Bull bar removal - is there a knack
Nice and sunny today so I thought ideal opportunity to replace the cracked headlamp on my G.
The problem is that it seems as though I need to remove or hopefully just fold down the bulbar to get the headlamp surround out of the way (if it wasn't for the headlamp washer hose then the surround would squeeze out OK) .
I thought I could just remove the bolts above the bumper and to either side of the bulbar bracket and the bullbar would then fold forward and out of the way. The nuts come off easily enough but the bolts won't retract because there's a round thing "inside" the bracket stopping them.
What's the secret?
MOT due next Monday so hope to solve this problem before then.
Apologies that 2 of the pictures are sideways on.
error
look at the tools that came with the car, amongst them you should find a tool for lowering the bullbar into a horizontal [dead animal] carrying position, this will give you access to the lights. If you haven't got this, its actually easier to tale off the bumper complete than to try and remove the bullbar
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/g-class/1710465-how-do-you-dismantle-g-b...
the tool looks like this
http://offroad-world.com/shop/en/tools/342/werkzeug-fuer-bullfaenger-w46...
hi
probably not the solution but I have an adjustable key for my angle grinder that cost less than a tenner and ok only has two pins on it but it might just be worth a try ?
two bolts each side but with the bullbar its very heavy so put a jack or blocks underneath or ask a friend to help, you'll need to disconnect the fog lights too
Just realised that I then have another problem.
I was hoping that IF I remove the complete bumper with bull bar attached I can then change over the headlamps but in order to adjust aim of headlamps I need to replace the bumper/bull bar without the headlamp surround, then remove the bumper/bull bar in order to replace the headlamp surround.
That's an awful lot of bolting/unbolting etc.
I'm going to give my local MB dealer a call in the morning to see if they can sell me a proper tool which would make the whole job a lot simpler. From past experience they are not likely to know what I'm talking about.
Does anyone know what the correct MB part number is? I've attached a picture of what the part looks like in case that helps.
Just curious as will be doing all this soon myself (minus the bullbar) why will you need to refit the bumper to adjust the headlight?
Tom
Some dealers won't sell you tools annoyingly, unless you vat registered, others don't seem to mind! Can you not use something to make a mould ,imprint, then get something bodged up? Or does it appear very tight?
Just curious as will be doing all this soon myself (minus the bullbar) why will you need to refit the bumper to adjust the headlight?
Wouldn't be a problem without the bullbar as then it's very easy to remove the headlamp surround which you have to do to get to the 2 headlamp adjusting screws.
My worry is that to adjust the headlamp properly I should have the bumper and bullbar in place because together they weigh such a lot , if I set the headlamp and then add the bumper/bullbar their weight is going to change the headlamp aim.
Or maybe I'm wrong.
If I can find a bullbar tool then again, no problem, as the bullbar folds forward, remove the headlamp surround and then fold the bullbar back up again.
Dealer will sell you this as its an accessory....
Wrench for brush guard
G463 G460
B6 688 0114
Not sure they will have stock even at MBUK though...
Mark where are you, sure other member have one you could borrow, i know of 2 down south but depends where you are!
Gav
£16.70 + vat from MBUK
None at MBUK however Germany have 25
Inchcape Oxford OX5 1HT are showing one?
01865 371011
Hi Gav,
Brilliant - many thanks.
Is that B6 688 0114 definitely the same as the item in the picture? If so, I'' give Inchcape in Oxford a call and see if they can get it to me before the weekend.
I'm halfway between Brighton and Eastbourne. MB in Eastbourne say no such tool on their system (although that was before you supplied the part number).
Mark
Many thanks to all - especially Gav for the part number and the tip about Inchcape in Oxford who did indeed have one on the shelf. It is now on its way to me and should be here tomorrow in time for me to change the headlamp for the MOT test on Monday.
Once again many thanks to all.
Unfortunately the "special tool" has still not arrived. Now turns out that MB Oxford sent it by Parcelforce despite me saying it was urgently needed and I was happy to pay for next day delivery.
Anyway, passed MOT today with no advisories and they said it "was very nice all over". 
Can now wait for a decent, dry day to change over headlamp unit and sort out flapping wing mirror (Oh to have a garage with a higher entrance) 
.
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Many thanks for swift response.
Unfortunately the previous owner didn't think to include that handy little tool and that one you supplied the link to is in Germany so not likely to get that before the weekend - although I guess I should look at getting one for future use.
Taking the whole bumper off seems pretty drastic. Had a quick look - is it just a case of undoing 2 bolts (one each side)? Then there is a similar kind of problem as headlamp surround - cables to spot/fog lights and there seems to be a vacuum hose or washer hose going to the back of each fog lamp, what are those doing? Bit worried that if I unbolt bumper it will slide off and pull out those cables/hoses.
Mark