Help the idiot change a bulb...please... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rbn3 · #1 08-11-2003, 05:57 PM

I've got a burned out headlamp on my '92 500e - easy to fix I figure so I open the hood and look - air intake (?) behind headlamp assembly, little twisty thing on top that looks like a release of some sort. OK, I check the manual. Very nice drawing of the assembly and how to change the bulb in the assembly but no tip on how to expose it. Remembering how my plumbing skills frequently make little leaks into big ones, I decided to not try random disassembly. Please give me a clue as to how to expose the assembly. Thanks!!!

Benzmeister · #2 08-11-2003, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbn3
I've got a burned out headlamp on my '92 500e - easy to fix I figure so I open the hood and look - air intake (?) behind headlamp assembly, little twisty thing on top that looks like a release of some sort. OK, I check the manual. Very nice drawing of the assembly and how to change the bulb in the assembly but no tip on how to expose it. Remembering how my plumbing skills frequently make little leaks into big ones, I decided to not try random disassembly. Please give me a clue as to how to expose the assembly. Thanks!!!

I don't know about your car, but my C280 passenger side is a bear to get to because of the airbox. My former ride a BMW Z3 you had to take the airbox to get to the bulbs. Sorry

rbn3 · #3 08-12-2003, 06:50 PM

Just release the air intake cowling after unplugging the sensor by gently pushing it back and down to release the two tabs at the bottom. Then the manual works - remove the housing cover for the main bulb by sliding it up, pull off the electrical connector, twist the retaining ring counter clock wise and remove, pull the bulb out, slide the new one in (flat side up) and reverse the above. Voila - two lights.

Richard Eldridge · #4 08-12-2003, 08:05 PM

I think you need to install the bulb wearing cloth gloves, since oil from your hands can cause the bulb go fffft! long before its time.

rbn3 · #5 08-12-2003, 08:09 PM

There's no need to touch the glass on the bulb as there's a huge plastic base. But the manual even covers that issue..

Benzmeister · #6 08-13-2003, 07:56 AM

I always wear microfiber gloves when I change holagen bulbs, got them from Griot's. Touching the bulb with bare fingers or even having first on them with shorten their life.

rbn3 · #7 08-13-2003, 10:33 AM

Grab the "bulb" by the black plastic part with your greased up meat hooks.

Gloves are 12.95 for 6, bulbs are $6 each. Gloves look like a nice way to dust, are washable, fit either hand and are white. Nice fashion statement at the very least and good advice to protect against accidental touch. But I've never had a replacement bulb burn out in less than 5 years in my very old cars. On the other hand I don't drive much and not much at night, and the 500e never sees the short days of winter.

Benzmeister · #8 08-13-2003, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbn3

<http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/P804022377OSR.JPG>
Grab the "bulb" by the black plastic part with you greased up meat hooks - click the link to see the bulb.

Gloves are 12.95 for 6, bulbs are $6 each. Gloves look like a nice way to dust, are washable, fit either hand and are white. Nice fashion statement at the very least and good advice to protect against accidental touch. But I've never had a replacement bulb burn out in less than 5 years in my very old cars. On the other hand I don't drive much and not much at night, and the 500e never sees the short days of winter.

The Microfiber Gloves are great to clean between slats in the vents, around the headlight switch, and other places. I also have a few different sizes of Microfiber, I get them at Bed. Bath and Beyound, there about Dish drying size and are half the price you pay at the auto parts outlets and a lot heavier material. Between the cloth and a Calfornia water blade, drying time is quick. Two great thing out of CA, Calfornia Water Blades and Dusters, don't you wish they could do that with their leaders?