nyca

15% off what, $500? I cannot see how the repair costs $500. Parts are maybe $70 (bulb plates, connectors, pins, some wire), how much labor are they charging?

bezerker77

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...9BN0DO20131224

bezerker77

Trying to order parts from MB dealership ... thanks

imboom

Bezerker77: do a search on this subforum. There are part numbers posted. I could do it for you but I'm on mobile and it would take forever.

Definitely a very easy thing to do yourself. Took me 15 minutes to do it in front of my SA parked right outside his office with basic tools to show him how easy it was.

bezerker77

It took me about 25 minutes and $60 dollars to DIY. All you need is a crimpling tool, wire cutters and a flashlight.

Below are instruction, receipts and diagram for the rear light assembly

What I bought:
1 Plug
7 contact bushings
1 Lamp Carrier

Step1: Snip brown wire --> insert into a "contact bushing" and crimp it.

Step2: insert contact bushings into the new "plug" , same spot (it locks so don't mess up the order of wires, otherwise you will have to start over and buy a new plug)

Rinse and repeat for each wire. Once complete replace Lamp Carries (2 very easy clamps --> top and botto) and plug in "plug" into "Lamp Carrier"


You are done



2014_02_20_13_42_40.pdf

angelas111

I fixed both sides last night using the method in post #34 plus new bulb carriers and a connector on the drivers side (passenger side connector looked ok).
I also switched to led bulbs but I noticed the passenger side is still slightly dimmer than the drivers side but all error messages are gone.

Any advice? Should I just go ahead and change the passenger side connector too? It seems to look ok unlike the driver side.

Driver side images:

rshah31

I just filed a complaint with the NHTSA as well. This first happened at less than 20k miles to one side. The other side fell victim at 35k miles.

Mercedes is well aware of this issue. To quote the press releases already posted, "Mercedes acknowledged the issue. In its report, the company stated that 23,000 warranty claims tied to the brand have something to do with Mercedes tail light problems."

They just need to recall these cars and get the fix done with. On a weekly basis, I see at least one W204 with a dim taillight.

joermed1977

Picked up parts at dealer for $56 bucks. Used a small paper clip to release wires. Changed them out one at a time and worked perfectly. Mercedes should be held accountable for issues like this and their ignition tumbler!

Good luck everyone!

BenzManNy

I am keeping my old parts and receipts. If a recall, they have to refund me.

95_993

Interesting that GM is now under the microscope for ignition failures.

JohnnyC300

Bump, any update on this recall? I've had the warning light in my instrument cluster forever but my LED tail/brake lights are still working.

The dealer told me they have reverted to "backup" dimmer lights. Is this BS or what?

For those who paid the dealer to have this done any estimate?

hondafan

I think that the SAM just continues to send a lower current through the tails regardless, as it's a vital safety component. Almost every other circuit for side markers and fog lights will turn off the circuit if the right draw isn't detected. Maybe the taillights are different?

xgoldie125x

I have the same issue with the dim passenger tail light AND my passenger side low horn doesn't seem to be getting any power as well. This is a BAD combination. Has anyone experienced this combination too?

P.S., I did report this problem to the NHTSA too.

tivoboy

I think it has now been done, and there will be a recall

http://www.benzinsider.com/2014/04/2...ct-for-recall/

imboom

From that above article. I laughed when I heard that. MB broke 2 deadlines from NHTSA and asked for extensions when getting information for car count and tail lamp issue information. I would hardly call that "QUICKLY"

TexFinn

Yup. Here it is. Finally...

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...tsa_ids=14V177

fani_l

Just saw this on todays newspaper

lavatch

I've got an e350 from same period (manufactured 9/2007) and the same melted connector. I called mercedes and I'm not covered at all on this. We have to initiate a completely new write-in campaign for e-class? Unbelievable.

unagi1

I received a letter from MBUSA a few weeks ago concerning NHTSA Recall # 14V-177:

"Daimler AG (DAG) has detremined that oxidation on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps of subject vehicles can result in a dimming of the tail lights or complete loss of tail lamp function. The loss of a rear tail lamp reduces the rearward visibility of subject vehicles, especially with respect to turn signal illumination. This oxidation can reduce the level of illumination below that required for tail lamps by FMVSS 108 and may increase the likelihood of a rear end crash"

"Should you have any concerns, or experience any difficulty with your rear tail lamps, before you receive the next recall letter, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer who will repair your tail lamp free of charge. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice you will receive reimbursement instructions with your second recall letter.

Got the tail lamp assembly on my 2011 C300 replaced a few months ago due to a warning on the console; waiting to hear back whether it might have been related directly to this issue or not.

shotgun_banjo

Got my letter yesterday as well. Just wondering if they will still do the fix if both of the tail lights was fixed already, left side 2 years ago and right side 4 months ago. Are they using a different parts or what I have on my car is already updated?

djvj

I received a letter from MB confirming the recall. Another letter is coming to tell me to go to the dealer for the fix. Before this, it has been disappointing experience with the dealer. They don't want to acknowledge the problem.

unagi1

In that letter you have contact numbers for MBUSA and NHTSA. If you absolutely have to go to that dealer, call either number up and voice your concerns with their refusal to acknowledge the problem, and have them be the go-between for the dealership.

unagi1

Some additional info on this...the SA I spoke with has apparently been fielding a lot of the same questions I had on the recall and here's the overview:

1)MB is working on getting the necessary parts in order to fix the issue, among them the circuit board that the connector plugs into.
2) In the interim (until these parts are available and owners can schedule time to come in), authorized MB dealer will repair tail lamps free of charge, regardless of warranty status
3) If the repair work was done prior to receipt of letter, then the cost of replacement will be refunded (actual quote "If you know of anyone who has paid for this replacement out-of-pocket, have them call me"). You get the point, don't call my SA hold your SA accountable
4) Once parts are in, MB will send an additional letter to owners to have them come in for replacement with the needed updated parts to fix the issue.

benzdude

I have a 2011 C300 with aftermarket ebay led tail lights.

When I get my official letter from MB to bring the car in, should I put the OEM ones back on the car before take it to the dealer or will it be fine if I just bring in my detached OEM tail lights and have them work on it.

Do you guys think the dealer will say no if the lights are not on the car?

unagi1

Assumption here is that the it's only the tail-light assembly up for replacement, but that might not be the case without looking at the parts list. Less headache overall (IMO) to just put the OEM back on and have them fix it.