Expert: Mike Evans - 4/2/2010

Question
I have a 94 mercedes c180 in dire need of new headlights.  I have the new bulbs but I am without the owners manual.  I was curious as to how to change them and if its an easy job or if its lamp sealed?  Any help would be great because over here in Italy they would charge too much for something so small.  Thanks.

Answer
    This is an easy chore.  Under the hood, directly behind the headlamp assembly, is a small, gray plastic cover.  It protects the headlamp bulb.  Swing this out of the way and you will see the plug, which simply pulls off the back of the bulb.  There is a little spring clip holding the bulb into the housing; use a flashlight to see up close how it is fastened.  Unsnapping the clip is very simple; then you can withdraw the bulb and replace it with the new one.  You must be careful not to touch the glass (actually quartz) envelope around the filament; oil from the fingers can cause it to break when it gets hot.  Just reverse the process and you're done.  If the headlamp assembly's lens has become clouded you can polish it back to clear with plastic polish available at any parts store.