Updated 2010 w221 taillights on older w221
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
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From: Orange County, CA
E350
No MB fan I personally know (myself included) likes the new 2010 tail lights. The '07-'09 tail lights were truly unique (at least in the U.S.). MB should have just stuck with the same tail light housing/pattern/style... and maybe change everything to LED (if that's what they wanted). 
The "painted-stripes" tail lights were the way to go IMO... looked so great and clean and sleek! I have not seen any other vehicle on the road with a tail light integrated with 2 color-matched laquer bars that truly integrates the tail light into the body of the vehicle. Very classy and sophisticated, and everyone can instantly tell it's a MB!
Now the S-Class has a huge red plastic tail light that looks overly-huge and doesn't blend with the car as well. It makes me think of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra (http://www.cautovillage.com/images/p...ai-Elantra.jpg) and other similar cars (there have been a few cars with similarly shaped 1-piece tail light in the past few years).
EDIT: To give MB some "credit" (if you can call it that), at least the 2010 S-Class's tail lights are SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER than the 2010 E-Class tail lights...
The "painted-stripes" tail lights were the way to go IMO... looked so great and clean and sleek! I have not seen any other vehicle on the road with a tail light integrated with 2 color-matched laquer bars that truly integrates the tail light into the body of the vehicle. Very classy and sophisticated, and everyone can instantly tell it's a MB!
Now the S-Class has a huge red plastic tail light that looks overly-huge and doesn't blend with the car as well. It makes me think of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra (http://www.cautovillage.com/images/p...ai-Elantra.jpg) and other similar cars (there have been a few cars with similarly shaped 1-piece tail light in the past few years).
EDIT: To give MB some "credit" (if you can call it that), at least the 2010 S-Class's tail lights are SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER than the 2010 E-Class tail lights...
Last edited by chokaay; Oct 12, 2009 at 03:08 PM.
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From: CT
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Tesla
No MB fan I personally know (myself included) likes the new 2010 tail lights. The '07-'09 tail lights were truly unique (at least in the U.S.). MB should have just stuck with the same tail light housing/pattern/style... and maybe change everything to LED (if that's what they wanted).
The "painted-stripes" tail lights were the way to go IMO... looked so great and clean and sleek! I have not seen any other vehicle on the road with a tail light integrated with 2 color-matched laquer bars that truly integrates the tail light into the body of the vehicle. Very classy and sophisticated, and everyone can instantly tell it's a MB!
Now the S-Class has a huge red plastic tail light that looks overly-huge and doesn't blend with the car as well. It makes me think of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra (http://www.cautovillage.com/images/p...ai-Elantra.jpg) and other similar cars (there have been a few cars with similarly shaped 1-piece tail light in the past few years).
The "painted-stripes" tail lights were the way to go IMO... looked so great and clean and sleek! I have not seen any other vehicle on the road with a tail light integrated with 2 color-matched laquer bars that truly integrates the tail light into the body of the vehicle. Very classy and sophisticated, and everyone can instantly tell it's a MB!
Now the S-Class has a huge red plastic tail light that looks overly-huge and doesn't blend with the car as well. It makes me think of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra (http://www.cautovillage.com/images/p...ai-Elantra.jpg) and other similar cars (there have been a few cars with similarly shaped 1-piece tail light in the past few years).
You nailed what the new lights look like, unfortunately.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Kuwait
2020 GLS 450
My 2008 S350 L is at the dealer here in Kuwait as we speak being fitted with the new front and back leds. Costs are 1000 USD for the rear tail lights. Front are 2000 USD each plus there is a chance i have to replace the light control module which will cost 600 USD. So total conversion costs 5000 USD without the LCM. FRONT and REAR bumpers do not need to replaced if your only changing the lights. Im still considering to replace the front and rear bumpers and side mirrors on my car ive seen two versions chrome on the non amg variants and no chrome on the amg kit. Conversion is cheaper than buying the new 2010. The Command upgrade for the dual screens will be too expensive to retrofit so i can live without it. Im keeping the car till the next major facelift 
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 184
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a car
I just got my 2010 taillights from sonicms. Gonna do a DIY soon. I only managed to open my trunk today and the carpet looks solid (unlike my old Lexus, I could rip apart the whole trunk in under 3 minutes). I will take a closer look when I have more time. But the 2010 taillights look a lot like the continental GT lights. Should be nice. Cost me a little over USD900.
By the way, if anyone has any DIY on removing the taillights I would appreciate it.
By the way, if anyone has any DIY on removing the taillights I would appreciate it.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 89
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From: NYC area
10 S550 4matic Palladium, 12 G550 Edition Select Silver, 10 BMW 128i Cabrio Blue Water
My 2008 S350 L is at the dealer here in Kuwait as we speak being fitted with the new front and back leds. Costs are 1000 USD for the rear tail lights. Front are 2000 USD each plus there is a chance i have to replace the light control module which will cost 600 USD. So total conversion costs 5000 USD without the LCM. FRONT and REAR bumpers do not need to replaced if your only changing the lights. Im still considering to replace the front and rear bumpers and side mirrors on my car ive seen two versions chrome on the non amg variants and no chrome on the amg kit. Conversion is cheaper than buying the new 2010. The Command upgrade for the dual screens will be too expensive to retrofit so i can live without it. Im keeping the car till the next major facelift
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
Attempting the rear light upgrade
I had an interesting experience trying to update the tail lights on my S550. I purchased the 2010 LED rear lights, installed them - they plugged right in. Every light in them worked, also no error codes where reported by the computer and no lamps were reported as not working. Everything seemed to work. However, after running the car & lights for roughly 20 minutes, the left rear running light and brake light shutdown. Turning the car off/on did not make a difference. After the car sat for about 2 hours, the left rear light started working again, but then shutdown again after about 20 minutes. Then the right rear light also faced the same issue. Turn signals still worked, and also the reverse gear lights did too. The fog light in the rear left light did not turn on at this point, also.
Is there a control module in the '07 S550 for the rear lights that isn't compatible with the 2010 LED lights? Can I do anything to resolve this issue?
Thanks in advance.
Check out the pics - picture on the bottom is how the car looked before the new lights. The new lights look incredible when working :-) Make the old lights look like a vintage, outdated piece...
Is there a control module in the '07 S550 for the rear lights that isn't compatible with the 2010 LED lights? Can I do anything to resolve this issue?
Thanks in advance.
Check out the pics - picture on the bottom is how the car looked before the new lights. The new lights look incredible when working :-) Make the old lights look like a vintage, outdated piece...
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
Curious - how much did you pay? I paid $430 USD a piece from a local dealer.
I just got my 2010 taillights from sonicms. Gonna do a DIY soon. I only managed to open my trunk today and the carpet looks solid (unlike my old Lexus, I could rip apart the whole trunk in under 3 minutes). I will take a closer look when I have more time. But the 2010 taillights look a lot like the continental GT lights. Should be nice. Cost me a little over USD900.
By the way, if anyone has any DIY on removing the taillights I would appreciate it.
By the way, if anyone has any DIY on removing the taillights I would appreciate it.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
a car
Uh oh....are you serious? I just installed mine....took like 10 min each side, everything turns on just fine so I didn't bother waiting 20 min to see if something would go wrong....By the way, are the leds toward the middle section of the taillamp supposed to turn on? Coz mine only turns on at the bottom.
Seriously, for such a simple mod, car feels new all over again.
Seriously, for such a simple mod, car feels new all over again.
Last edited by vintagefefe; Oct 17, 2009 at 01:06 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
Yeah, big bummer. Can you go drive around at night for a half hour and check if the running light/brake circuit is working correctly? Maybe I have a defective LCM... Here is a pic of what they should look like while on (when they do work).
Next step for me is going to a local guy that thinks he can play with some software settings I guess on the LCM to make them work. I should have some more info some time next week. Let me know if you see any problems.
Also, I see you've updated your exhaust and rear bumper valance - is that a true S63 exhaust? If not, what did you use? I'm trying to track down some S65 tips, possibly even fabricate something similar. Not scared to do some sheetmetal work as you can tell by my chopper :-)
Next step for me is going to a local guy that thinks he can play with some software settings I guess on the LCM to make them work. I should have some more info some time next week. Let me know if you see any problems.
Also, I see you've updated your exhaust and rear bumper valance - is that a true S63 exhaust? If not, what did you use? I'm trying to track down some S65 tips, possibly even fabricate something similar. Not scared to do some sheetmetal work as you can tell by my chopper :-)
Uh oh....are you serious? I just installed mine....took like 10 min each side, everything turns on just fine so I didn't bother waiting 20 min to see if something would go wrong....By the way, are the leds toward the middle section of the taillamp supposed to turn on? Coz mine only turns on at the bottom.
Last edited by CL55_Serge; Oct 17, 2009 at 01:22 AM.
Senior Member
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Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
I don't remember, now that you mention it. What happens when you apply the brakes?
Did you test the car with the lights turned on for more than 20 mins/half hour? I'm dying to know if you have the same problem as me...
Did you test the car with the lights turned on for more than 20 mins/half hour? I'm dying to know if you have the same problem as me...
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Also, somehow get a pic of the back with the brake pedal depressed?
I've seen how the lights light up in person many times, so I'll try to help you see if it's working properly or not.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Still liking the OG's a lot more. More unique and defined. The new ones make the rear look like some extra pizzaz is missing. Of course I'm referring to the lights when not lit up, i.e simply the exterior look.
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Only the bottom 1/3 lights up with the lights on, then when you press the brake pedal, that same area becomes brighter by about 2-3x. That's it. The middle part doesn't light up.
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Also, I see you've updated your exhaust and rear bumper valance - is that a true S63 exhaust? If not, what did you use? I'm trying to track down some S65 tips, possibly even fabricate something similar. Not scared to do some sheetmetal work as you can tell by my chopper :-)
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
any issues so far? did you see the lights shutting down like mine or all is working like you mention below?
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
I'm told a new rear SAM (signal acquisition/activation module) that runs those lights is also needed. Retail cost in US is over $600. This came from a very credible source, bummer.
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Hey Serge,
I talked to Darwin over at Sonicms. He told me that he installed a couple of lights on a couple of S already (but they are late model, close to the facelift) and none of them reported back any flickering/dying problems with their new tails.
I talked to Darwin over at Sonicms. He told me that he installed a couple of lights on a couple of S already (but they are late model, close to the facelift) and none of them reported back any flickering/dying problems with their new tails.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
That's interesting information. Mine is a late '07, still two years away from facelift models. What is the manufacturing date of yours? Maybe I can get the rear SAM flashed to the latest model's firmware or something along these lines.
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Senior Member
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
