C207 main beam bulb fitting idiocy

[Jodyonekenobi]

Take the wheel and the wheel arch liner out and they’re right there

As it’s the main beam though, I’m not sure that’ll help much? The access panel is canted into the engine bay and a little upwards. I’ll have a look though and wheels off if need be, thanks.

 

[Jodyonekenobi]

I finally got around to facing the challenge of these bulbs today. In short, they went in fine. I didn’t take any photos, but the fitting is the same as seen on this page:

http://www.paul-lee.co.uk/automobile/replacing-a-class-2012-onwards-w176/

With decent light and a mirror, I could see how the bayonet worked. From the scratches on the bayonet "tabs" (in the photo below), I gambled that a slight tweak with pliers would allow them to slide under the capturing nuts (with the torx head in the photos). Said tweak wasn’t easy because the leads are short enough that everything has to be done an inch from the headlamp, but it’s possible. Once tweaked, they engaged perfectly. Finally!

It’s hard not to see it as a deficient design in comparison with the traditional sprung wire lever that they used to use. I guess it might be a few per cent cheaper.

 

[LostKiwi]

Same fitting as W210. Not the easiest to get in straight....