securing the socket?
 

Replacing the city/parking bulb (H6W) on my 2001 E320 4matic,it seems there is no way to secure the bulb and socket into the receptacle. I'd guessed there would be a clip or a way to twist or thread it in,but not that I can see. (note: I'm NOT referring to securing the BULB into the socket; I asking about the SOCKET into the receptacle). Thanks for any help and advice!

It seems to me there is a tab on one side of the socket which engages into the headlamp, you insert the tab into a slot in the headlight, then twist once it is inserted far enough.

The tabs on the socket assembly have probably broken off. There is a socket kit you can get to repair this with. Part# 210 826 05 02. If you just remove the electrical parts from the plastic socket from the old and new parts you can replace the plastic part without having to mess with the wiring.

Aha...I think you're onto something! Looking closer at the sockets,I can see where some part of them may have broken off. Thanks very much for the tip! Now to see if I can locate the part without crawling to a dealer. I just bought the H6W bulb online for about $3.00..... the dealer wanted $13.!!!! for the same part.

Are you saying that I can just slide the black plastic off of the wires of the new part,then slide that onto the wires that are already in place at the headlight?? Thanks!

Socket
 

Yes, If you look at the side of the side of the plastic part there are two small openings at the securing tabs of the contacts. You push in on the securing tab gently with a small screw driver while pulling gently on the wire and the contact will come out of the housing.

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...psb24045f4.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...psc3cc7d6d.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...psc39b5d01.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...psfdb000ad.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...psfc68068e.jpg

Hopefully the photos will clear it up.
Also the part number I listed earlier is not correct. The correct number is 210 826 05 82.

Good luck, Robert

Robert......Thanks for your patience and your detailed reply,with all the pictures. Now I can order the parts with confidence. Can't beat this forum!
Thanks and Merry Christmas.