W212 HID Low Beam Issue
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
W212 HID Low Beam Issue
Hi,
Hoping I can get some advice from experienced indy and/or owners. 2011 W212 4Matic, with active headlights.
Recently I realized that my passenger side lowbeam/high beam stopped working. Symptoms I have found so far:
1) every time I start the car, the HID turns on; it turns off after a short time
2) no error message on the dashboard
3) replaced HID bulb, no change
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
I thought it was the ballast failing, but the shop told me otherwise. wondering if anyone can share some experience and provide advise. A new headlight assembly is VERY expensive as you probably know, trying to see if I can avoid that.
Thank you in advance.
Hoping I can get some advice from experienced indy and/or owners. 2011 W212 4Matic, with active headlights.
Recently I realized that my passenger side lowbeam/high beam stopped working. Symptoms I have found so far:
1) every time I start the car, the HID turns on; it turns off after a short time
2) no error message on the dashboard
3) replaced HID bulb, no change
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
I thought it was the ballast failing, but the shop told me otherwise. wondering if anyone can share some experience and provide advise. A new headlight assembly is VERY expensive as you probably know, trying to see if I can avoid that.
Thank you in advance.
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From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Do you have a scanner capable of bi-directional ( actuation ) control ?
Otherwise, its not easy to troubleshoot.
OP wrote :
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
They thought or they see the data from a scanner ?
Not always issue has DTC or trigger a DTC
Below has ZERO update fee :
A decent MB only scanner like this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
or all brand scanner this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...tool-a30m.html
Is what you need.
Otherwise, its not easy to troubleshoot.
OP wrote :
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
They thought or they see the data from a scanner ?
Not always issue has DTC or trigger a DTC
Below has ZERO update fee :
A decent MB only scanner like this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
or all brand scanner this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...tool-a30m.html
Is what you need.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Hi,
Hoping I can get some advice from experienced indy and/or owners. 2011 W212 4Matic, with active headlights.
Recently I realized that my passenger side lowbeam/high beam stopped working. Symptoms I have found so far:
1) every time I start the car, the HID turns on; it turns off after a short time
2) no error message on the dashboard
3) replaced HID bulb, no change
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
I thought it was the ballast failing, but the shop told me otherwise. wondering if anyone can share some experience and provide advise. A new headlight assembly is VERY expensive as you probably know, trying to see if I can avoid that.
Thank you in advance.
Hoping I can get some advice from experienced indy and/or owners. 2011 W212 4Matic, with active headlights.
Recently I realized that my passenger side lowbeam/high beam stopped working. Symptoms I have found so far:
1) every time I start the car, the HID turns on; it turns off after a short time
2) no error message on the dashboard
3) replaced HID bulb, no change
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
I thought it was the ballast failing, but the shop told me otherwise. wondering if anyone can share some experience and provide advise. A new headlight assembly is VERY expensive as you probably know, trying to see if I can avoid that.
Thank you in advance.
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Aug 7, 2023 at 11:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
Your headlights have shutters that come down for low beams, they raise for high beams, the headlight dance is for left right cornering and leveling based on height sensors, it changes based on luggage load or passenger load. you have one shutter stuck in the up position, headlight will shut off if shutter won't come down to provide low beam. you have two choices, you can remove headlight and then lens and repair shutter or replace and reprogram the whole assembly, unfortunately the repair is time consuming and difficult, I believe you grind down the top of the shutter slightly so it won't stick up anymore, somewhere on this forum a guy posted a video of the lens removal and repair of the shutter.worked for him and I believe all he needed to buy was more butyl sealant to re-attach and seal the lens replacement
Do you have a scanner capable of bi-directional ( actuation ) control ?
Otherwise, its not easy to troubleshoot.
OP wrote :
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
They thought or they see the data from a scanner ?
Not always issue has DTC or trigger a DTC
Below has ZERO update fee :
A decent MB only scanner like this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
or all brand scanner this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...tool-a30m.html
Is what you need.
Otherwise, its not easy to troubleshoot.
OP wrote :
4) had a shop looked at it, they thought it was because my actuators were failing and not keeping the headlight at low beam, therefore somehow the system turns off the headlight to avoid hurting other people's eyes...the thing is that when I start the car, I can see the headlight "calibrating" itself, the the passenger side beam does do "extra movement" to bring the light to the driver side level
They thought or they see the data from a scanner ?
Not always issue has DTC or trigger a DTC
Below has ZERO update fee :
A decent MB only scanner like this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
or all brand scanner this one :https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...tool-a30m.html
Is what you need.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
Looking for some help to identify the correct lamp here, I searched the "Official" Mercedes online catalog for parts, based on the VIN, it came up with three different types of lamps:
212-820-12-39 Headlamp Assembly, Right
Right. E350. Without night vision sys.. To 12/2/10. E550. E400 hybrid. Without E63 AMG with bi-xenon lamps.
212-820-16-39-64 Headlamp Assembly, Right
With bi-xenon. Right. E350. With night vision sys.. To 12/2/10. E550. E400 hybrid. Without E63 AMG with night vison.212-820-96-61 Headlamp Assembly, Right
E350, e350 bluetec, e550. Right. Without e63 amg, without bi-xenon lamps.
I would think my car falls into the "with bi-xenon" category but without the night vision, so it should be the 1239 part number. However the 1239 part number has been discontinued...searching on ebay or other places, they have different part numbers and/or with "AFS".
So I have two questions that I hope someone can help me:
1. is the AFS what I have? Is it the same as "Adaptive Headlight"? My headlight does go up/down/left/right base on my steer wheel input
2. searching ebay they have bi-xenon part numbers like 2128202259, 2128206061, will these work?
Is there any more economical alternatives than replacing the entire headlamp assembly?
Thank you in advance
212-820-12-39 Headlamp Assembly, Right
Right. E350. Without night vision sys.. To 12/2/10. E550. E400 hybrid. Without E63 AMG with bi-xenon lamps.
212-820-16-39-64 Headlamp Assembly, Right
With bi-xenon. Right. E350. With night vision sys.. To 12/2/10. E550. E400 hybrid. Without E63 AMG with night vison.212-820-96-61 Headlamp Assembly, Right
E350, e350 bluetec, e550. Right. Without e63 amg, without bi-xenon lamps.
I would think my car falls into the "with bi-xenon" category but without the night vision, so it should be the 1239 part number. However the 1239 part number has been discontinued...searching on ebay or other places, they have different part numbers and/or with "AFS".
So I have two questions that I hope someone can help me:
1. is the AFS what I have? Is it the same as "Adaptive Headlight"? My headlight does go up/down/left/right base on my steer wheel input
2. searching ebay they have bi-xenon part numbers like 2128202259, 2128206061, will these work?
Is there any more economical alternatives than replacing the entire headlamp assembly?
Thank you in advance
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Yes, the xenon headlight was updated three times between '10 and '13 model years, when mine was replaced under extended warranty, I got the third rendition, but my car is a '13 so it came with the third rendition, it is slightly different than my '12, more ventilation I think, but I'm guessing
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
so I was able to identify my part number as 212-820-6061; I can't seem to find any on ebay with that P/N now.
On ebay, there are a several different P/Ns that they claim would fit for 2010-2013 model. Do I have to replace with the exact P/N or any P/N that is for 2010-2013 model would work? Are all Xenon models with the actuators?
Thank you
On ebay, there are a several different P/Ns that they claim would fit for 2010-2013 model. Do I have to replace with the exact P/N or any P/N that is for 2010-2013 model would work? Are all Xenon models with the actuators?
Thank you
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
so I was able to identify my part number as 212-820-6061; I can't seem to find any on ebay with that P/N now.
On ebay, there are a several different P/Ns that they claim would fit for 2010-2013 model. Do I have to replace with the exact P/N or any P/N that is for 2010-2013 model would work? Are all Xenon models with the actuators?
Thank you
On ebay, there are a several different P/Ns that they claim would fit for 2010-2013 model. Do I have to replace with the exact P/N or any P/N that is for 2010-2013 model would work? Are all Xenon models with the actuators?
Thank you
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
Yes, all xenon's have the actuator flap for high/low and cornering lamps, there is the nightvision version as well, as mentioned earlier, they made three versions, older part numbers were superceded, so that means it's likely the last or current '13 model would work in your car with programing, I am unaware if a '10 model or early'11 model would work.
I am wondering if there is a place where I can crosscheck all the Mercedes part numbers? I called the dealer, they would not tell me what are the part numbers that would fit my car (of course, not surprised)
There is one on ebay with P/N 212-820-7259 that is supposedly fits the model year, it looks genuine, but I googled up and down, no result with that part number anywhere. I googled my current part number, 212-820-6061, a couple of places came up, at least it is recognized.
Very confusing when not able to confirm the part details with part number.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
https://www.mercedespartscenter.com/oem-parts/mercedes-benz-headlamp-assembly-right-front-right-right-212820123964?c=Zz1lbGVjdHJpY2FsJnM9aGVhZGxhbXAtY29 tcG9uZW50cyZsPTIyJm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9bWVyY 2VkZXMtYmVueiZvPWUzNTAmeT0yMDEzJnQ9NG1hdGljJmU9My0 1bC12Ni1mbGV4
Says it supercedes your part number, so get this part number and you'll be good with programming
Says it supercedes your part number, so get this part number and you'll be good with programming
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Nov 15, 2023 at 07:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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Posts: 16
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2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
thank you but forgive me, the link you sent is for 212-820-12-39-64, and it says it replaces
212-820-12-39, 212-820-30-59, 212-820-43-61
nothing related to the P/Ns I have.
maybe I am missing something?
212-820-12-39, 212-820-30-59, 212-820-43-61
nothing related to the P/Ns I have.
maybe I am missing something?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Also AFS is just cornering lamps , Adaptive Frontlight System
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Nov 15, 2023 at 07:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 16
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2011 W212 4DR E350 4Matic
Another question is, does it matter if I replace the headlamp with night vision on it? is it like totally not going to work or the system still functions fine other than I don't use the night vision?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Do you have buttons to the left of your headlight switch? on the same panel? I don't know if you can swap NV headlights with non NV headlights, either way someone is going to have to program your new headlight, maybe find who is going to do that and ask them? When you buy parts from the link I sent you, they ask for your VIN number to verify the part you ordered works on your car.
