2010 Adaptive headlight failure
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Joined: Jun 2017
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Cars
2010 Adaptive headlight failure
I'm having a headlight failure with an error message regarding the adaptive headlight system on the driver's side of a 2010 E63. When I turn the car on, the headlamp fires up just fine. After ~30 seconds of the adaptive system moving the shield around slightly, it turns the headlamp off.
Googling shows this is has happened to several other people, with the typical result being replacement of the headlight by the dealer. I do not want to resort to the dealer, and I'm working on a car with no warranty, so no freebies on what seems like an almost $2000 part.
Has anyone had success with dismantling the headlight and repairing it? Or are there any other options, such as coding out the adaptive headlamp components somehow and just using it as a dumb headlight?
Any repair experiences (or less expensive options for replacement) would be welcome. Thank you.
Googling shows this is has happened to several other people, with the typical result being replacement of the headlight by the dealer. I do not want to resort to the dealer, and I'm working on a car with no warranty, so no freebies on what seems like an almost $2000 part.
Has anyone had success with dismantling the headlight and repairing it? Or are there any other options, such as coding out the adaptive headlamp components somehow and just using it as a dumb headlight?
Any repair experiences (or less expensive options for replacement) would be welcome. Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I'd probably start with getting it scanned. There are code scanners out there that do MB specific codes that start in the $50-$100 range although I suppose you could get a knock off C3 or C4 Xentry system starting in the $400-$600 range. Otherwise the standard items seem to be either the bulb, the motor, the ballast or maybe you have some fault in the self leveling system. Just throwing parts at it can get expensive. That's why getting it scanned may help you pinpoint the fault. How long have you owned it? I would guess it's the bulbs if you bought it used, someone may have changed out the bulbs and put in cheap knock offs. It's hard to find real bulbs as there's lots of fakes out there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Your symptoms sound like what was happening with mine which resulted in a headlight assembly replacement under an extended warranty From what I recall of my research at the time, I didn't see anyone trying to repair it by opening up to see if something is stuck or cracked. You could always give that a try as a last resort before you replace it anyway. Ebay was the cheapest source for used headlamps. You could always check a salvage yard.
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 11
From: San Antonio, TX
2010 e350 Luxury p2
Please see my thread that I opened recently for the same problem. You can find it in my profile. I Ended up buying new two new headlights and installing myself. Two headlights just because it was cheaper. FcP euro is a good site for the part
