1995 E320 headlamp caught a rock
 

The front headlamp lens caught a rock and now has a hole in it. I haven't yet taken it apart. Is the front lens cover a separate unit, or do I need to replace the whole assembly (to the tune of $350!).

Be sure to put a piece of clear tape over the hole to prevent water from getting in and damaging the reflective surfaces.

Putting tape over the whole thing might be better in case it cracks into chunks and you drive over it.

Does this sites sponsor Peach Parts show this? Also, for used parts have a look at car-part.com it is a nation wide search of participating salvage yards.

If like my light, the head light glass can be purchased on thier own . Some have metal clips holding glass to the unit And some 4 clips built in to the light .If the plastic clips you need to take pessure off the glass as you remove it.I used a large clamp to pull it together .Then the clips are easy to spring off ,but go gently..

the glass lens can be bought separately and they are actually removable too without resorting to heat.

If you are ebaying the item then make sure the lens is for a LHD car. I have seen some sellers selling some headlamp lenses for supercheap money for other mercedes (W210 etc) which were RHD spec

Thanks, all... especially the tip on RHD. I got the plastic packaging tape over the hole, just in time before the big rains on Sunday. I'll try taking it apart this week to see what I need. I'm afraid of breaking the plastic tabs that hold the cover on the unit.

I hate plastic tabs on cars that break. It's as though the car was never meant to be taken apart or repaired.

Plastic tends to get brittle over time.

In general but not knowing your specific application. To get started on a large snap together object, try to gradually wedge something small under a row of tabs rather than just unsnapping one at a time. The one at a time generally works once parts are most of the way apart. Think about how it snaps together and work it backwards from there.

Most importantly, use the bathroom before working on something like this. The " I just want to get this apart " can creep up on you without realizing it causing the project to be rushed. ( Same goes for pulling glass and such. )