Buy Mercedes-Benz A250 Headlight Assembly

Snapshot

The Mercedes-Benz A250 headlight-also called the head lamp, front light, or headlight assembly-lights the road, signals to others, and houses advanced safety tech such as Adaptive High-Beam Assist (Mercedes-Benz Greenway). It can use halogen H7 bulbs, HID (xenon) capsules like D3S, or full LED "High-Performance" modules, depending on model year and option package (Parramatta Smash Repairs, MB World). Modern LED units last up to 30 000 hours, far longer than halogen's 1 000 hours or HID's 2 000-3 000 hours (Carlightvision, GoRECON, HowStuffWorks). Properly aimed lamps improve night vision and help the A-Class earn top crash-test scores from Euro NCAP (Euro NCAP).

Fit & Function

• Low-beam and high-beam: The reflector or projector inside creates two beams; the low beam cuts glare, while the high beam reaches farther (FORVIA HELLA).
• Daytime running lights (DRL): LED strips stay on in daylight to make the car easier to see (Parramatta Smash Repairs).
• Housing materials: Clear polycarbonate lenses resist chips but can haze; built-in vents let moisture escape, which is why a little fog inside is normal (A Class Club).

Technology Options

• Halogen (H7): Simple and cheap but yellowish; many owners upgrade these bulbs for a whiter look (A Class Club).
• HID / Xenon (D3S): Brighter and bluer light, yet lamp life is only about 2 000-3 000 hours (GoRECON).
• LED High-Performance: Uses dozens of diodes, draws less power, and can steer the beam electronically (YouTube, Parramatta Smash Repairs).
• MULTIBEAM LED: Optional on later A-Class cars; 18+ individually controlled LEDs mask out oncoming traffic so drivers can keep high beam engaged (MB World).

Safety & Regulations

• FMVSS 108 (USA) and ECE R112 (global) set beam brightness, pattern, and marking rules (Federal Register, FORVIA HELLA).
• Markings: Look for an "E1" or similar code molded into the lens; it shows the lamp passed European tests (danielsternlighting.com, FORVIA HELLA).
• Legal LED retrofits: In many regions, swapping a halogen bulb for an aftermarket LED is not yet road-legal because the bulb lacks E-marking approval (autobulbsdirect.co.uk).

Lifespan & Maintenance

• LED modules: Average 30 000 hours; heat sinks and fans keep them cool (Carlightvision).
• HID capsules: About 2 500 hours before output fades (GoRECON).
• Halogen bulbs: Often burn out near 1 000 hours; oil from fingers shortens life, so handle with gloves (HowStuffWorks).
• Keep lenses clear: Wash with mild soap; UV sealant slows yellowing. Dry out condensation by parking in the sun or using a warm-air blower (A Class Club).

Common Issues

• Condensation: Brief fog is normal; persistent water may mean a blocked vent or cracked seal .
• Flicker on HID: Usually a weak ballast or worn capsule; replace in pairs to keep color even (GoRECON).
• LED error message: The car's bulb-monitor expects the load of a halogen lamp; a CAN-bus-friendly LED kit fixes it (A Class Club).

DIY Replacement

1. Turn front wheels outward for access.
2. Remove wheel-arch liner screws to reach the rear of the headlight (YouTube, YouTube).
3. Twist the bulb cover, unplug the harness, and swap the bulb; do not touch glass.
4. Re-fit the cover, liner, and screws.

Torque each housing bolt to factory spec (about 8 Nm; always confirm in your service guide) .

Beam Adjustment

• Park 7.6 m (25 ft) from a wall on level ground.
• Mark lamp centerlines with tape.
• Use the two white adjustment screws on top of the assembly-outer screw for height, inner for left/right-to aim so the cutoff falls just below the tape line (A Class Club, YouTube).
  Correct aim stops glare and preserves the A-Class five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (Euro NCAP).

Advanced Features

• Adaptive High-Beam Assist lowers part of the LED array around oncoming traffic while keeping distant zones brightly lit (Mercedes-Benz Greenway).
• Cornering lamps add extra light at low speed when you turn the wheel or signal (Parramatta Smash Repairs).
• Auto-leveling sensors adjust beam height when the car is loaded, maintaining legal aim (FORVIA HELLA).

Compatibility

The A250 uses the same basic head-lamps as other W176 A-Class models built 2013-2018; later W177 cars have a reshaped LED unit with more pixels. Always match the build year and lighting package (halogen, HID, or LED) before ordering a replacement housing (Parramatta Smash Repairs, MB World).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb type does the halogen A250 use for low beam?
A: H7 55 W halogen is standard for dipped-beam on W176 models (A Class Club).

Q: How long should the factory LED headlight last?
A: About 30 000 hours-roughly the life of the car for most drivers (Carlightvision).

Q: Why does my lamp fog up after rain?
A: Vent holes let moisture out, but temperature swings can make temporary mist; it clears once the housing warms up (A Class Club).

Q: Is it legal to fit aftermarket LED bulbs in my halogen housing?
A: Many regions say no, because the bulb lacks E-mark approval, so you could fail inspection (autobulbsdirect.co.uk).

Q: What does the "E1" code on the lens mean?
A: It shows the headlight met German ECE tests and is road-legal across Europe (FORVIA HELLA).

Q: How bright are the LED High-Performance headlights?
A: Tests show they light more than 100 m of road while using less power than halogens (YouTube).

Q: Can I keep high beam on without blinding others?
A: Yes-Adaptive High-Beam Assist automatically dips only the area with oncoming cars (Mercedes-Benz Greenway).

Q: What maintenance can I do to stop yellowing lenses?
A: Wash regularly, apply UV-protective polish twice a year, and park in shade when possible; this slows haze build-up (A Class Club).

Q: How do I know if my HID bulbs are worn out?
A: Color shifts toward purple and brightness drops; most D3S capsules fade noticeably after 2 500 hours (GoRECON).

Q: Do headlights affect crash-test ratings?
A: Yes-good lighting helps drivers avoid hazards, contributing to the A-Class five-star Euro NCAP score (Euro NCAP).

Q: What screws adjust beam aim?
A: Two white hex screws on top of each assembly-outer for vertical, inner for horizontal (A Class Club).

Q: Can condensation damage the electronics?
A: Short-term fog is harmless; standing water can corrode boards, so fix leaks quickly (A Class Club).

Q: How can I dry out a foggy lamp?
A: Remove the bulb cover and use a warm hair dryer or park in direct sun; moisture vents out in minutes .

Q: Will HID capsules fit an LED housing?
A: No-each housing is designed for a specific light source; mixing types harms optics and breaks the law (FORVIA HELLA).

Q: Does changing bulbs void warranty?
A: Using parts that meet ECE or FMVSS standards keeps warranty intact; illegal retrofits could cause claims to be denied (Federal Register).

By understanding these details, you can choose, maintain, and aim your A250 head-lamp for the best light and safety on every drive.