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I hated the smudged graphics on my '09 E63 headlight switch and of course no new replacement available. The local salvage yard always has E class wrecks and I was hopeful to find one. Amazingly, they had a recent arrival '09 E320 and I proceeded to check it out.
The donor car had a front end impact but the car overall presented very nice. The shifter handle and other wear items were great. The R&R wasn't too bad and the pics show the two side by side. I'm pleased with the swap and feel fortunate to find a pristine switch for $13. I also snagged the driver's side impact door trim for $4.
Last edited by Stephen04E55; Jan 18, 2025 at 07:46 PM.
Just a note, that switch will get sticky and smudgy again. I replaced my headlight switch some time ago, but eventually found a replacement face panel on Amazon that won't get sticky again.
I replaced mine with the same one from Amazon. Goodithy Car Dashboard Headlight Switch ver Trim Replacement for Mercedes Benz W211 E Class 320 350 550 2003-2008 (Model B),Black
I replaced mine with the same one from Amazon. Goodithy Car Dashboard Headlight Switch ver Trim Replacement for Mercedes Benz W211 E Class 320 350 550 2003-2008 (Model B),Black
It’s not perfect but close.
I ordered that one last night! Only thing I read from reviews was getting the headlight knob pulled out of the switch was kidnda tough.
If you have and pointers post them up.
I ordered that one last night! Only thing I read from reviews was getting the headlight knob pulled out of the switch was kidnda tough.
If you have and pointers post them up.
same. I couldn’t ever get it apart to swap no matter what video I found to watch with “trick”. Hell I would mail this thing off to let someone do it for me!!
It was difficult and the videos that exist aren’t that great. If you look at any of the videos on YouTube or even the one that on amazon, it’s part of pictures of the part, they all show using a small screwdriver or pick to go through one side of the switch assembly to release the tab of the shaft of the switch so it will come off which doesn’t work. The key is to use 2 screwdrivers or picks and go from both sides of the switch. The other side has the sticker for the part number. The is the same hole under the sticker. Just poke a hole through the sticker so you can release both sides of the lock on the switch. Hopefully my instructions don’t make it too confusing.
IMO, the reason those white graphics smudged was because somebody used rubbing alcohol to try to clean the switch. I’ve used a lot of different cleaners on switches and alcohol greater than 70% seems to be a real killer on some cars. A light degreaser will keep these switches in perfect condition. Additionally, if you use hand creams or sunscreens or lotions, that is what destroys the soft touch buttons. When cleaning the switch, either lightly go over the graphics, or just avoid the graphic altogether. You might want to make sure the new switch has a nice coating like 303 on it.
It was difficult and the videos that exist aren’t that great. If you look at any of the videos on YouTube or even the one that on amazon, it’s part of pictures of the part, they all show using a small screwdriver or pick to go through one side of the switch assembly to release the tab of the shaft of the switch so it will come off which doesn’t work.
The key is to use 2 screwdrivers or picks and go from both sides of the switch. The other side has the sticker for the part number. The is the same hole under the sticker. Just poke a hole through the sticker so you can release both sides of the lock on the switch. Hopefully my instructions don’t make it too confusing.
I used thin picks to do it. Popped one side and the pick stayed logged in. Got the other side right after. I didn't have good luck with screwdrivers, even my small jeweler's screwdrivers.
Originally Posted by Baltistyle
IMO, the reason those white graphics smudged was because somebody used rubbing alcohol to try to clean the switch. I’ve used a lot of different cleaners on switches and alcohol greater than 70% seems to be a real killer on some cars. A light degreaser will keep these switches in perfect condition. Additionally, if you use hand creams or sunscreens or lotions, that is what destroys the soft touch buttons. When cleaning the switch, either lightly go over the graphics, or just avoid the graphic altogether. You might want to make sure the new switch has a nice coating like 303 on it.
I thought that was the issue when I first bought the car, the previous owner used the wrong cleaner. Then I replaced the switch, car was garage kept, and I never used any interior cleaner on it. Still got sticky. For this switch, it's the material Mercedes used and is inevitable. Talk to any mid-90s Ferrari owner about the sticky plastics; it's the same thing.
The only thing I can add is that the knob needs to be in the 'headlamp' position (fully clockwise), with the knob pulled out 1 (not 2) stops. This best exposes the barbs that have to be levered outwards.
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