Headlight switch plate replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
Headlight switch plate replacement
My Headlight switch forward facing plate has the dreaded black goo all over it. I know from reading other posts that I can potentially clean this thing with Goo be gone and other solvents. However, I decided to replace the plate after buying a beautiful replacement for only $12 USD. Problem is this, I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the other plate!
I removed the side panel and then removed two screws that supposedly hold things together. I then blindly reached behind the plate with my big hand to undo any clips but after an hour of effort using my phone to get better pics of behind the switch, I am still no closer to getting the old one off.
My WIS/EPC software is not working right now so hoping someone has the exact procedure/hints how to do this before I either opt to go to dealership and beg for help or I trash the new plate and just clean the old one.
FYI, I have the 2009 ML 350 4matic with VIN: 4JGBB86E59A491091
NOTE: I did find some X164 instructions for the removal of a plate that looks identical but the instructions are so non-helpful in removing any clips that it is worthless and I don't even know if it is the same anyway.
I removed the side panel and then removed two screws that supposedly hold things together. I then blindly reached behind the plate with my big hand to undo any clips but after an hour of effort using my phone to get better pics of behind the switch, I am still no closer to getting the old one off.
My WIS/EPC software is not working right now so hoping someone has the exact procedure/hints how to do this before I either opt to go to dealership and beg for help or I trash the new plate and just clean the old one.
FYI, I have the 2009 ML 350 4matic with VIN: 4JGBB86E59A491091
NOTE: I did find some X164 instructions for the removal of a plate that looks identical but the instructions are so non-helpful in removing any clips that it is worthless and I don't even know if it is the same anyway.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
So I got this done today for free by a MB tech who took pity on my. Basically you pop off the side triangular panel on the drivers side. This is the same panel on the passenger side that reveals the fuses. After you take off the panel, you take two screws out. You then reach behind the panel (left hand) that the black switch plate is flattened against and go all the way to the right (towards passenger side). Once there, you push real hard on the back of the switch while pulling real hard from the front. Eventually the whole mechanism pops out and you see that on the far right are two metal plugs that push into holes that holds the entire mechanism in place. I never would have figured this out w/o his help. One, I didn't know the plugs were there and two, I would have been too timid of pushing so hard for fear of breaking the entire mechanism. New plate from Ali Express fits perfectly and very OEM like for $12.
