How hard is it to change out headlamp assemblies?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
How hard is it to change out headlamp assemblies?
I've been trying to find a solution for the terrible halogen lights on my ML for a while now. I just ordered a pair of Xenon units from AZN optics, but I'd ultimately like to retrofit the HID headlamps so I can get high beam functionality. Plus, I think the HID headlamp assemblies look better than the halogen ones.
There is a chinese supplier who will ship two new assemblies (minus bulb and ballast) for $600 including shipping. I've gone down the junk yard/used path for a while now and can't seem to find assemblies without cracks, missing tabs, etc. Doesn't seem like a smart route.
What is the process for removing the stock headlamps and how hard is it to retrofit the HID units? Do I need to do anything to get the car to recognize the HID units? All I care about is that the low/high/signal lights work. I don't need the cornering or auto high/low abilities.
Thanks for any insight.
There is a chinese supplier who will ship two new assemblies (minus bulb and ballast) for $600 including shipping. I've gone down the junk yard/used path for a while now and can't seem to find assemblies without cracks, missing tabs, etc. Doesn't seem like a smart route.
What is the process for removing the stock headlamps and how hard is it to retrofit the HID units? Do I need to do anything to get the car to recognize the HID units? All I care about is that the low/high/signal lights work. I don't need the cornering or auto high/low abilities.
Thanks for any insight.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 356
Likes: 66
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
I have replaced both my headlamps on my 2012 ML350BT. You will need to remove the bumper to access the mounting bolts. There are 3 bolts holding the housing and after the bumper is removed you can easily remove the headlamp housing by removing the 3 bolts.
Besides physical retrofitting, you will need to update the SCN coding to make the computer recognize the xenon lamps. This needs to be done by a dealer. I didn't upgrade to xenon but I basically changed the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs and the result is pretty nice.
Good housings can be found on ebay or some junkyard parts. You need to search for it. Most parts we find have broken tabs. Some have repaired tabs though. I managed to find a pair of used ones with very clear lens and all tabs intact. You can also try to polish the old lens to restore it as well.
Besides physical retrofitting, you will need to update the SCN coding to make the computer recognize the xenon lamps. This needs to be done by a dealer. I didn't upgrade to xenon but I basically changed the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs and the result is pretty nice.
Good housings can be found on ebay or some junkyard parts. You need to search for it. Most parts we find have broken tabs. Some have repaired tabs though. I managed to find a pair of used ones with very clear lens and all tabs intact. You can also try to polish the old lens to restore it as well.
