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One thing I really dont' like about my 2003 C230 Sport Coupe is the back up lights. They are basically worthless. Has anyone improved that situation with different bulbs?
Totally agree that the stock reverse lights suck. They're the same bulbs as the brake lights for crying out loud. In fact, I started a thread several years ago.
Right now I'm currently running 35W halogens (bulb type 796) that fit into the same socket as the stock P21W. They're definitely an improvement over the stock bulbs but the light output is still rather lacking.
If I were to do it again now I would be looking at some name brand or reputable LED options such as Philips or VLEDs. The brightness for LED bulbs (buddy installed P21W reverse VLEDs into his car so I got to see firsthand) is night and day. The only issue I have with the LED option is that they don't draw enough juice and therefore require Canbus resistors. No clean installation method I can think of at the moment as I don't want to drill random holes into the car and don't want to melt something.
Last edited by slammer111; Jan 18, 2021 at 07:03 AM.
I had a chance to look at the bulb socket holder today and actually it looks like it's not too difficult (but not also trivial) to add the required resistors if going the non-Canbus LED route.
Basically each "plate" cutout is a wire. The photo above shows which 2 plates power up the reverse light. The resistors have to connect these plates. The red and blue rectangles seem to show the best points for attaching the resistors. It also looks like there is room to stuff the resistors inside.
If I were to do this job without soldering and without Canbus, I would wrap the leads around these 2 sections. As for resistance, I would probably buy a few 3W or 5W resistors and fiddle around with the resistance values. Remember that this circuit does not have to draw the full 21W. It only has to draw enough to trick the car into thinking the bulb isn't out. There is a magic number but I don't know what it is for this particular circuit. The resistance required would also depend on the power draw of the specific LED bulb installed.
This is actually giving me ideas for my next mod.
As a reference, look at my method for converting the rear plate lights to LED. To trick the car for these 5W circuits, I only had to draw about 2.5W total, including the LED bulbs themselves. Also note that the magic number was different between the L and R plate bulbs for my particular car. This is probably caused by loose tolerances in the wires and circuitry.
Last edited by slammer111; Jan 31, 2021 at 07:45 AM.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
OK, thread rresurrection time.
I bought the suggested LED's. https://www.ebay.com/itm/305759319991
They are POOP! Blinkiing right fromt the start.
I only installed one side and tried both bulbs.
Would installing both sides make any difference?
I tend to doubt it.
Slammer you around buddy?
What are you running now?
I'm tired of being barely able to see whats behind me.
I have a steep drop off on one side of the driveway that
would require a tow truck to get me out off.
Drops off about 1 ft to soft earth at an angle.
I NEED BETTER LIGHTS!!!
Anybody else have suggestions on Canbus 1156 bulbs for backup
that actually work?
To top it all off my owners manual inccrrect states the backup light is a
"tail, parking, standing and side marker". Not true.
Also calls out the wrong bulbs.
I used a set of 1500 lumen 1156 white LED bulbs form VLEDs, but looks like the actual product has been discontinued.
I still had to add resistors to get them to work. LED bulbs simply don't draw enough juice to keep the car happy. I installed the resistors where the red boxes go in my previous post. The setup needs to draw some 12W (fluctuates with battery/alternator voltage) to not trigger errors.
Last edited by slammer111; Dec 6, 2025 at 05:09 AM.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Hey thanks for replying!
So since I wrote this I've been in the hunt for hours, and can't find any LED's as you say, that can be reliably installed without resistors. Funny thing, I have LED's all over the car now, and all the others are able to bypass CANBUS. I'm talking headlights, parking lights (in front) trunk light, front side markers, and those little side marker lites in the
rear. Funny that the stupid backup lights can't be found that work without modification.
So now I've been hunting for those `796 bulbs you mentioned and I came up with this as the best deal. https://www.ebay.com/itm/317512046348
$18,82 for 2.
I also noted these https://www.ebay.com/itm/335678307046
1156 base, but FIFTY WATTS!! Oh yeah baby.
I wonder if it would see it as a short? Xenon setting didn't care that I was running 85 watt rally bulbs until I actually aquired a set of Bixenons.
What do you think? Go for the 50 watt'ers? Is it too much? Fry the wires?
Reverse light is never on for more than a minute or so.
LED's can be a longer term project. I just want more light and I want it now!!! Yarrrr!
What value resistor did you use? 12 ohm, 12 watt? Do they put out a lot of heat?
I saw some 3500 lumen LED's with 1156 base that draw 7.5w.
Wow, that would be blindingly bright.
Originally Posted by slammer111
I used a set of 1500 lumen 1156 white LED bulbs form VLEDs, but looks like the actual product has been discontinued.
I still had to add resistors to get them to work. LED bulbs simply don't draw enough juice to keep the car happy. I installed the resistors where the red boxes go in my previous post. The setup needs to draw some 12W (fluctuates with battery/alternator voltage) to not trigger errors.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 6, 2025 at 05:38 AM.
Don't bother with anything halogen - the difference in lumens is marginal.
The LED bulbs I used only needed 1-2W more to not trigger an error, so I used 2x 2W resistors per side and found the sweet spot at around 120 ohms Req. You'll have to find the combination that works. It's too bad you didn't jump on the bandwagon while they were still available, as these things do the job very well. They're brighter than the HID headlights.
In your position, I'd shop around and ask the vendors for the wattage specifications before purchasing anything. There are other products out there that are also blindingly bright, but they also tend to draw less juice.
Last edited by slammer111; Dec 9, 2025 at 07:09 AM.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Originally Posted by slammer111
Don't bother with anything halogen - the difference in lumens is marginal.
You're too late. LOL. I'd already ordered these..795X J11 bulbs from Ebay. 795X J11 Clear White Halogen Mini Light Bulb 12 Volt 50 Watt
50 watt halogens thatt fit in the 1156 socket. Finally got around to putting them in.
They work great. Plug and play. Whch side do you think has the 50 watt bulb?
(Gee, can't I adjust the size of the photo?)
Anyway, yes, it's the left side. Of course now, both sides.
Just one pic for comparison.
Very happy with the result. Hopefully won't fry any wires. But if you've ever seen how thin
the headlight wires are,and they hold up. I even had 85watt rally bulbs back in the day, but
backup lights are never on very long. Not more than a minute at a time. Cross ,my fingers.
No errors. Work great.
Gee, can't I adjust the size of the photo?
Anyway, yes, it's the left side. Of course now, both sides. \
Just one pic for comparison.
Very happy with the result. Hopefully don't fry any wires. But I've seen how thin
the headlight wires are, and they hold up. I even had 85watt rally bulbs back in the day, but
backup lights are never on very long. Not more than a minute at a time. Should be fine. Cross ,my fingers.
No errors. Work great.
I see they [url=http://[ame]https://www.amazon.com/CEC-Industries-795X-Bulbs-2-pack/dp/B0174FGD2W/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wr7KxXddnMqjzFXWQNHh4B 1EMB-rHywlg59Qf1Hb_ALxvnL9EaudLs_-k_ajRqv_NO41Yz2gcqeczyUixlX7v4CpvaTDVTpIL-PRM89pVbifgnyA2KvU9y15cjNM41lbIQi7FmV2leMD5SnjqbPn Kr8X89VbV7DfOVVt-DZyWGdcuRV1LjWs0SCwoc8q0ihERr1ykv29amaiVzlWK4wkRK6 VK0qgDw5ok-FzSN4K5bqCrmrz4jGc5RO9B3FP5I5OuXJYqBW-FxbcBhIsVobLHE0LTrMIpSeFf5O1qlN5Uhs.S3SbhLOnJzaw8P 6XFwPlhTlpex-9bQssZayHloTHjac&dib_tag=se&keywords=795x+bulb&qid =1766808526&sr=8-3]have them on Amazon[/ame] too for less.
I ordered an extra set.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 26, 2025 at 11:28 PM.
I put this on my 2020 GMC Canyon Denali, and just ordered one for the 05 C240. Very high quality, and very nice look.
It doesn't look like you added a gawdy light bar to the back of your car,
Here ya go!! FINALLY had time to install. Yes, the right tail is broken, jackass parking lot hit. Being replaced tomorrow.
I also live on a dirt road, so chill. Lol
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
In fact, I started a thread several years ago.
They're brighter than the HID headlights.
