Fog Light Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front fog light assembly on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including accessing the fog light housing from the wheel well.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fog light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fog light bulb H11 55W × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent
• Wheel well liner clips (if damaged) × 5 — Mercedes push-type fasteners

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off ignition and ensure fog lights have cooled completely
3. Turn steering wheel fully to opposite side of fog light being replaced for easier access
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at proper lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side requiring fog light replacement using 17mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel well liner fasteners
   Locate the plastic wheel well liner in the front section of the wheel arch. Remove the T25 Torx screws and push-pin fasteners securing the front portion of the liner. You will need to remove approximately 5-7 fasteners to create enough access. Use flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry out push-pin fasteners without breaking them.
2. 2

   Pull back wheel well liner
   Carefully pull back the front section of the wheel well liner to expose the rear of the fog light housing. You may need to flex the liner outward and secure it temporarily with tape or a bungee cord to maintain access. The fog light housing will be visible behind the bumper cover.
3. 3

   Disconnect fog light electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the back of the fog light assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the fog light socket. On the S65 AMG, this connector may have a secondary locking tab that must be lifted before the main connector can be released.
4. 4

   Remove fog light mounting fasteners
   The fog light assembly is secured by three T30 Torx screws or 8mm bolts depending on production date. Remove all mounting fasteners while supporting the fog light housing with your other hand to prevent it from falling. Note the position of any alignment tabs or brackets.
5. 5

   Extract fog light assembly
   Carefully pull the fog light assembly rearward through the opening in the bumper structure. You may need to angle it slightly to clear the mounting tabs. If the fog light is stuck, check for any remaining fasteners or clips. Remove the assembly from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Transfer bulb or install new assembly
   If replacing only the housing, remove the bulb from the old assembly by rotating the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees and pulling it out. Install the bulb into the new fog light housing by inserting and rotating clockwise until it locks. If installing a new bulb, handle only by the base and avoid touching the glass envelope.
7. 7

   Install new fog light assembly
   Position the new fog light assembly into the bumper opening, ensuring any alignment tabs or locating pins are properly seated. Insert the mounting fasteners and hand-tighten them in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the housing against the bumper structure.
8. 8

   Tighten fog light mounting fasteners
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the fog light mounting fasteners to 8.0 Nm (6 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Do not overtighten as this can crack the plastic housing or distort the lens alignment. Verify the fog light housing sits flush with the bumper cover.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the fog light socket until you hear and feel it click into place. If equipped with a secondary lock, ensure it is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely attached.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position the wheel well liner back into its original location. Install all T25 Torx screws and push-pin fasteners, ensuring the liner sits flush against the body and does not interfere with suspension or steering components. Replace any damaged fasteners with new clips.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug bolts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque the lug bolts to Mercedes-Benz specification of 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheel well liner fasteners are properly secured and liner does not contact moving components
2. Verify fog light housing is flush with bumper cover and properly aligned
3. Double-check electrical connector is fully seated with locking tab engaged

Verification

• Turn ignition to position II and activate fog lights using the light switch to verify operation
• Visually inspect both fog lights are illuminated with equal brightness and proper beam pattern
• Walk around vehicle to confirm fog light is properly aligned and flush with bumper surface
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify wheel well liner does not contact tire or suspension components
• Test drive vehicle and verify fog light remains functional with no flickering or warning messages on instrument cluster

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