automatic headlights don't work
 

In my 2000 S500, I have always used the automatic headlights. They recently quit working. Neither the headlights nor taillights come on. I can't even get the regular headlight position to work.

Also, the weather seal around my drivers door mirror is broken. Could leakage from this be related? Also, is there any place I can buy the seal only vs. the whole mirror assembly?
Thanks

I am guessing you mean you have set the light switch to Auto which turns on headlights when it is dark. There is of course a light sensor which triggers the lights, so you might look at the health of the light sensor to see if it is working.

The sensor for your headlights is in front of your rear view mirror - look closely from outside of the ar, and you will see.

Yes, you can get the seal; take a look at the W220 S-Class Owners Start Here sticky at the top of this forum (there's a reason for the name); see post #21.

Thanks. What about the fact that the headlights won't work even if you switch them on manually? Would it still be the sensor or maybe a fuse?
Thanks

I just looked up the fuses for your headlights and tail lights - they are on an "Electronic Fuse" which is not a fuse in the typical sense of the word. It is actually an electronic circuit that trips when a fault occurs, and resets itself when the fault is cleared.

Try disconnecting the battery for about 15 to 30 minutes, then reconnecting it - see if the circuit resets. If it doesn't, then something is wrong - a short somewhere. It could also be the switch itself.

Are you having any other odd electrical problems?

After you disconnect the battery, you may need https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3682080

check setting using steering wheel controls
 

you do know that in your steering wheel instrument cluster catalog are features that control light settings also, you can set dimmer headlights timer, etc just scroll thru menus and check settings to be sure:) maybe changed setting with buttons on steering wheel

I guess we don't have to worry about the auto position since his headlights do not work at all in auto or manual.

yea, but you can also turn light setting off completely, but i think he has a definite malfunction:)

It's not showing up as a malfunction on my cluster either.
I will first check the settings and then disconnect the battery if needed. Hopefully, that does it. I have had no other wierd electric things going on, just this out of the blue. I thought my broken drivers mirror seal might have something to do with it, but the friendly MB parts guy said no.
Thanks all!

Please let us know what the outcome and cause once this is resolved:):confused:

I figured it out. I have a message regarding right turn signal out(in mirror) that is preventing me fom easily going through the menu through the steering wheel. One day when I was trying, I must have gotten into the menu and turned off the auto. setting.
I turned it back on. Duh.