Fog Light Bulb

Replace the fog light bulb assembly by accessing through the wheel well liner in the front bumper area of the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• H11 Fog Light Bulb × 1 — Use OEM specification or H11 55W halogen

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Turn off fog lights and all lighting systems.
3. Allow fog lights to cool for at least 15 minutes if recently used.
4. Turn steering wheel fully to the opposite side of the fog light being replaced (turn right to access left fog light, turn left to access right fog light).
5. If desired, slightly raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands for improved access, though not required for most technicians.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access wheel well liner
   Locate the wheel well liner behind the front tire. Identify the T20 or T25 Torx screws securing the forward portion of the wheel well liner to the front bumper. There are typically 3-4 fasteners in the front section near the fog light area.
2. 2

   Remove wheel well liner fasteners
   Remove the forward T20/T25 Torx screws from the wheel well liner. You do not need to remove the entire liner, only the front portion that allows access to the fog light housing. Carefully pull back the liner to create adequate working space.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Locate fog light housing
   Using a work light, locate the fog light housing mounted in the lower front bumper area. The housing is accessible from behind once the wheel well liner is pulled back. The H11 bulb socket is connected to the rear of the fog light housing.
4. 4

   Disconnect bulb connector
   Reach behind the fog light housing and locate the electrical connector attached to the bulb socket. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect the wiring harness from the bulb socket. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
5. 5

   Remove bulb socket
   Grasp the bulb socket firmly and rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until it releases from the fog light housing. Pull the socket and bulb assembly straight out from the housing. Note the orientation of the socket for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Replace fog light bulb
   Remove the old H11 bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out. Using nitrile gloves or a clean cloth, insert the new H11 bulb into the socket without touching the glass portion. Ensure the bulb is fully seated in the socket with the tabs aligned properly.
   ⚠Handle new bulb only by the plastic base. Skin oils on the glass will create hot spots and cause premature bulb failure.
7. 7

   Reinstall bulb socket
   Insert the bulb socket assembly back into the fog light housing, aligning the tabs correctly. Rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until the socket locks into place with a positive click. Gently tug on the socket to verify it is securely locked.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the bulb socket until it clicks into place. Ensure the connection is fully seated and the locking tab engages properly. Give a gentle tug to confirm secure connection.
9. 9

   Test fog light operation
   Before reassembling the wheel well liner, turn the ignition to position II (on) and activate the fog lights to verify proper operation of the new bulb. Check that the light illuminates correctly and is aimed properly.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position the wheel well liner back into its original location. Reinstall all T20/T25 Torx screws in the forward section. Torque the cover screws to specification. Ensure the liner is properly seated and all fasteners are secure.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheel well liner fasteners are tightened to 15.0 Nm (11.0 lb-ft) specification.
2. Verify the wheel well liner is properly positioned and does not rub on the tire during steering.
3. If vehicle was raised, carefully lower from jack stands and remove supports.

Verification

• Turn ignition to position II and activate fog lights to confirm proper operation.
• Verify both fog lights illuminate with equal brightness if both were serviced.
• Check fog light aim - the light pattern should be low and wide, not aimed upward into oncoming traffic.
• Perform a brief test drive and verify fog lights function normally during vehicle operation.
• Inspect wheel well liner for proper fitment with no rubbing or loose fasteners.

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