How to de-pin Xenon ballast connector (4-pin)

I'm having some trouble getting the pins out of these connectors in order to thread them through the holes in the front tub. I've found pics online that show pretty clearly that the connectors can be de-pinned, but I think Im missing something. I've gotten the internal pieces of the connectors out easily (just a little tab you lift up on), but it seems to do nothing to the pins. I've got a pin tool (Lisle 56500), but it also seems to have no impact on it. I don't want to break the connectors. Anyone done this?

Few thoughts that might help, 1) Those pins CAN be extracted (sometimes knowing something can be done provides the confidence to do something.) 2) there are retaining clips on both sides of the pin. Both need to be disengaged in order to extract the pin. 3) if you've been pulling on the pin, the retaining clips might be tightly wedged into place. Push the pin back in. That'll make it easier to position the pin tool to disengage the clips. 4) The pin tool needs to be pushed as far in as possible to disengage those retaining clips WHILE you are pushing the pin in. Once your tool disengages the clips, the pin will slide right out.

Squeeze the tips of the extractor tools in a little bit to give better engagement. Keep at it, it's not easy.

Just tried the following: -push pins up from behind both before and while using the tool -pinch tool in (keep it as close to the outside of the "clamping" part of the pin as possible to try and force it between the pin and the locking tabs) -rock the tool back and forth to try and catch it between one tab or another So far no luck, It honestly feels like the tool is bottoming out on the plastic housing, and not actually engaging the pin's latch at all. I've tried on all 8, same result. Looking down the pins with a light doesn't reveal much since its so small unfortunately, so I can't verify this. Wondering if the tips of the tool aren't sharp enough to fit between the tabs and the housing?

At this point Im going to assume I wont be able to get these connectors off, and rather than ruining the harness, I'm figuring I can just buy new connectors. So far as I can tell, they have a Mercedes part # of 1685450528 and a Kostal OEM part # of A09 4414 07. I can't find them listed by the Kostal # anywhere. Any ideas? Mouser has a similar, but not identical, rounded connector, and Pelican used to carry the Mercedes part, but its now listed as discontinued. EDIT: Found it on Mouser, here it is https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...7jV3vDBQ%3D%3D . I'm just going to order 2 and cut the connectors apart with sidecutters if I cant get the pins out the right way. I already put a hairline crack in one trying to rock the tool back and forth, so I'm really not sure these are meant to come apart once they go together. This tool certainly isn't the right one for the job...