[billakers2]

Hi all, new member here. I have a 2010 W212 E-350 with build 608 and 615 Bi-xenon with curvelight technology. About July I got "Adaptive high beam assist inoperative" alert on dash on several occasions. I later realized that the driver-side headlight would shut down after 30 seconds of turning on. After several weeks of searching the internet I determined that the command module or computer shuts down the bi-xenon bulb if the motor controlling the high beam "hood" malfunctions. I found youtube videos on separating the clear lens from the headlight body and also repairing the motor. This seemed like a good alternative to the $3000+ MB dealership cost to replace the light. My problem is and hence my question: my clear lens will not separate with a heat gun no matter how much heat I apply, so is this a newer type of non-heat sensitive glue and if so, what are my options at this point. I can't believe it's going to cost this much for one headlight and in a few months if the other one goes out it will cost more than the car is worth.

 

[CetiAlpha5]

Hi all, new member here. I have a 2010 W212 E-350 with build 608 and 615 Bi-xenon with curvelight technology. About July I got "Adaptive high beam assist inoperative" alert on dash on several occasions. I later realized that the driver-side headlight would shut down after 30 seconds of turning on. After several weeks of searching the internet I determined that the command module or computer shuts down the bi-xenon bulb if the motor controlling the high beam "hood" malfunctions. I found youtube videos on separating the clear lens from the headlight body and also repairing the motor. This seemed like a good alternative to the $3000+ MB dealership cost to replace the light. My problem is and hence my question: my clear lens will not separate with a heat gun no matter how much heat I apply, so is this a newer type of non-heat sensitive glue and if so, what are my options at this point. I can't believe it's going to cost this much for one headlight and in a few months if the other one goes out it will cost more than the car is worth.

I thought the normal procedure was to bake them in an oven to get it all to loosen at the same time.

 

[billakers2]

I thought the normal procedure was to bake them in an oven to get it all to loosen at the same time.

Yes, that is one of 2 options. However, the oven method is riskier so I decided on the heat gun since I had more control with it. The heat gun produces 1000 degree F heat - I went halfway around the headlight and could never spread the opening 1/10 of a millimeter even with the use of shims. So, I'm wondering if MB has used a newer or different glue. I haven't found anybody who knows this for sure. Also, I have searched the Hella and MB online parts sites and nothing comes up for the part# on the back of my headlight(A 212 820 5161 kz). Thanks for replying.

 

[CetiAlpha5]

Those are typically aftermarket as MB just likes to sell you a new set of headlights. I've found sets on various places like aliexpress and eBay. I think your problem is probably the heat gun doesn't heat up all of it enough so you can just peel the whole thing back, half the glue is loose and the other half isn't. Most places that talk about replacing the covers talk about baking it in the oven.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804895445069.html

 

[billakers2]

Thanks so much, I think I'll try the oven fix. What do I have to lose!