draculr

I'm having issues with clipping the Xenon bulb in on my 2010 E350 on both the driver and passenger side. Whether I do it from the top or I remove the wheels and shroud and access the light from underneath, I just can't get the bulb screwed in and aligned correctly. There's not a single video of anyone going over this step in detail that I have seen.

This is where I'm at with my light output, it's definitely not right!


This is what I'm working with:



Does anyone have any tips on how to get these things seated properly and aligned for proper light output?

pierrejoliat

That's weird, mine are both level, sure you have them turned all the way clockwise?

S. Madman

The logos should be straight.

draculr

Yea the last picture isn't of the final seated position, it was just to try to get a view inside. When the bulb is seated it's sitting straight up with the plug coming out at the bottom which is how they were originally. I just went and pushed the back of the drivers side a little AFTER it was twisted in and it improved the pattern but it's still not 100%. When I pushed it I would've just moved it by millimetres but it had a major effect on the light pattern. You wouldn't think that should be possible it should just twist in and work!

Now you can see the drivers side (RHD) is a bit better but still doesn't have the crisp stepped horizontal line it should have:

ml3504matic____

Try removing the ring bracket that you transferred onto the new bulb and see if you there’s a bent clip.

And also see if you can attach the clip itself without the bulb onto the headlight housing. or maybe the ring bracket is flipped?

draculr

I haven't seen any bent clips but I have just ordered a couple of new clips just in case. The clip attaches alright when it's on it's own, it sits very tightly onto the socket. But with the bulb on it it won't sit the same. That's what added to my struggles and confusion! I feel like that may be a clue of sorts.

There only seems to be one way to attach the clip too as it's keyed.

Here is the clip on it's own sitting very securely, it's currently twisted on and will not budge unless I twist it in reverse:


However with the bulb on it it's very far from the orientation it should be and won't twist at all. I have to put it on the other way and do a counter clockwise twist and it doesn't sit as securely that way.

Does that give you any ideas?

ml3504matic____

Swap sides and/or clips to determine the issue. To isolate the issue

draculr

I will give it a shot. Does anyone have a picture of the orientation of their clip in the headlight and the direction of the twist lock so I can see which way it's meant to be installed?

Quattrodude

You have the mounting ring in the wrong spot - its NOT supposed to be TIGHT - it does have wiggle - and that will help tell you to ...might wanna see my thread on the LEDs....too

Ill go grab a picture of my old bulbs with the clip - in a little

Quattrodude

Here you go
Hope this helps

draculr

Cheers, I'll double check that mine line up the same way. I'm pretty sure they do though since it is keyed. I am also waiting on the new clips, hopefully if nothing else works that will!

draculr

Quattrodude, you sir have saved the day! I definitely had the clip wrong as you said:



I lined it up right and it twisted on so easily!


I'll test them out at night and hopefully the light projects correctly.

Quattrodude

Fantastic!!!

Hope that was all it was

Cheers

draculr

They're perfect now! Thanks again