GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Remove Headlights

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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 11:36 PM
  #1  
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2008 GL550 Obsidian Black/Black
Remove Headlights

Anyone knows how to remove the headlights? I'm trying to put some aftermarket bulbs but i'm having a hard time removing the headlights.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 12:09 AM
  #2  
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2008 GL450 / 1999 ML320
Originally Posted by axchung
Anyone knows how to remove the headlights? I'm trying to put some aftermarket bulbs but i'm having a hard time removing the headlights.
There's a section in the GL Owners Manual (Page 504 - 511 of my copy) that details how to remove and replace bulbs.

Link here to GL Interactive Owners Manual

If you're referring to removal of the entire headlamp unit - I can't help.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by axchung
Anyone knows how to remove the headlights? I'm trying to put some aftermarket bulbs but i'm having a hard time removing the headlights.
You'll need three beers, a crowbar, a quarter stick of dynamite, and a Bible. Well, unless you plan on puttin' them back in.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 01:49 PM
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The message not so clearly stated above is that you DO NOT have to remove the headlight unit to change bulbs.

In any event, ALL service procedures are included in the W164 Service DVD available from your dealer or at 800.for.merc.

You'll not likely find anyone with experience on Internet forums as the only reason to remove headlight units is for accident repair and that's usually performed by body shops.

Now, if what you're really trying to say is how to remove the bulbs from the headlights, well the answer is a quarter turn counterclockwise. Sometimes this is VERY difficult, but just add more power and perhaps wear gloves to address the pain. It's not a particularly good design.

If your question is how to get the bulb out of the electrical socket, a little prying with a screw driver can help. Look at your new bulb to find where the pryable areas are. This for H7 headlight bulbs only.

Last edited by lkchris; Oct 6, 2007 at 01:53 PM.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by StevethePilot
You'll need three beers, a crowbar, a quarter stick of dynamite, and a Bible. Well, unless you plan on puttin' them back in.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 02:46 PM
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My limited experience trying to add a modular radar detector to my SL convinced me not to fool with the tight construction of a MB. I got it done, but it took an entire day. The same procedure on my Escalade took two hours. MB does not encourage Do-It-Yourself owner service.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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Thanks guys for the replies. I'm really trying to change the parking/side lamps.I was able to change my turn signal without any problems but the side lamps are totally unaccessible. The only way seems to be to remove the headlight completely but that seems to require removal of the bumper/grill. If thats the case then I'll just ask the dealer to do it. I'm changing all my bulbs to hyperwhite .I also changed the rear turn lights and the fog lights. I highly recommend changing the fog light bulbs, they look so much better now ,the stock bulbs were very yellow compared to the hyper,now it's a closer match to the HID headlights.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by axchung
Thanks guys for the replies. I'm really trying to change the parking/side lamps.I was able to change my turn signal without any problems but the side lamps are totally unaccessible. The only way seems to be to remove the headlight completely but that seems to require removal of the bumper/grill. If thats the case then I'll just ask the dealer to do it. I'm changing all my bulbs to hyperwhite .I also changed the rear turn lights and the fog lights. I highly recommend changing the fog light bulbs, they look so much better now ,the stock bulbs were very yellow compared to the hyper,now it's a closer match to the HID headlights.
WHAT TYPE OF BULBS DID YOU USE FOR THE FOG'S?
SO ARE YOUR TURN SIGNALS WHITE NOW INSTEAD OF YELLOW?

SOUNDS REALLY COOL!!
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 06:39 PM
  #9  
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The turn signals are white with just a hint of blue. The fog lights are white with a hint of purple.
Attached Thumbnails Remove Headlights-p1010090palm.jpg   Remove Headlights-p1010085palm.jpg   Remove Headlights-p1010153palm.jpg  
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 06:58 PM
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I changed my foglights to selective yellow.

Now, if there's ever some fog or snow I'll use them.
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by axchung
The turn signals are white with just a hint of blue. The fog lights are white with a hint of purple.
Looks really cool!!

What did you you's to get your fogs that way?
different bulbs or what??

Parts list please !!
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 12:02 AM
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detailed info please
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 11:17 AM
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I agree. Looks awesome.
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 12:00 PM
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Yeah, just search eBay for Mercedes.

Lots and lots of vendors peddling purple, green, blue, whatever color bulbs you want. Sort of that SE Asian pedicab look.
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
Yeah, just search eBay for Mercedes.

Lots and lots of vendors peddling purple, green, blue, whatever color bulbs you want. Sort of that SE Asian pedicab look.
Yeah,

I guess Axchung wants to keep his light thing
A secret and won't disclose all the details......
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 06:52 PM
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2008 GL550 Obsidian Black/Black
easy,fellas... I tried logging in a couple of days ago and it kept leading me to a different site. I don't know what that was about....

Fog lights - Polarg Shining Wizard H11
Front Turn Signals - Koigo(?) 3157 hyperwhite
Rear Turn Signals - Polard M7 (had to clip one of the pins out)
side markers - PIAA LED (don't know if they work/couldn't install)

I bought them from a local tuner store in NY. I actually had a hard time finding the turn front/rear bulbs on the net.These guys had all the bulbs in stock and modified my rear bulbs to fit. The turn signals front or rear and the fog lights were very easy to replace. As i said i think the side markers require removal of the headlights assembly.
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 09:49 PM
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No pictures? No step-by-step DIY instructions? without them.
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Old Oct 11, 2007 | 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by boxboss
No pictures? No step-by-step DIY instructions? without them.
No pictures? You sound like my 4year old daughter.
Changing the turn signal and the fog light is basic DIY. Look in the owners manual. Plenty of pictures there.
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Old Oct 12, 2007 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by axchung
No pictures? You sound like my 4year old daughter.
Changing the turn signal and the fog light is basic DIY. Look in the owners manual. Plenty of pictures there.
Daddy!! Daddy!! Daddy!!
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