Official S-Class/W220 Style Taillights Thread
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Thanks for the offer CT 
. When I first bought this camera, it was so expensive, thinnest one on the market, 7.0 megapixels, etc, etc...Thought I was getting a good deal (especially cuz I just need a point and shoot). But if you're not holding it completely still and it can't auto focus the image. pictures come out horrible, especially night shots.
Anyways, at least these were better than my phone camera pix.
. When I first bought this camera, it was so expensive, thinnest one on the market, 7.0 megapixels, etc, etc...Thought I was getting a good deal (especially cuz I just need a point and shoot). But if you're not holding it completely still and it can't auto focus the image. pictures come out horrible, especially night shots.Anyways, at least these were better than my phone camera pix.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Yeah, I probably will. I was pre-warned about my camera prior to buying it that it took horrible night shots. Didn't realize how horrible until it was too late. Oh well.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
first things first, just a couple disclaimers: 1) I highly suggest doing each socket one at a time to be safe. 2) I highly suggest testing each 1157 socket (w/ a bulb and 9 volt battery) prior to tapping the sockets into the wiring. It's easy, put the positive wire on the positive terminal of the 9 volt battery and the negative wire on the negative terminal of the 9 volt battery. When you do this, the bulb should light up, which will help you determine which wire needs to be tapped where.
Okay, so this is a really rough sketch, but it explains what I need it to.
This is a mock up of the inside of the taillights both driver and passenger side.
+ = wire for dim lighting
++ = wire for bright lighting
- = ground
When you look at the sockets that are currently in the bottom of the taillight assemblies, you'll see that there are two wires connected to each socket. 1 for power, 1 for ground (these are 1156 sockets). The reason that all 4 sockets need to be replaced is solely to get the functionality of the rear foglight to work and at the same time have the running light on, while ultimately (when the rear foglight is not on) the running lights will all be the same light output and consistancy.
Now, as you can see, I have indicated where each wire from each socket should be connected to.
- The two dim wires on both 1157 sockets (+) should be intertwined and spliced into the power wire (associated with the outside running light) going to the connector.
- The bright wire (++) for the driver's inside socket should be tapped directly to the power wire for the inside running light (e.g. rear foglight). The same can be done for the passenger side, however, there is no functionality for the birght filament on the passenger side (w/ exception to I believe, Australia and one other country I can't remember).
- The Bright wire (++) for the outside socket does not need to be connected at all. You can add a barrel tap and close the end to make sure that it does not short anything. The ground wires (-) obviously should be spliced and tapped directly into the ground wires going to the connectors.
Okay, so this is a really rough sketch, but it explains what I need it to.
This is a mock up of the inside of the taillights both driver and passenger side.
+ = wire for dim lighting
++ = wire for bright lighting
- = ground
When you look at the sockets that are currently in the bottom of the taillight assemblies, you'll see that there are two wires connected to each socket. 1 for power, 1 for ground (these are 1156 sockets). The reason that all 4 sockets need to be replaced is solely to get the functionality of the rear foglight to work and at the same time have the running light on, while ultimately (when the rear foglight is not on) the running lights will all be the same light output and consistancy.
Now, as you can see, I have indicated where each wire from each socket should be connected to.
- The two dim wires on both 1157 sockets (+) should be intertwined and spliced into the power wire (associated with the outside running light) going to the connector.
- The bright wire (++) for the driver's inside socket should be tapped directly to the power wire for the inside running light (e.g. rear foglight). The same can be done for the passenger side, however, there is no functionality for the birght filament on the passenger side (w/ exception to I believe, Australia and one other country I can't remember).
- The Bright wire (++) for the outside socket does not need to be connected at all. You can add a barrel tap and close the end to make sure that it does not short anything. The ground wires (-) obviously should be spliced and tapped directly into the ground wires going to the connectors.
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 924
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09 c300 4matic
S Class tail lights
Needed some help in choosing which s class tails to pick out. Maybe one of you bought from the same seller?
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-03...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
Going for the non led version.
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-03...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
Going for the non led version.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
C3Twon AWD Jumpofffff
just go for the ones that are the cheapest... i went with non LED's also
they work well, the fit was nice too just make sure you check the sellers feedback and you should be ok the install is a joke
they work well, the fit was nice too just make sure you check the sellers feedback and you should be ok the install is a joke
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
2004.0 C230 Sedan
I purchased the LED tails, and I am very happy with them. They look great, and are very bright when you press the brakes. The only downfall with the LED's is that the LED's start burning out in about a year. Most of the people who buy the LED tails don't really care about them burning out, because at $140 a set, it is relatively cheap to buy a new pair.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
I purchased the LED tails, and I am very happy with them. They look great, and are very bright when you press the brakes. The only downfall with the LED's is that the LED's start burning out in about a year. Most of the people who buy the LED tails don't really care about them burning out, because at $140 a set, it is relatively cheap to buy a new pair.
There is also that vendor that is selling OEM style LED taillights, so I'm wondering how those will look also.
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Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Needed some help in choosing which s class tails to pick out. Maybe one of you bought from the same seller?
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-03...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
Going for the non led version.
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-03...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
Going for the non led version.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
first things first, just a couple disclaimers: 1) I highly suggest doing each socket one at a time to be safe. 2) I highly suggest testing each 1157 socket (w/ a bulb and 9 volt battery) prior to tapping the sockets into the wiring. It's easy, put the positive wire on the positive terminal of the 9 volt battery and the negative wire on the negative terminal of the 9 volt battery. When you do this, the bulb should light up, which will help you determine which wire needs to be tapped where.
Okay, so this is a really rough sketch, but it explains what I need it to.
This is a mock up of the inside of the taillights both driver and passenger side.
+ = wire for dim lighting
++ = wire for bright lighting
- = ground
When you look at the sockets that are currently in the bottom of the taillight assemblies, you'll see that there are two wires connected to each socket. 1 for power, 1 for ground (these are 1156 sockets). The reason that all 4 sockets need to be replaced is solely to get the functionality of the rear foglight to work and at the same time have the running light on, while ultimately (when the rear foglight is not on) the running lights will all be the same light output and consistancy.
Now, as you can see, I have indicated where each wire from each socket should be connected to.
- The two dim wires on both 1157 sockets (+) should be intertwined and spliced into the power wire (associated with the outside running light) going to the connector.
- The bright wire (++) for the driver's inside socket should be tapped directly to the power wire for the inside running light (e.g. rear foglight). The same can be done for the passenger side, however, there is no functionality for the birght filament on the passenger side (w/ exception to I believe, Australia and one other country I can't remember).
- The Bright wire (++) for the outside socket does not need to be connected at all. You can add a barrel tap and close the end to make sure that it does not short anything. The ground wires (-) obviously should be spliced and tapped directly into the ground wires going to the connectors.
Okay, so this is a really rough sketch, but it explains what I need it to.
This is a mock up of the inside of the taillights both driver and passenger side.
+ = wire for dim lighting
++ = wire for bright lighting
- = ground
When you look at the sockets that are currently in the bottom of the taillight assemblies, you'll see that there are two wires connected to each socket. 1 for power, 1 for ground (these are 1156 sockets). The reason that all 4 sockets need to be replaced is solely to get the functionality of the rear foglight to work and at the same time have the running light on, while ultimately (when the rear foglight is not on) the running lights will all be the same light output and consistancy.
Now, as you can see, I have indicated where each wire from each socket should be connected to.
- The two dim wires on both 1157 sockets (+) should be intertwined and spliced into the power wire (associated with the outside running light) going to the connector.
- The bright wire (++) for the driver's inside socket should be tapped directly to the power wire for the inside running light (e.g. rear foglight). The same can be done for the passenger side, however, there is no functionality for the birght filament on the passenger side (w/ exception to I believe, Australia and one other country I can't remember).
- The Bright wire (++) for the outside socket does not need to be connected at all. You can add a barrel tap and close the end to make sure that it does not short anything. The ground wires (-) obviously should be spliced and tapped directly into the ground wires going to the connectors.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
I'm actually more than happy to help people out with this for Best Buy Gift Card compensation
Of course, each person would be responsible for picking up 4 1157 sockets and 4 1157 bulbs on their own.Obviously, peeps who live in LA/OC area have it easy to ask me. People from cities further away would have to decide if it would really be worth it to them.
Someone has already asked me if I could do it for them, but considering the cost to ship the taillights to me and ship them back, I'd honestly say it wouldn't be worth it for you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
I'm actually more than happy to help people out with this for Best Buy Gift Card compensation
Of course, each person would be responsible for picking up 4 1157 sockets and 4 1157 bulbs on their own.Obviously, peeps who live in LA/OC area have it easy to ask me. People from cities further away would have to decide if it would really be worth it to them.
Someone has already asked me if I could do it for them, but considering the cost to ship the taillights to me and ship them back, I'd honestly say it wouldn't be worth it for you.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
How long is the drive to Connecticut from New York anyway?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
Traffic, maybe 1:30-2:00 hrs...
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
In all seriousness though, it wouldn't be worth paying for a round trip ticket for me. I appreciate the sentiment though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,605
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From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
YO! What's up Arnold! How are things?
If you're donating the MX-6, I know a great place that sometimes gives cash and receipt so you can use it for tax purposes.
As for the taillights, yeah, that seems to be a common thing. Switch them to RED 1156 bulbs. It makes a difference for sure.
Noticed it on MJ's car, so I bought 1156 red bulbs to see if it'll look better. From up close, didn't look different, but from further away, definitely 10X's better with red bulbs.
Oh and if you decide to do the wiring thing for your car, just hit me up on my cell or txt me. Or pm me on here, whichever is easiest. After all, your car is a 2005, so it should look like that anyway.
If you're donating the MX-6, I know a great place that sometimes gives cash and receipt so you can use it for tax purposes.
As for the taillights, yeah, that seems to be a common thing. Switch them to RED 1156 bulbs. It makes a difference for sure.
Noticed it on MJ's car, so I bought 1156 red bulbs to see if it'll look better. From up close, didn't look different, but from further away, definitely 10X's better with red bulbs.
Oh and if you decide to do the wiring thing for your car, just hit me up on my cell or txt me. Or pm me on here, whichever is easiest. After all, your car is a 2005, so it should look like that anyway.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Belated Happy Thanksgiving! Always happy to help out the homeboys. 10X's better, right? I couldn't stand the pink either.
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
09 c300 4matic
S class tails?
i know most of you bought your s class tails a while back, as for as ebay these are my options:
[non LED]
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-03...spagenameZWDVW
Have any of you got yours from one of these guys?
Should i buy from one of these guys? or do you know a better place to get them from?
[non LED]
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...spagenameZWDVW
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-03...spagenameZWDVW
Have any of you got yours from one of these guys?
Should i buy from one of these guys? or do you know a better place to get them from?
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: little ferry nj
08 Silver Lexus IS250 (manual),73 air cooled super beetle-- black 2004 230 ss is gone
Hi---I bought mine from #1. Each lite was in a separate box/packed well. The 2 boxes were put into a larger box. From what I understand, these lites are all the same---no matter who's selling them. I think Alteeza (king of rice taillights) makes them. If you do a search, there's a thread about these that will confirm the maker. Hope this helps----john
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2003 C230K SS
Bought mine from the 1st guy too. They were perfect. I went back to the stock tails tinted though. I'll sell you my S-Class tails, they're tinted, just the red part is tinted. Let Me Know if you interested.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento/San Gabriel/Riverside
01' C32o
