Headlight Switch

[johnm]

 Appreciate if someone can tell me how to remove the plastic part of the headlight switch on my 1970 280SL. it appears you may be able to pull is straight off but I want to be sure before I attempt disassembly. Thanks.. John

[Jonny B]

I tried using the "Search" tab, with the string - headlight switch removal, and got two hits, indicating the way to do it is to pull it off. One was for a 230 SL and no reference was made on the other post.

[waltklatt]

Quite simple to remove the black plastic knob.
cover the switch handle with a thick rag or piece of leather. Place plier jaws over the rag or leather and sqeeze(not too hard) and pull away from dash perpendicular like.
Chrome bezel has two small notches, use a screwdriver with a thick blade that fits one of these notches and twist off in usual counter clockwise motion to unscrew.
Black plastic rectangle for 280SLs should be free to remove.  Care not to snap in half at the top and bottom, where plastic is the thinnest.
Maybe hair dryer for a few minutes till warm should work.
Watch how the switch bulk behind the dash is oriented with the punchout on the dash.
This should be the trick.
Walter

[wwheeler]

As cheap as those knobs are, I would be tempted to replace with a new one. As they age, they become brittle and will break. Plus, a new one is easier to install.

If you are a dentist, this should be a snap.

[johnm]

Excellent... Thanks very much for this.
John