xlr8tin

How do I get to them? They seems to be under the bulbs in the bottom of the housing? Personally I don't remember them looking like these and in this location on my other E55.

I'm trying to change out the ballast, but I can't figure out how to get in there. Anyone know of a write up on this? Is this where they usually are? I have to get to them in order to install anything new.

Thanks guys

Bellefonte

I had this issue.

You need to pull the bumper off and remove the headlights.

RobertG

this might help;

MBFLO

its inside the headlight housing one the bottom. has screws on bottom of housing to take the cap off I took my wheels off and raised the car on jack stands cuz it was much easier then turning the wheel on oppisite sides trying to get into the wheels covers ,. with the wheels off made taking the bumper and reinstalling much easier as u have more room to get in there and either take off the bumper or reinstall. PeterAMG gave me a good write up he did .. was pretty straight forward and helped alot .. The biggest ***** where those two nuts that actually hold n keep the front of bumper tight . another things is the headlight washer motor you have to becareful when taking off the headlight and also when reinstalling make sure its put together correctly. At first <atleast when i did it > it will seem like it doesnt want to come out but your gonna kinda have to shimmy it back n forth and it should slide out .. I didnt pull it out completely as i had enough slack to get the headlight housing off . Figured if i dont have to pull off bumper completly wont be as ***** gettin it back into place and all lines flowing smooth and evenly once buttoned back up .. good luck .. really worst conception MBZ could of thought of just for a damn ballast .

edit . heres peter02Amg diy BUMPER REMOVAL
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/...mper-w210.html

xlr8tin

Thanks guys for the links...Seems like more pain then it's worth. I wonder if I can just fit my fingers in there and unplug the ballast...That would be nice.

If not I'll proceed to taking off the bumper.

MBFLO

I looked every route and no other way around it they got tha rt sucker sealed in the housing

Eklass420Spt

i did mine on my w210 without taking the bumper off. at the same time i replaced my lenses on the e. t'was a pain in the ****.

MBFLO

yours is pre facelift model so does not require removing the bumper ..

xlr8tin

Well, I was able to unplug the ballast without removing the bumper. However when I plugged the bulbs into the new 55w ballasts, one started to smoke. I only did one side so I don't know if it's the bulb or the ballast.

cudaized

That sucks. Hopefully you'll find the problem.

MBFLO

What type of ballast and bulbs u using !

maybe ur using a 35 wat bulb with 55 watt ballast

Where u gonna mount the new ballast

desired_speeds

did you have the connectors locked on correctly? I've seen harnesses and bulbs catch on fire before.

xlr8tin

I'm not 100%. I do know that when I plug in my factory bulbs, at least the ones in there now, they work fine. I bought slim ballasts so they fit inside the housing.

Well, apparently these bulbs are D2C bulbs that fit both D2R and the other type of d2 bulb. I tried getting a refund but it looks like I might be sent the same bulb. If I get sent the same bulbs I'll find the correct bulbs and watt for what I need.

I'll keep everyone posted..I'm just glad I don't need to remove the bumper.

xlr8tin

I got it! You don't have to remove the front bumper if you have smaller hands and patience.

It's simple really. I used a long flat head screw driver. That was it!

I used it to pry off the plastic tab that secures the plug to the ballast.

I finally got the right bulbs sent to me and no problems to report. Amazing huh?!