Headlamp malfunction
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2014
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2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
Headlamp malfunction
Good morning
Experiencing an issue with my drivers side headlight. (2011 E550 4matic with the HID adaptive headlights, 233k miles)
I was pulling into the driveway the other night and the beam went out. No worries I thought, I’ve replaced the bulbs before but it’s been a minute so I figured it’s time again. Replaced the bulb the bulb, it light right up good to go or so I thought. Now the shutter seems to be malfunctioning. I get high beam on the passenger side but not on the drivers side. Tried reinstalling the bulb, disconnected the battery for brain reset many variations of light switches auto settings, driving conditions.
I have an appointment at the dealer on Monday for diagnostics. I inquired about a new headlight assembly while there… $2300 and another $600 for controller.
has anyone had good luck with the aftermarket replacement ones in the $300-$500 range? FCPEuro has a Mercedes one for about $1700 and I or local guy would install. Any input would be appreciated and helpful. Thanks in advance.
Experiencing an issue with my drivers side headlight. (2011 E550 4matic with the HID adaptive headlights, 233k miles)
I was pulling into the driveway the other night and the beam went out. No worries I thought, I’ve replaced the bulbs before but it’s been a minute so I figured it’s time again. Replaced the bulb the bulb, it light right up good to go or so I thought. Now the shutter seems to be malfunctioning. I get high beam on the passenger side but not on the drivers side. Tried reinstalling the bulb, disconnected the battery for brain reset many variations of light switches auto settings, driving conditions.
I have an appointment at the dealer on Monday for diagnostics. I inquired about a new headlight assembly while there… $2300 and another $600 for controller.
has anyone had good luck with the aftermarket replacement ones in the $300-$500 range? FCPEuro has a Mercedes one for about $1700 and I or local guy would install. Any input would be appreciated and helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Sometimes you can free a stuck flap by having someone cycle from hi beam to low beam while you smack the front of the headlight with an open hand, obviously with not enough force to break it. you might also see if you can find one at a junkyard that;s still operable, then get it programmed to the car, I had success in taking one apart and grinding the flap so it wouldn't get stuck, but that was on my '03 S500 so somewhat different, it was a lengthy process.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Definitely get a Mercedes-specific scanner and scan for codes so at least you'll know what is wrong. Then you can decide what to do.
If you have a mechanical problem with the headlight assembly, why do you need a new controller? And if @pierrejoliat is right about smacking it, then you will also know what needs to be done.
If you have a mechanical problem with the headlight assembly, why do you need a new controller? And if @pierrejoliat is right about smacking it, then you will also know what needs to be done.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 77
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2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
Thanks for the suggestions!
So, I went outside and had my girl switching between high and low beam. I was beating on the light best I could and no improvement. I can see the shutter move some but it must not move totally out of the way of the beam??
Also, taking the whole unit apart does seem like a larger task. There is a peep "window" in the top of the lens where I can clearly see the shutter. I have considered making a hole in it and using a tool to realign the shutter but.....???
Thanks again.
So, I went outside and had my girl switching between high and low beam. I was beating on the light best I could and no improvement. I can see the shutter move some but it must not move totally out of the way of the beam??
Also, taking the whole unit apart does seem like a larger task. There is a peep "window" in the top of the lens where I can clearly see the shutter. I have considered making a hole in it and using a tool to realign the shutter but.....???
Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 1,530
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Bummer, The shutter pivot point has worn, the shutter catches at the top, sometimes the servo arm breaks but in your case since it's still moving it's stuck at the top. So, if your really good at intricate repairs, you can pull the headlight, put it in the oven at 200F for a half hour to release the sealant and remove the front lens from the housing, sometimes you need to Dremel cut around the lens to gett it off, then Dremel the leading flap edge to stop it from catching then glue the lens back on. Some where on this forum a guy posted the procedure with pictures, your second best option is to find one that works in a junkyard and replace it ,then have iit coded to the car. I like your idea of drilling a hole, I just wonder how long that might work without removing a little material from the leading edge of the flap.
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Nov 17, 2024 at 09:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
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2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
[UPDATE]
Good morning!
Dropped it car off at the dealer on Monday, picked it up yesterday.
Diagnosis: Headlamp housing assembly and controller needs to be replaced. Found motor inoperable and bulb burnt.
Parts $2347.00 Labor $733.36. New is nice but, pricy.
I also had the engine mounts replaced while it was there and of course they made a huge difference in ride quality.
Total bill......$5344.50 ....ouch. On another note I have always been treated fairly and respectfully at the dealership. They are a great bunch of guys. And I really love the car.
I did bring home the faulty headlight. I'm going to see if I can disassemble and investigate the failure. Maybe I can "fix" the other side if I should ever need to.
Thanks for your help!
Dropped it car off at the dealer on Monday, picked it up yesterday.
Diagnosis: Headlamp housing assembly and controller needs to be replaced. Found motor inoperable and bulb burnt.
Parts $2347.00 Labor $733.36. New is nice but, pricy.
I also had the engine mounts replaced while it was there and of course they made a huge difference in ride quality.
Total bill......$5344.50 ....ouch. On another note I have always been treated fairly and respectfully at the dealership. They are a great bunch of guys. And I really love the car.
I did bring home the faulty headlight. I'm going to see if I can disassemble and investigate the failure. Maybe I can "fix" the other side if I should ever need to.
Thanks for your help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
One of joys of being owned by an M-B product
. My 2010 E350 has the early light switch that still had an off position. I would leave it in Off sometimes as this would deactivate the outside mirror puddle lights which I don't need. Middle of night, passenger side parking lights would often come on. If I left it in Auto, didn't have the problem, but the puddle lights under outside mirrors would come on.
Contacted MBUSA and dealer while under extended warranty. Would not repair it or replace the switch. After several conversations dealer said would replace the switch, but if anything ever went wrong with lights or switch, they would not pay for repairs.
So I leave in Auto now. Although I occasionally have to turn them off to get the auto headlights to go off after I pull out of garage. Even driving in bright sunlight for half hour, the auto headlights are still on. Another system issue I am sure.
I know dealer can scan (for a fee) for any problems, but then the cost to repair on a 15 year old car would be more than the trade-in value.
. My 2010 E350 has the early light switch that still had an off position. I would leave it in Off sometimes as this would deactivate the outside mirror puddle lights which I don't need. Middle of night, passenger side parking lights would often come on. If I left it in Auto, didn't have the problem, but the puddle lights under outside mirrors would come on.Contacted MBUSA and dealer while under extended warranty. Would not repair it or replace the switch. After several conversations dealer said would replace the switch, but if anything ever went wrong with lights or switch, they would not pay for repairs.
So I leave in Auto now. Although I occasionally have to turn them off to get the auto headlights to go off after I pull out of garage. Even driving in bright sunlight for half hour, the auto headlights are still on. Another system issue I am sure.
I know dealer can scan (for a fee) for any problems, but then the cost to repair on a 15 year old car would be more than the trade-in value.
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2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
