M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Headlight Problems 2011 ML350

Old Apr 2, 2012 | 08:40 PM
  #1  
gsquared's Avatar
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From: Cleveland
ML350
Headlight Problems 2011 ML350

I am new to the forum and need some advice. The headlights on my ML350 will come on even in direct sunlight on an intermittent basis. There is no constant, it sometimes happen and sometimes not. Mercedes has replaced the light sensor and the front SAM unit but still happens. We are cautious since we believe if the car will turn the light on without cause when will the car turn them off? Has anyone experienced this problem? And if so, what was the cause? Any help is appreciated. I have video of the occurrences I can post if that would help. We also experience Command problems but I don’t think they are related. Thanks.
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 09:52 PM
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2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
I started a thread on this issue a while back.https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...s-erratic.html

M-B says it's due to the Blue skies effect.
There is no fix for this issue.
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Old Apr 3, 2012 | 12:35 AM
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eeferber's Avatar
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'11 ML350
when you have time, read the 144 posts in the thread mentioned above.

FIX? Since it appears you have a US vehicle, your only solution is to NOT place the headlight rotary switch in the "AUTO" position. Just turn the lights on/off manually as needed.
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
But you must also make sure that the DRL option in the main menu is set to off or the rotary headlight switch will do nothing to control the headlights. At least that is how it works for me.

If the DRL’s are set to “ON” in the main menu the headlights will intermittently come on for no reason even in bright sunny conditions even if the headlight switch is set to the OFF position. The only time the headlight switch has worked properly for me is when the DRL's in the main menu are turned OFF. And everytime I have taken the ML in for service regarding the headlights MB turns off the DRL's in the main menu and tells me it's fixed.

As DC-IT mentioned above there is no fix, and MB has tried to convience me and I think most of us that this is normal.

Get used to replacing your headlight bulbs more often.

Last edited by Cyber GS; Apr 4, 2012 at 04:02 PM.
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