple of good laughs reading your replies today after a fun filled day in law enforcement at 94 degrees in Hawaii-people just get weird when it is hot, I just drive faster-wish I could put my Blue Lights on my E-350 and run Code on H1-yee-haw. I knew the K-Man (Konigstiger) had it in his back pocket ready to provide when needed to, we should nominate him for Super hero-I think I read almost every W212 bulletin that dealt with my VIN before I bought Silvia and joined MB world, but after reading replies today I know why I signed up, stress relief, remember. Just "Say Yes I did" when approached by law enforcement on Oahu-we all like to move that ***, there are more Dodge Charger Interceptors in our Parking lot than at the dealership-I of course have the only MB in the lot.
I was informed by my dealer that they do not have the kits available to do the cleaning and they do not know when they will. I asked for new headlights and was told I needed to open a case with Mercedes. Does anyone have a strategy (other than the obvious no available kits for repair) that might help me get new headlights?
why do you want new headlights? You realize that is a temporary solution, correct? Is it for the principal of enjoying a few months without the Victory Marker before they come right back onto your new headlight assemblies?
07-24-2015, 11:02 AM
Burned-in headlight "etching"? Does anyone else have this?
BTW, your first link doesn't work.
Bulletin Exists-I am not hallucinating
