Domm

Hey everyone,

I was looking through yahoo articles when I stumbled upon an article involving the 2008 and 2009 C-Class. It's an issue I'm sure most of us are aware of in regards to melting tail lamp wiring. Enjoy!

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?sec...ess&id=9172967

global33

Finally this issue is brought to light. MB has been skirting this very real problem long enough. Everyone who has personal experience with the tail lamp assembly should file a complaint with NHTSA to force a proper recall action.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations

MDMercedesGuy

It just hit AutoBlog a few minutes ago, too.

Knightmare69

Its not just the US that's affected, its an international issue, how come they're only investigating it there?

Sportstick

Every country has its own administrative body which controls motor vehicle safety, and they are not all on the same schedule. In our case, "they" is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which only has jurisdiction in the U.S.. Transport Canada may join in soon, as might similar agencies in countries in Europe and Asia, if they find some supporting data in their markets or other information which prompts them to proceed.

C300Sport

Is there a reporting mechanism that owners can use to add there failures to the current list of 21? It seems like MB world alone may have that many affected vehicles.
One question for those of you that have had this issue. Did you use your rear fog light often?

global33

To report a safety issue, click on the link and go to "Have a safety complaint? Let us know" in the top left section of the website.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations

TexFinn

It's about damn time!

I did order the parts to fix it already, but haven't installed them yet, so I guess I'll wait for a bit to see if anything comes out of this deal.

C300Sport

Our local TV station just ran about a one minute story on the issue at lunch today. The mechanic they spoke with really blasted the poor design.
Looks like a 200,000 car recall may be in the works due to the fire danger and crash dangers due to loss of visibility??
Maybe they will just replace them all with the new LED design...

Sportstick

MBUSA is not clear if the suspect population was all 08 and 09, or if they will be sorting VIN codes based on the possibility of more than one supplier. They did say that if anyone goes ahead and pays for the repair now, and their car is actually involved, the notification letter comes with a reimbursement form if you kept your receipts. If you car turns out not to be involved, you bought yourself new tail lamp circuitry.

TexFinn

You wish. Too much money involved in such a move compared to just coming up with a fix and/or just replacing what is absolutely necessary.

Sportstick

I've decided to take a chance and have the job done now. My very good SA told me of some cars where the problem occurred in out-of-warranty cars in the wiring, and wound up causing more collateral damage, including to a tail lamp lens...and that gets expensive quickly. The job for both sides is $215 complete. MBUSA confirmed that if my car is in the suspect population (high probability based on reports of 08 and 09) and a recall campaign is launched, I will get reimbursed. If not, I bought myself some new wiring to reduce the chances of a problem before MB and NHTSA figure this out and a national backorder on the parts develops. For $215, it seems a worthwhile gamble now.

Sportstick

Had the job done in about an hour....turned out a bit less than the estimate at $195 with tax. Now, I will hold the receipt in case a recall campaign is launched and my VIN falls within the range. I think of this as insurance, as they told me some more incidents of additional surrounding damage from the heat in the wiring.

Knightmare69

Were you able to see how and what they did? I'm having a hard time with replacing the connector, it's difficult to take apart in order to swap to a new one.

Sportstick

Sorry, no. My laptop and I were working in the dealer's conference room. I was surprised to see 14 contact bushings in addition to two plugs as the parts list. It was a 1.4 hour labor op job.

illlojik

Yeah this is a problem. I got the Check Tail Lamps message a couple months ago and saw nothing wrong. Lights were working fine, connector intact, not melted. Everything seemed fine. That is until my left side tail lamp started throwing a message and that bulb was actually out. When I pulled out the holder and checked the bulbs, I saw that at least two of them were burned from the inside (Still working mind you). However, when I pulled them out, I saw this:

illlojik

As you can see, the bulb itself started melting. I'm glad it started at the bulb and not the wiring itself. Other than replace the wiring and or holder, what exactly is done to prevent this in the future? Are they newer/better parts?

LandSeaAir

Glad this is being brought to light, but not the worst thing ever, a new oem connector and an oem updated bulb plate cost me $20 from parts.com, took me 30 min to fix.

Knightmare69

LandSeaAir, anyway you can give a day on how to replace the connecter? ******* fought me hard on one side and I barely got it done and just didn't bother with the other side.

boom132

Any updates on the possible recall? My 2010 model was just diagnosed with this problem...