SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: No instructions on how to change the low beam headlight in the owners manual
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NoVA
2011 SL65 & a 2018 C63s
No instructions on how to change the low beam headlight in the owners manual
As most of you know, I purchased my car used and the previous owner installed real blue headlight bulbs and fog light bulbs (along with license plate bulbs). I guess I am getting old but I can see anything with them at night, so I am looking to change them to a more white bulb.
But my big question is why does the Owner manual say bring it to the Dealership to change the low beams. Everything else it tells you how to do, but how to change out the low beam.
Has anyone done this? My car is a 2011 and from what I have found I have a D1S bulb that is an HID lighting. It is an arc source type of lighting available as an upgrade feature in new vehicles from dealers. I really don't care to get shocked if there is a discharge to worry about and would like to know how to discharge the bulb prior to swapping them out.
Thanks for any insight/recommendations,
Dave
But my big question is why does the Owner manual say bring it to the Dealership to change the low beams. Everything else it tells you how to do, but how to change out the low beam.
Has anyone done this? My car is a 2011 and from what I have found I have a D1S bulb that is an HID lighting. It is an arc source type of lighting available as an upgrade feature in new vehicles from dealers. I really don't care to get shocked if there is a discharge to worry about and would like to know how to discharge the bulb prior to swapping them out.
Thanks for any insight/recommendations,
Dave
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sl55 amg
don't try to change it while they are on and you should be ok, lol. i can only imagine they want the dealer to change it to charge you $250 to do it.
should be able to remove upper plastic piece by removing push in fasteners. then remove headlight back by twisting cover. move tabs to side holding in bulb, and wiggle out.
should be able to remove upper plastic piece by removing push in fasteners. then remove headlight back by twisting cover. move tabs to side holding in bulb, and wiggle out.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Front bumper has to come off. If you have REALLY small hands, you can do the driver side, but the passenger side is damn near impossible to reach, due to the placement of the SBC pump.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
No Way, just take the round cover off, twist. then the bulb has 2 spring metal straps, unlatch from hook. Then pull the box out and unplug connector. Swap out.
You can see anything you have to feel it.
This is tedious job but takes 1/2 hr or so. Dont handle the bulb, use plastic gloves
Pass side is easier than drivers.
You can see anything you have to feel it.
This is tedious job but takes 1/2 hr or so. Dont handle the bulb, use plastic gloves
Pass side is easier than drivers.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
Yes they are D1S and you can buy any mfg you find. 5000k matches stock fairly well. I would put in complete pr to match perfectly
I got off ebay for $25 pr
I got off ebay for $25 pr
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
No Way, just take the round cover off, twist. then the bulb has 2 spring metal straps, unlatch from hook. Then pull the box out and unplug connector. Swap out.
You can see anything you have to feel it.
This is tedious job but takes 1/2 hr or so. Dont handle the bulb, use plastic gloves
Pass side is easier than drivers.
You can see anything you have to feel it.
This is tedious job but takes 1/2 hr or so. Dont handle the bulb, use plastic gloves
Pass side is easier than drivers.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 70
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From: NoVA
2011 SL65 & a 2018 C63s
Thanks for the input, looks like it might be a bit of a challenge. But at least I know to look for 5000k, D1S bulb, to replace the blue ones that are in there now. I have heard it would be hard to remove the bulb from the ballast. Hopefully since this has been done once, it should be a little easier.
Thanks again.
Dave
Thanks again.
Dave
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
I don't know if the 2009-2012 models might be a bit different than the 2003-2008 models...so take everyone's posts here with a grain of salt as they mostly have the 2003-2008 models.
I was able to change both on my 2004 (medium sized hands). The passenger one is definitely a PIA and I scraped up my wrist pretty good doing it (I did it a couple summers ago, too, and it took 2 hours to do that side....because as someone said, the hard part is screwing the ballast and rotating locking cap back on).
I was able to change both on my 2004 (medium sized hands). The passenger one is definitely a PIA and I scraped up my wrist pretty good doing it (I did it a couple summers ago, too, and it took 2 hours to do that side....because as someone said, the hard part is screwing the ballast and rotating locking cap back on).
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NoVA
2011 SL65 & a 2018 C63s
Thanks mjr24,
Looking at the front end on my car it appears it will be tight but do-able. My Wife has smaller hands than I do and can be available to help (she is the one who helped me change out the starter on my '76 XJS V-12 Jaguar) so doing a headlight bulb shouldn't be a big deal. I am looking at the 5000K range (Osram Sylvania SilverStar) D1S bulbs, that appear to be the best selection and has the best reviews. $95.92 per bulb on Amazon, which doesn't appear to be too bad of a price.
Again thanks everyone,
Dave
Looking at the front end on my car it appears it will be tight but do-able. My Wife has smaller hands than I do and can be available to help (she is the one who helped me change out the starter on my '76 XJS V-12 Jaguar) so doing a headlight bulb shouldn't be a big deal. I am looking at the 5000K range (Osram Sylvania SilverStar) D1S bulbs, that appear to be the best selection and has the best reviews. $95.92 per bulb on Amazon, which doesn't appear to be too bad of a price.
Again thanks everyone,
Dave
