Changing headlight
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Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 95
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From: Carmel, IN
ML350 Bluetech
Changing headlight
I have a 2012 ML with halogen bulbs. I am changing a headlight bulb but I can't figure out how to get the little pin at the bottom of the access panel in the wheel well out. Anyone want to give me a pointer?
Last edited by NickIndy; Feb 9, 2015 at 04:01 PM.
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From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Pull out the smaller center pin with a pair of needle nose pliers or a small flat blade screwdriver. once the small center pin is removed you can remove the larger outer pin.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Carmel, IN
ML350 Bluetech
Normally that's what I would've thought. But this pin is one piece. There is no middle and outer portion and for the life of me I can't figure out how to get it to release.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Pretty sure you are in the wrong location. Look for a rectangular access panel with the two-piece button described above by new3 near the bottom of that panel. It lines up with the tire if the wheel/tire is straight. Hence the need to turn the wheel inwards to gain access. Another hint to help you visualize the work area is to place a flashlight on top of the tire once it is turned in and shine it forward. Hope this helps and good luck!
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Carmel, IN
ML350 Bluetech
I am almost positive I'm in the right spot. This is a blurry zoomed out photo of the rest of the panel. Notice the tab that needs removed on the bottom. This is inside the front part of the wheel well on both sides.
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ML350
You have to cut it off in order to slide the cover. It is not re-useable after so you have to buy the plugs from Mercedes or use a screw hold it in place. I can't believe Mercedes not make it easier for their technician in case blubs burnt out.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Central Virginia
ML 350
Yes, you are in the correct spot. However, as Zoom said, you do not have the standard user friendly plug. I think a trip to the dealer's service lane is in order. They should replace it with the one designed for that application at no charge to you (make sure they look at both sides). Again, good luck!
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ML350
Another genius idea from mb to **** off mb owners haha
Yes, you are in the correct spot. However, as Zoom said, you do not have the standard user friendly plug. I think a trip to the dealer's service lane is in order. They should replace it with the one designed for that application at no charge to you (make sure they look at both sides). Again, good luck!
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2019 E300
I just replace the bulbs on my 2014 ML a few months ago, I did not cut and pins. Have you try prying off the top part of the pin out and then pulling on the bottom part?
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ML350
Wow, I didn't realize you had to undo a portion of the wheel well liner just to change out a headlamp bulb. What kind of engineering is this? Between this and having to go behind the passenger seat floor to change out the SUV's battery, I'm wondering what these engineers were thinking.
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From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by Wewannabenz
Wow, I didn't realize you had to undo a portion of the wheel well liner just to change out a headlamp bulb. What kind of engineering is this? Between this and having to go behind the passenger seat floor to change out the SUV's battery, I'm wondering what these engineers were thinking.
Speaking of battery, yes its a crazy location, but point is battery most likely wont get damaged in incident. Sure they could make it more friendly for replacement but you do this work once in 3-4 years so its not that bad
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'14 ML350, '13 C220 CDI, '07 C280, '98 ML320
Wow, I didn't realize you had to undo a portion of the wheel well liner just to change out a headlamp bulb. What kind of engineering is this? Between this and having to go behind the passenger seat floor to change out the SUV's battery, I'm wondering what these engineers were thinking.
MB engineers are continually looking for ways to discourage you from repairing your own vehicle. ;-)
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Fernandina Beach, FL
2014 ML350 Bluetec
The hole that the pin is in is oblong and the panel slides on the pin. There is just enough downward movement to slide the panel down and it will release the upper tabs. You do need to wrestle it a bit. That is why the panel has the finger tab with arrows showing up and down. Hope this helps.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Indianapolis
2016 GLE350 4matic
FWIW, I changed out the bulbs tonight with the Philips Crystal Vision Ultra bulbs.
Before I got the second bulb in, I compared the "color" of the light and I didn't notice any measurable difference. So much for it being whiter.
I took it for a drive tonight and the light output was good. From what I recall, it seemed much better. No problem seeing a completely dark road.
Now we'll see how long they last...
Before I got the second bulb in, I compared the "color" of the light and I didn't notice any measurable difference. So much for it being whiter.
I took it for a drive tonight and the light output was good. From what I recall, it seemed much better. No problem seeing a completely dark road.
Now we'll see how long they last...
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2019 E300
Those tinted halogen bulbs don't last too long and the tint coating also reduce the light output. The manufacturers try to compensate for the tint by running the filament hotter or using a higher wattage.
Its almost a crime to buy a GLE and not get the LED headlight option.
Its almost a crime to buy a GLE and not get the LED headlight option.
Last edited by The G Man; Mar 9, 2017 at 08:43 AM.
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Thinking this thread needed a gentle bump because
1) it is relevant to what I'm fix'n to do on my ML
B: It is the first info I've found on HID specific headlamp bulb changes on this Benz platform I've found in tonight's searching the webs.
1) it is relevant to what I'm fix'n to do on my ML
B: It is the first info I've found on HID specific headlamp bulb changes on this Benz platform I've found in tonight's searching the webs.
