How do you replace the headlight bulb located on a 1998 Mercedes c230?

Answer 1

Remove the plastic access panel by pressing down on the tab at the top of the penel and pulling the top of the panel towards the engine and off. Needle nose pliers may help with the next steps to remove the spring clips. There are 2 bulbs, the top large bulb is the low beam. To remove it, first remove the socket attached to it, then press the top of the metal spring clip towards the front of the car and towards the passenger side (look closely at the clip to see the latch holding it. The clip then swings back towards the engine. Remove the old bulb, install the new bulb, replace the spring clip, re-connect the socket. (Don't touch the bulb, if you do clean it off with a lint free cloth and alcohol). To replace the lower bulb (parking light), remove the socket, then release the lower end of the spring clip, look closely and you'll see the latch holding it. You have to press it towards the front of the car and swing it towards the passenger side. It will swing up and release the bulb. Replace with new bulb, replace spring clip, connect socket. Don't forget to replace the plastic cover panel by inserting the bottom tabs into the sockets and snapping it closed at the top by pressing it towards the front of the car. Open up the hood, and go in behind the fixture where the light is located. Sometimes there is an access panel on top. Open it and reach down inside and grab the bulb's socket. Twist the socket a quarter turn counter clockwise, and pull out the socket. Grab the bulb, and pull it straight out. To replace the new bulb, never touch it with your bare fingers, as this will greatly shorten the bulb's life, if it even work's at all. Use a tissue or something else in that order to handle the new bulb. Push the new bulb into the socket, put the socket back into the housing, and twist a quarter turn clockwise to secure the socket into the fixture.

Addendum: Make sure NOT to completely remove the metal latch holding the socket and light in the hole; just unlatch it and swing it back. If the two prongs at the bottom come out of their holes it is difficult to get them back in, especially with the extremely limited space in that location.