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Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG: How to Replace Headlight Bulbs

Replacing a headlight bulb is one of the simplest tasks you can perform for your Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This how-to will show you just how easy it is.

By Jared Hammond - May 4, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG (2002-2009).

It's a fact that within the lifetime of your car, the headlight bulbs are going to burn out. Don't just wait for the dealership to change it for you. Changing a headlight bulb is easy; simply follow the instructions below to replace a faulty headlight on your Mercedes-Benz E-Class or E-Class AMG.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement H7 halogen bulb or D2S/D1S xenon bulb
  • Lint-free cloth or gloves

Be aware of which bulb(s) you are replacing and that you have the correct wattage replacement bulb(s). Make sure that the car and lights are off before you begin. If the lights were on for awhile, then give them time to cool off because those bulbs can get really hot.

Step 1 – Remove the cover to the headlight assembly

When you're ready to begin, open the hood and take a look at the back of the headlight assembly. There should be a cap cover you can untwist and remove.

Pro Tip

There's not much space to work inside the engine compartment. You may have to remove some components in order to access the back of the headlight assembly.

Figure 1. Remove the cap at the back of the headlight assembly.

Step 2 – Remove the old headlight bulb

With the cover off you should be able to see the back of the bulb socket. Turn this a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it out. When it's out, go ahead and disconnect the electrical connector. The bulb is held by a metal retaining clip. Push on the tabs of the clip to release it and remove the bulb.

Figure 2. Halogen bulb and retaining clip.

Step 3 – Install new headlight bulb

To install the new bulb, simply perform the reverse steps. Press it into the metal retaining clip until the spring snaps into place. Plug in the electrical connector. Then, return the bulb and socket to the headlight assembly. Twist the socket to lock it into place and return the cap cover to the back of the headlight assembly. Return anything you had to remove in order to access the back of the headlight assembly. Go ahead and test out your new lights. If you're having problems, then it's probably the bulb that's the issue more than anything else.

Pro Tip

Whenever you're handling headlight bulbs, it's very important that you don't actually touch the bulb with your skin. Hold it with a lint-free cloth or wear disposable gloves as you're installing the new bulb. This is because when the bulb heats up, anything on the bulb's surface, including oil and grease from your hands, will boil and break the bulb.

Figure 3. Halogen headlights on a 2009 E-Class.

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