Light switch Illumination on 2005 vs 2001-2004 W203
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 71
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From: St Louis
06 C230
I opened the switch assembly of my 06 C230, and there is no LED in place to light up the icons.
The circuit board has connections ready for 2 LEDs under the icons. But no LED soldered on it. They kept the old ciruit design (for pre-05 models where icons light up), but decided not to solder the LEDs anymore.
Could it be a cost reduction thing?? LEDs don't cost that much....
The circuit board has connections ready for 2 LEDs under the icons. But no LED soldered on it. They kept the old ciruit design (for pre-05 models where icons light up), but decided not to solder the LEDs anymore.
Could it be a cost reduction thing?? LEDs don't cost that much....
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
2005 C320
Headlight switch on my 05 C320
This is my first post.
I have been round and round with my service department about this problem. When I brought it to their attention in 2005 everyone just scratched their heads. They replaced the switch twice. The switch is a multi-component switch including the lightbulb for the indicator array, so it made no sense that the light array did not come on also, right? Lets go a step further. This switch fits all C class Merz from 99 to 200? and the light array works on all C's up to 2005. It comes down to a technical error on Merz behalf. I was told the computer did not recognize the indicator light array. Go figure. If it weren't for automatic lights I would be lost because my dash is light tan and with those teeny little white icons on the dash panel you cannot even see them in the daytime....no contrast. Have I missed something or has anyone been able to resolve this?
I have been round and round with my service department about this problem. When I brought it to their attention in 2005 everyone just scratched their heads. They replaced the switch twice. The switch is a multi-component switch including the lightbulb for the indicator array, so it made no sense that the light array did not come on also, right? Lets go a step further. This switch fits all C class Merz from 99 to 200? and the light array works on all C's up to 2005. It comes down to a technical error on Merz behalf. I was told the computer did not recognize the indicator light array. Go figure. If it weren't for automatic lights I would be lost because my dash is light tan and with those teeny little white icons on the dash panel you cannot even see them in the daytime....no contrast. Have I missed something or has anyone been able to resolve this?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 309
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From: New Jersey, USA
Black 04 C230 Kompressor SS
I've attached the pics of my light switch in 3 modes:
#1: Ignition in #2 position in dark garage.
#2: Ignition in #2 position, switch set to park.
#3: Ignition in #2 position, switch set to park, front and rear fogs on.
I know that when I got into the car tonight after work that the light switch, only the black part you twist was lit without the key in the ignition. I couldn't repeat that in the garage when taking the pics. I hope that the pics are clear, the tripod wasn't exactly stable when I took the pictures. But you should be able to see that the center icon of the lightbulb is lit in all three modes. I hope this helps.
#1: Ignition in #2 position in dark garage.
#2: Ignition in #2 position, switch set to park.
#3: Ignition in #2 position, switch set to park, front and rear fogs on.
I know that when I got into the car tonight after work that the light switch, only the black part you twist was lit without the key in the ignition. I couldn't repeat that in the garage when taking the pics. I hope that the pics are clear, the tripod wasn't exactly stable when I took the pictures. But you should be able to see that the center icon of the lightbulb is lit in all three modes. I hope this helps.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 71
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From: St Louis
06 C230
Like I said before there is no LED (or "bulb" if you prefer) under the icons...Take your switch apart and you'll see what I am talking about.
The 2 solutions that I see:
- Install a pre-2005 switch.
- Solder LEDs on the circuit board. The circuit is there. Only the LEDs are missing. But it's Surface Mounted (SMT), so it is not easy to do... I am not even trying.
The only thing I would like to understand is WHY they stopped putting these lights.
The 2 solutions that I see:
- Install a pre-2005 switch.
- Solder LEDs on the circuit board. The circuit is there. Only the LEDs are missing. But it's Surface Mounted (SMT), so it is not easy to do... I am not even trying.
The only thing I would like to understand is WHY they stopped putting these lights.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
2005 C320
Heres your sign
Agreed. My understanding also is that 2005 and later, even if the lamps (LED's) were installed they would not work as the computer does not recognize the circuit, which is there and not connected. I would think a good engineer would have figured something as simple as an onboard lamp could be turned on at the switch itself to begin with instead of looping through the computer. This is why I think I will look at the BMW next go.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 90
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From: Mountain View, CA
His '06 C350 SS 6MT, Hers '07 C280 S Auto
Hey check your manual mate. When your headlights are in "Auto" mode, you can't manually turn your foggers on. When you turn the knob to "Headlights On" which is all the way to the right, you can then turn on the fog-lights by pulling the knob 1/2 way out (one "click") and the green light goes on. If you keep pulling so it comes all the way out (two "clicks") your rear fog lamp turns on as well and you get an orange light as well as the green one.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 546
Likes: 10
From: Cumberland, RI U.S.A.
2005 C230WZ SS Capri Blue/Ash
So, with all this talk about the light switch, it seems that the following is the conclusion: All pre 2005 C's icons light up. Some early build 2005 C's light up. But most 2005's and anything newer do not light up. My car is a late (04/2005) build 2005, and, as such, the icons don't light up. Besides the fact that this is utterly stupid, I guess MB wanted to save a whole $0.50 by not hooking up 3 LEDs to the board.
With that said, for those of us with later 2005's, is there anything we can say to the dealership to have them replace our switch plate with a 2004.5 or older one? I have a feeling that even if I print out and bring this post to them, they're just going to say it's not a defect, that 2005 models should NOT light up, and they won't replace it under warranty.
I live in RI. Has anyone here (or in New England) had this work done successfully by the dealer? Heck, I'd be even willing to travel to NY or NJ to have the switch module replaced under warranty.
Thanks,
Paul
With that said, for those of us with later 2005's, is there anything we can say to the dealership to have them replace our switch plate with a 2004.5 or older one? I have a feeling that even if I print out and bring this post to them, they're just going to say it's not a defect, that 2005 models should NOT light up, and they won't replace it under warranty.
I live in RI. Has anyone here (or in New England) had this work done successfully by the dealer? Heck, I'd be even willing to travel to NY or NJ to have the switch module replaced under warranty.
Thanks,
Paul
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
So, with all this talk about the light switch, it seems that the following is the conclusion: All pre 2005 C's icons light up. Some early build 2005 C's light up. But most 2005's and anything newer do not light up. My car is a late (04/2005) build 2005, and, as such, the icons don't light up. Besides the fact that this is utterly stupid, I guess MB wanted to save a whole $0.50 by not hooking up 3 LEDs to the board.
With that said, for those of us with later 2005's, is there anything we can say to the dealership to have them replace our switch plate with a 2004.5 or older one? I have a feeling that even if I print out and bring this post to them, they're just going to say it's not a defect, that 2005 models should NOT light up, and they won't replace it under warranty.
I live in RI. Has anyone here (or in New England) had this work done successfully by the dealer? Heck, I'd be even willing to travel to NY or NJ to have the switch module replaced under warranty.
Thanks,
Paul
With that said, for those of us with later 2005's, is there anything we can say to the dealership to have them replace our switch plate with a 2004.5 or older one? I have a feeling that even if I print out and bring this post to them, they're just going to say it's not a defect, that 2005 models should NOT light up, and they won't replace it under warranty.
I live in RI. Has anyone here (or in New England) had this work done successfully by the dealer? Heck, I'd be even willing to travel to NY or NJ to have the switch module replaced under warranty.
Thanks,
Paul
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Oh, I don't know if anyone mentioned this but have you noticed how they cheaped out even more for 2007 by making the headlight switch surround black for every car, regardless of interior color.
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
Are you serious? Wow...that is going cheap. Well, it could be an excuse for people to get folding mirrors, since that entire unit has to be replaced in order to get the folding mirrors! It's one of my favorite OEM mods that I've done.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
OEM MB Folding mirror assemblies is one of my favorites too, especially with the MB EURO Convex mirrors.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
www.mbca.org/sandiego
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
www.mbca.org/sandiego
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
OEM MB Folding mirror assemblies is one of my favorites too, especially with the MB EURO Convex mirrors.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
www.mbca.org/sandiego
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
www.mbca.org/sandiego
For you newbies that want to do an OEM mod, this is one that is worth the good amount of $$$ that you'll spend.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 546
Likes: 10
From: Cumberland, RI U.S.A.
2005 C230WZ SS Capri Blue/Ash
Just curious....
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: California
07 C230 Sport
Interior lights above light switch
Just picked up an 07 C230 sport and at night when the interior lights are on just above the dial for the headlights the symbols for running lights/auto/headlights do not illuminate. Just out of curiosity I was wondering if that would be a burned out bulb or is that just the only part that doesn't illuminate as far as dash lights are concerned? Thanks everyone
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
there was an extensive conversation about this here on this forum.
Please search for these kinds of common questions before starting a new thread. Thanks !
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Please search for these kinds of common questions before starting a new thread. Thanks !
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
