SL/R230: Headlight bulb removal
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
sl 500 2004
Headlight bulb removal
so Whats the trick? Does the fitting twist? Once the plasic cap is off do I need to undo any other fasteners with tools? I pulled the wire and the black clip came off the two bulb posts, but this did not get the bulb out for replacement. How do I do this?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 469
Likes: 119
From: North West England
SL500
Just give in....Take the bumper off, remove the light housing...It will be quicker in the long run.
I tried to get the bulb out (fat hands) then realised once it was out I would have to carefully fit a new one...no chance.
Bumper off in 30 mins.
I tried to get the bulb out (fat hands) then realised once it was out I would have to carefully fit a new one...no chance.
Bumper off in 30 mins.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 181
Likes: 18
From: Cedar Park, Texas
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, 2004 SL55, 2012 Lexus IS250, 2021 Toyota Highlander
The bulb is held in there by a round ring that will twist about 90 degrees. It'll come apart in two different pieces.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
If you have slim hands you can change the right side but it will hurt !! trust me I know !, the ABS pump gets in the way, you can loosen a part of it to help as there is a side bracket. The next time I do that bulb I will possibly drill out the ABS pump rivets and fit bolts so I can more the thing just 1 inch back !! Otherwise remove the front bumper.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 382
Likes: 27
From: Norway
350 SL, R230 - 300 SL, R129 - 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe - Porsche 911 Twin Turbo (sold)
Do you really have to take off the bumper to replace the headlight bulbs? Asking since i never had the need to replace any headlight bulb..
But from what A1 EK says is it more easy if you did not have the ABC suspension parts?
It can not be that difficult to replace the headlight bulbs can it?
Lucky me then since i do not have ABC suspension (The ABC is only problems from what i know and that is why i bought an SL350, R230 that came from the factory with standard coil springs and shock absorbers)
A1 EK you have H&R lowering springs do you not so how is it to replace the bulbs on a non ABC SL?
But from what A1 EK says is it more easy if you did not have the ABC suspension parts?
It can not be that difficult to replace the headlight bulbs can it?
Lucky me then since i do not have ABC suspension (The ABC is only problems from what i know and that is why i bought an SL350, R230 that came from the factory with standard coil springs and shock absorbers)
A1 EK you have H&R lowering springs do you not so how is it to replace the bulbs on a non ABC SL?
Last edited by TheSaint; Jun 25, 2023 at 10:24 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 382
Likes: 27
From: Norway
350 SL, R230 - 300 SL, R129 - 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe - Porsche 911 Twin Turbo (sold)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
yeah ABC will not be an issue, its the Auto Braking System ABS that sits in the way. Practice on the left side to understand what you need to do, then with slim hands you can just about reach the right side, as mentioned there is a small bracket on the ABS pump you can loosen.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
I replaced a blinker in there and there were two things that -finally- allowed me to succeed:
1- forget about what your thumb would normally do. It just gets in the way, so your hand needs to think of an alternative grip. Can't remember how exactly, but I needed to resist the 'normal grip mode' reflex.
2- just let the plastic lamp house cover fall down. You can't get it out of the car (not me, for the life of me) and it's not going far, amidst the spaghetti of parts behind the lamp housing.
1- forget about what your thumb would normally do. It just gets in the way, so your hand needs to think of an alternative grip. Can't remember how exactly, but I needed to resist the 'normal grip mode' reflex.
2- just let the plastic lamp house cover fall down. You can't get it out of the car (not me, for the life of me) and it's not going far, amidst the spaghetti of parts behind the lamp housing.
