DIY CLK Headlights

The Mercedes-Benz CLK is available in coupe and convertible form; it's a sporty two-door. The CLK's body style does not affect the headlight replacement procedure; it's the same for the coupe and the convertible. Do-it-yourself headlight replacement on the CLK is a fairly straightforward task, especially considering that no tools are necessary. The DIY replacement procedure is not applicable to models equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights; according to the CLK owner's manual, you should let your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer replace those lights.

Things You'll Need

  • Bulb H7 or H7-LL
  • Paper towel or lint-free cloth
  • Turn your headlight level dial to "0." This dial is located to the left of your steering wheel. Turn the ignition off and open the hood.

  • Access the rear part of the headlight lens. You'll find two black covers. The outside large cover is for the low-beam bulb; the inside small cover is for the high-beam bulb.

  • Remove the black cover associated with the headlight you are replacing by turning it counterclockwise to twist it off. Inside, you'll see the rear part of the bulb.

  • Grasp the rear part of the bulb and turn it about 1 inch counterclockwise to release it. Pull the bulb and socket out of the socket seat.

  • Wrap the glass in a paper towel or lint-free cloth and pull the glass bulb straight away from the socket.

  • Wrap the replacement bulb in a paper towel or lint-free cloth and insert it straight onto the bulb assembly. Do not touch the bulb with your bare fingers. Oil from your fingers will damage the bulb and reduce its life precipitously.

  • Insert the bulb and socket assembly back into the hole. Gently turn it clockwise about an inch to lock it. Place the black cover back onto the access hole; twist it clockwise.