Headlight Bulb - Single

Replace a single headlight bulb (low beam or high beam) on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG by accessing the bulb housing from behind the headlight assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight bulb (D1S xenon or H7 halogen depending on position) × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify bulb type before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
2. Allow headlight assembly to cool for 15 minutes if recently operated
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to eliminate risk of electrical shock from xenon ballast
5. Put on nitrile gloves to prevent contamination of new bulb
6. Identify which bulb needs replacement (low beam D1S xenon is typically innermost, high beam is outer position)
7. Remove engine cover if necessary for better access to driver side headlight

Procedure

1. 1

   Access headlight bulb cover
   Locate the round or rectangular dust cover on the rear of the headlight assembly corresponding to the bulb position being replaced. The low beam cover is typically the larger center cover. Use a work light to improve visibility in the confined engine bay.
2. 2

   Remove bulb access cover
   Rotate the dust cover counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn to unlock it, then pull straight back to remove. On some positions, you may need to remove Torx T20 cover screws instead. Set the cover aside in a clean location.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect bulb electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the base of the bulb or ballast (for xenon bulbs). Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wiring harness. For xenon bulbs, you may need to disconnect the igniter module first by rotating counterclockwise and pulling away.
4. 4

   Remove bulb retaining mechanism
   For bulbs with a wire retaining clip, press the wire clip inward toward the housing and unhook it from the bulb base. For bulbs with a retaining ring, rotate the ring counterclockwise to unlock it. The M275 engine's tight packaging may require accessing from above and below simultaneously on the driver side.
   Torque spec

   Bulb Retaining Ring5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract old bulb
   Carefully pull the bulb straight out of the reflector housing. Avoid touching the reflector surface inside the housing. Note the orientation of the bulb base and any alignment tabs to ensure correct installation of the replacement bulb. Inspect the bulb socket for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Install new bulb
   Without touching the glass envelope, remove the new bulb from its protective packaging. Align the bulb base tabs with the slots in the reflector housing and insert the bulb straight in until it seats completely. Ensure the bulb is fully seated against the housing seal to prevent moisture intrusion.
7. 7

   Secure bulb retaining mechanism
   Reinstall the wire retaining clip by hooking it over the bulb base and snapping it into place, or rotate the retaining ring clockwise until it locks. Verify the bulb cannot be pulled out and is held firmly against the housing seal. If using torque wrench on retaining ring, apply 5.0 Nm.
   Torque spec

   Bulb Retaining Ring5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   For xenon bulbs, first reinstall the igniter module by aligning it and rotating clockwise until it locks. Then push the main electrical connector onto the bulb base until you hear and feel it click into place. Gently tug to verify secure connection.
9. 9

   Reinstall bulb access cover
   Position the dust cover over the opening, align any locating tabs, and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn to lock in place. If equipped with cover screws, install and torque to 15.0 Nm. Ensure the cover seal is properly seated to prevent moisture and dust entry.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if it was removed for access
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque ground bolt to 18.0 Nm if loosened
3. Close hood securely

Verification

• Turn ignition to position II (without starting engine) and activate headlights to verify new bulb illuminates properly
• Check that both low and high beam functions work correctly
• Verify no warning messages appear on instrument cluster regarding headlight malfunction
• Inspect for proper beam pattern - xenon bulbs may require 1-2 minutes to reach full brightness
• Ensure headlight cover is properly sealed with no gaps that could allow moisture entry
• For vehicles with active curve illumination, verify adaptive functions operate correctly by turning steering wheel while headlights are on

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle