Headlight Bulbs - Pair

Replace both headlight bulbs on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, requiring access through the wheel wells and partial removal of the front wheel arch liners.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• D2S Xenon bulb (left) × 1 — D2S HID bulb, 85V 35W
• D2S Xenon bulb (right) × 1 — D2S HID bulb, 85V 35W

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off ignition and remove key
3. Allow headlights to cool if recently used (minimum 10 minutes)
4. Open hood for battery access
5. Turn front wheels fully outward (left wheel left for driver side, right wheel right for passenger side) to maximize wheel well access

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Locate the battery in the engine bay. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative terminal bolt and remove the cable from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove front wheel arch liner fasteners
   Working in the front wheel well, locate the forward section of the wheel arch liner. Remove the T25 Torx screws securing the liner to the bumper and fender (typically 4-5 screws per side). Carefully pull the liner back to expose the rear of the headlight assembly.
3. 3

   Access headlight bulb access cover
   Behind the headlight assembly, locate the round plastic access cover for the low beam bulb (D2S xenon). The cover is approximately 4 inches in diameter with a quarter-turn lock mechanism. On ACI-equipped headlights, this is the center bulb position.
4. 4

   Remove bulb access cover
   Rotate the access cover counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees until it releases. Pull the cover straight out from the headlight housing. Set aside in a clean location.
5. 5

   Disconnect bulb electrical connector
   Locate the D2S bulb igniter unit attached to the base of the bulb. Press the release tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
   ⚠The igniter contains capacitors that may retain charge. Wait 30 seconds after disconnecting battery before handling.
6. 6

   Remove bulb retaining clip
   The D2S bulb is secured by a wire retaining clip. Press down on the clip and rotate it outward to release it from the retention hooks. Swing the clip completely out of the way.
7. 7

   Extract old bulb
   Carefully pull the D2S bulb straight out from the reflector housing. The bulb has alignment tabs that only allow removal in the correct orientation. Do not twist or force. Place the old bulb in protective packaging for disposal.
8. 8

   Install new bulb
   Wearing nitrile gloves or handling the new D2S bulb only by its metal base, align the tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the reflector housing. Insert the bulb straight in until it seats fully against the rubber seal. Ensure the bulb is seated completely before proceeding.
   ⚠️Never touch the glass portion of the xenon bulb. Use gloves or handle only the metal base.
9. 9

   Secure bulb retaining clip
   Swing the wire retaining clip back over the bulb base and press it into the retention hooks. Ensure the clip is fully engaged and holding the bulb firmly in place.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the bulb igniter unit until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body (not wires).
11. 11

    Reinstall access cover
    Align the access cover with the headlight housing opening and insert it fully. Rotate clockwise approximately 45 degrees until it locks into place.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Complete steps 2 through 11 for the opposite headlight assembly, turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction for optimal wheel well access.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel arch liners
    Position the wheel arch liners back into their original locations. Install and tighten all T25 Torx screws to secure the liners to the bumper and fender.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the connection is clean and secure.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Return steering wheel to center position
2. Verify all wheel arch liner fasteners are installed and tight
3. Ensure no tools or parts remain in wheel wells or engine bay
4. Close hood securely

Verification

• Turn ignition to position II (without starting engine) and activate headlights to verify both bulbs illuminate properly
• Check for proper low beam operation on both sides
• Verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster related to headlight malfunction
• If equipped with headlight washers, test to ensure spray pattern is not obstructed by liner
• Test Active Curve Illumination function by turning steering wheel lock-to-lock with headlights on to confirm proper operation

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