NickIndy

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?

thenew3

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.

NickIndy

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.

thenew3

can you get a picture?

NickIndy

Bruce_Benz

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!

NickIndy

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.

zoomx2ian

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.

Bruce_Benz

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!

johnyon123

Why does mb want to make extra bucks this way? In the end, mercedes is killing their business and the brand.

Crispin

Anyone that has changed their headlight, what is the easiest way to get the H7 bulb out of the socket? Do you just pry on it?

DanD.

Wrong video. Sorry.

The G Man

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?

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.

DanD.

I did replace HID bulbs on 2014 ML and access them was very easy, 15-20 mins for both sides.
Im not sure why its different with halogen bulbs.
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

pcy

MB engineers are continually looking for ways to discourage you from repairing your own vehicle. ;-)

dvakata

you can slide that access door without pulling out the pin. Plastic is flexible enough.
Slide off, then rotate it down and let hang on the pin.
Use a bit of force

nsully

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.

Wewannabenz

Haha, very true!

Crispin

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...

The G Man

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.

rapidoxidation

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.