W222 Moisture in Head Lights
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
As expected, need to replace headlight and control module. Replacing just control module and somehow sealing unit isn’t an option. Total estimate is just under $5,600. Haven’t called customer care back yet.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2015 S550
Also with the headlamp assembly...is it a Can't or they just refuse to because they want to make more money having you replace the headlamp assembly as well?
This is truly fustrating....a $100k car, I only have 35k miles on it, and now the kbb value is about $22k, but to repair both headlamps...it will cost approx $10k or half the value of the car!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,957
Likes: 6,796
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
The unprotected HL electronic module located at the lowest spot where water accumulates is an unfortunate coincidence... sort of.
This is where a drain spout should prevent water puddling.
HELLA is a top HL manufacturer, they are not clueless.
FIND THE LEAKS + SILICONE THE HARNESS CONNECTORS.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 17, 2025 at 08:22 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 98
Likes: 9
2003 S430
HEADLIGHT ISSUE
Lert me restate my question.
Given the fact that Mercedes customers buy the complete automobile, as opposed to an assembly of parts, the headlight failures would fall back to Mercedes, not the manufacturer of the the headlights.
Has anyone reading this message become aware of a group of buyers who have instituted a a lawsuit based upon these headlight failures ?
Given the fact that Mercedes customers buy the complete automobile, as opposed to an assembly of parts, the headlight failures would fall back to Mercedes, not the manufacturer of the the headlights.
Has anyone reading this message become aware of a group of buyers who have instituted a a lawsuit based upon these headlight failures ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Lert me restate my question.
Given the fact that Mercedes customers buy the complete automobile, as opposed to an assembly of parts, the headlight failures would fall back to Mercedes, not the manufacturer of the the headlights.
Has anyone reading this message become aware of a group of buyers who have instituted a a lawsuit based upon these headlight failures ?
Given the fact that Mercedes customers buy the complete automobile, as opposed to an assembly of parts, the headlight failures would fall back to Mercedes, not the manufacturer of the the headlights.
Has anyone reading this message become aware of a group of buyers who have instituted a a lawsuit based upon these headlight failures ?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2015 S550
So what is the general consensus?
1) MB will not take responsibility for their defective headlamp and their even more defective desiccant bag solution which lead to headlamp failures.
2) Since MB will not take responsibility - only recourse is for owners to repair this themselves.
3) Headlamp assembly is fine, but only the Voltage Converter Module is bad and needs to be replaced? Or do both "Voltage Converter Module" + "Control Unit" need to be replaced?
Can someone please confirm the above?
1) MB will not take responsibility for their defective headlamp and their even more defective desiccant bag solution which lead to headlamp failures.
2) Since MB will not take responsibility - only recourse is for owners to repair this themselves.
3) Headlamp assembly is fine, but only the Voltage Converter Module is bad and needs to be replaced? Or do both "Voltage Converter Module" + "Control Unit" need to be replaced?
Can someone please confirm the above?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,957
Likes: 6,796
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
NO FIX IN SIGHT
So what is the general consensus?
1) MB will not take responsibility for their defective headlamp and their even more defective desiccant bag solution which lead to headlamp failures.
2) Since MB will not take responsibility - only recourse is for owners to repair this themselves.
3) Headlamp assembly is fine, but only the Voltage Converter Module is bad and needs to be replaced? Or do both "Voltage Converter Module" + "Control Unit" need to be replaced?
Can someone please confirm the above?
1) MB will not take responsibility for their defective headlamp and their even more defective desiccant bag solution which lead to headlamp failures.
2) Since MB will not take responsibility - only recourse is for owners to repair this themselves.
3) Headlamp assembly is fine, but only the Voltage Converter Module is bad and needs to be replaced? Or do both "Voltage Converter Module" + "Control Unit" need to be replaced?
Can someone please confirm the above?
It's built to fail specially unprotected module at the bottom where water is forced to accumulate.
It's an modern "open concept" without any protection or drainage.
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
CLS55, CL63
I just bought a w222 s600 and started getting headlight errors. My turn signals and LED DRLs kind of work, but flicker. There is condensation in the headlights.
Is this not solved as of 2025?
Should I be OK replacing just the LED module? Does it need to be programmed if it is used? They're not too expensive and certainly WAY cheaper than a headlight.
Frankly I don't care too much about the condensation, but I absolutely don't want to be replacing expensive modules.I'd be fine with just sealing the hell out of the modules and calling it a day
Is this not solved as of 2025?
Should I be OK replacing just the LED module? Does it need to be programmed if it is used? They're not too expensive and certainly WAY cheaper than a headlight.
Frankly I don't care too much about the condensation, but I absolutely don't want to be replacing expensive modules.I'd be fine with just sealing the hell out of the modules and calling it a day
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 784
Likes: 249
From: USA
I just bought a w222 s600 and started getting headlight errors. My turn signals and LED DRLs kind of work, but flicker. There is condensation in the headlights.
Is this not solved as of 2025?
Should I be OK replacing just the LED module? Does it need to be programmed if it is used? They're not too expensive and certainly WAY cheaper than a headlight.
Frankly I don't care too much about the condensation, but I absolutely don't want to be replacing expensive modules.I'd be fine with just sealing the hell out of the modules and calling it a day
Is this not solved as of 2025?
Should I be OK replacing just the LED module? Does it need to be programmed if it is used? They're not too expensive and certainly WAY cheaper than a headlight.
Frankly I don't care too much about the condensation, but I absolutely don't want to be replacing expensive modules.I'd be fine with just sealing the hell out of the modules and calling it a day
Replacing just the LED module is the right move. A used one should work without programming. Before installing it, you must fix the condensation. Seal the headlight housing or the new module will fail too. Check the headlight vents aren't clogged.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 9
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
Has anyone replaced just the lenses on a 2014-17 W222?
I've been looking at these:
Pair of Headlight Lens Cover Shell For Mercedes-Benz S550 S600 W222 2014-2017 | eBay
I found this video, but I am not sure if it would work for the pre-facelift models (like mine):
All of my electronics work, however my lenses are mildly pitted and show old condensation "drips" on the inside of the lens. I recently purchased the car (last week) and I am in the process of "reconditioning" some items to bring the car to its proper state. I'm not afraid of baking the assemblies for a bit to remove the old lens and install the new, but I am trying to verify if these will work, or if it's been successfully done.
Knowing that replacement lenses will not last nearly as long as OEM, I would plan on protecting them with UV PPF.
Thanks in advance!
I've been looking at these:
Pair of Headlight Lens Cover Shell For Mercedes-Benz S550 S600 W222 2014-2017 | eBay
I found this video, but I am not sure if it would work for the pre-facelift models (like mine):
All of my electronics work, however my lenses are mildly pitted and show old condensation "drips" on the inside of the lens. I recently purchased the car (last week) and I am in the process of "reconditioning" some items to bring the car to its proper state. I'm not afraid of baking the assemblies for a bit to remove the old lens and install the new, but I am trying to verify if these will work, or if it's been successfully done.
Knowing that replacement lenses will not last nearly as long as OEM, I would plan on protecting them with UV PPF.
Thanks in advance!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 9
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
Is that due to potential damage to internal components from the heat? An ultrasonic cutter can be used to cut the lenses, but the remaining tabs still need to be removed from the adhesive. Even if the adhesive is removed with a cold glue removal tool (scraper) I would think that new adhesive would need to be heated (at least some) to fully seal the new lens in place.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2016 S400 V222
Salam kenal Pak Prihadi @S-Prihadi , saya Ryandi dari Jakarta juga user W222 yang mengalami kendala yang sama terkait kondensasi pada lampu. Boleh minta emailnya pak untuk bertanya-tanya lebih lanjut mengenai hal ini. Terima kasih.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6,609
Likes: 6,556
From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Salam kenal Pak Prihadi @S-Prihadi , saya Ryandi dari Jakarta juga user W222 yang mengalami kendala yang sama terkait kondensasi pada lampu. Boleh minta emailnya pak untuk bertanya-tanya lebih lanjut mengenai hal ini. Terima kasih.
Hi Ryandi,
I cant PM you because your post count is too little. You can't PM me too, for the same reason.
Sorry, I wont show my personal email in open forum.
Why don't you pass me your email instead ? Make a one time email or temporary email..... will be better.
Later....
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2016 S400 V222
Hello Pak Prihadi @S-Prihadi ,
Appreciate your quick response.
Here is my temp email address : birewof791@helesco.com
Looking forward to your email.
Thanks.
Ryandi
Appreciate your quick response.
Here is my temp email address : birewof791@helesco.com
Looking forward to your email.
Thanks.
Ryandi
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6,609
Likes: 6,556
From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Hello Pak Prihadi @S-Prihadi ,
Appreciate your quick response.
Here is my temp email address : birewof791@helesco.com
Looking forward to your email.
Thanks.
Ryandi
Appreciate your quick response.
Here is my temp email address : birewof791@helesco.com
Looking forward to your email.
Thanks.
Ryandi
DONE
